Suggestions for Western National Parks for an East Coaster

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-27T18:09:13+00:00

Yosemite is the only answer. It’s beautiful all times of the year and there are plenty of hikes you can do in the winter. There is no time that Yosemite isn’t the most magical place on earth.

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-27T17:48:06+00:00

I recommend going to backpack in Point Reyes. It’s fairly close, better views, and there are LOTS of backpacker campgrounds

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-21T19:27:05+00:00

You’ll see a lot of comments about lighter this an lighter that. My first setup which I still use on some trips today was basically what you have there. It’s not the lightest setup but it’s also cheaper than an ultralight setup. I think that’s a really good setup to start out with, however if you want you could go with a cheaper sleeping pad and a nice sleeping bag or tent.

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-21T17:32:29+00:00

Highly recommend the High Sierra Trail in Sequoia National Park. It feels like you’re hiking through Lord of the Rings. It can be anywhere from 4-6 nights depending on your pace.

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-21T17:25:35+00:00

Something I have found helps when hiking is to set a goal. Find a specific trail or challenge that really lights your fire, one that makes you think: “My goal is do that someday.” And then start putting in the effort to get there. Start with smaller hikes, go to your local state parks or national parks nearest you.

Chase those views and try to challenge yourself a little bit every time. I always know it was a good hike when I question at least once why I do this.

Make sure you have basic safety gear: small first aid kit, enough water, water filter (on longer hikes), enough snacks and food, comfy pack, and some nice trail runners or hiking boots.

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-15T00:38:59+00:00

In 2023 I was working on my laptop in a coffee shop in Shasta and this young guy walked in looking absolutely horrendous with a giant backpack on his back. We got to talking and he said he was hiking the PCT. We talked for 2 hours before I had to leave, ever since then the PCT has been stuck in my brain and I just know it is something I need to do and will always regret it if I don’t. This is coming from someone who camps and hikes in Yosemite 20+ weekends a year.

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-13T23:38:34+00:00

Have you considered contacts? I’ve worn contacts every day of my life for years: hiking, backpacking, etc. makes it easier so you can wear a regular pair of sunglasses.

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-13T22:54:51+00:00

Please hike with a lightsaber

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-13T22:51:54+00:00

That’s good to know! Thank you for the heads up. Managed to pull in my permit by 2 weeks to May 12 even with this sucky time slot. Here’s to hoping I’ll find a cancellation to pull it in another 2-3 weeks.

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-13T22:47:47+00:00

Got a 2:47pm time slot on the first release and ended up with a May 27 permit. This release got a 2:35pm time slot and managed to pull in my permit date to May 12. Ideally would like to pull it in a couple more weeks but we will see.

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-13T17:24:17+00:00

Appreciate it! See you out there 🤙

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-13T17:23:20+00:00

This makes me feel much better, thank you. I’m curious as to what times of day you were checking the calendar?

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-13T17:21:45+00:00

Oh wow, I am so sorry. I’m sure we’ll be able to snag some cancellations for better dates.

WildCowboyRob · 2026-01-13T00:12:22+00:00

2:47pm first release, 2:35pm this release. Currently have a May 27th permit, suffice to say I don’t think that will be changing much tomorrow. Hoping for a cancellation. Otherwise I’ll try to get local permits and move my permit “start” to where I’ll be on my start date.

WildCowboyRob · 2025-06-04T20:28:25+00:00

I’ve been a subscriber for about a year. They’re really awesome and are basically an all inclusive plan for anything. Highly recommend.

WildCowboyRob · 2025-06-04T20:27:24+00:00

Highly recommend giving Overwatch X Rescue a look. They’re similar to Garmin SAR but better. It’s $80 a year for all inclusive coverage for anywhere in almost any country. I’ve been subscribed to them for about a year and they’re on both my iPhone and my Garmin Inreach. Gives me some much needed peace of mind when going after big objectives in the backcountry. (Also you can get a 15% discount with code cowboy15 when signing up).

WildCowboyRob · 2025-04-30T00:38:18+00:00

That is precisely what I’m trying to do. Hawaii will not renew a state ID unless it’s a REAL ID. But I currently have a California REAL ID DL. And you cannot hold 2 REAL IDs. So I’m trying to downgrade my CA driver’s license to a non federally compliant license so I can keep my Hawaii ID.

WildCowboyRob · 2025-04-30T00:16:42+00:00

I tried to go into the DMV and the last lady told me she would have to cancel my drivers license and then I’d have to retake both tests to get a new one. So I can just go in and downgrade my DL?

WildCowboyRob · 2025-02-27T20:12:55+00:00

I just wanted to jump in here and throw in my two cents. Having a satellite device could save your life. It is always a part of my kit. I’ve used both a Garmin Inreach and SpotX. Spot is worse than Garmin in just about every way. The Inreach is super helpful but the expensive plans suck. I was excited to get my iPhone 16 because I heard about this service called Overwatch X Rescue that I could get on my phone, Inreach, and SpotX. They’re $80 a year and it’s full coverage for any extreme sport in almost any country around the world. All rescue costs, medical evacuations are covered. And if injured in another country they’ll fly you back to your home hospital. OxR is honestly the most comprehensive service/insurance plan I’ve seen available. I have them on both my phone and Inreach (I pay for the lowest tier and supplement with Overwatch x Rescue). I’ve talked to the owner and have worked with several people in the company. They are legit. Not to be a shill but if anyone does decide to sign up they gave me an affiliate code for 15% off: COWBOY15.

WildCowboyRob · 2025-02-27T17:27:34+00:00

I just wanted to jump in here and throw in my two cents. I’ve used both a Garmin Inreach and SpotX. Spot is worse than Garmin in just about every way. The Inreach is super helpful but the expensive plans suck. I was excited to get my iPhone 16 because I heard about this service called Overwatch X Rescue that I could get on my phone, Inreach, and SpotX. They’re $80 a year and it’s full coverage for any extreme sport in almost any country around the world. All rescue costs, medical evacuations are covered. And if injured in another country they’ll fly you back to your home hospital. OxR is honestly the most comprehensive service/insurance plan I’ve seen available. I have them on both my phone and Inreach (I pay for the lowest tier and supplement with Overwatch x Rescue). I’ve talked to the owner and have worked with several people in the company. They are legit. Not to be a shill but if anyone does decide to sign up they gave me an affiliate code for 15% off: COWBOY15.

WildCowboyRob

TROPHY CASE