I was planning on climbing Mt. Rainier, but all the reputable guide services are already booked. I was thinking of maybe hiking in Estes Park, but would really like to climb a mountain. Just looking for suggestions. I graduate May 7 and would like to do a 7 day trip.

Climb some 14er's in Colorado?

According to my highly developed astronumeropharmocological divining algorithms, since you graduate on the 7th, and you want to do a 7-day trip, and 7+7=14, if you do anything BUT climb some 14ers in CO you will probably be cornered by a pack of 21 mountain goats and gored until disfigured. Specifically, for best luck, you should climb exactly 3.5 14ers. Yes, you should either add a 7000-foot peak or just climb halfway up an extra 14er. That'll make sure you don't get struck by lightning or anything.

Climb Mount Adams, Mount Saint Helens, or the South Sister.

All are technically just walks up, but nice scenery. You probably need to go with someone that's somewhat experienced.

Climb Mount Whitney - that's supposed to be pretty easy.

"Climb Mount Whitney - that's supposed to be pretty easy."

May 7 is too early for Whitney unless you are experienced on snow and ice. Normal hikers don't go up there much before July 1, and August 1 is much more common.

--B.G.--

Ohhh - May 7

That would be a good time to climb any of the Cascade volcanoes - better weather but still plenty of snow so you don't get hit by rockfall.

"May 7 is too early for Whitney unless you are experienced on snow and ice. [Non-technical] hikers don't go up there much before July 1, and August 1 is much more common."

+1.