> However, it is going to be hard to leave the PNW because I love hiking and backpacking. I'd argue that the desert southwest is a great place for hiking thou

> However, it is going to be hard to leave the PNW because I love hiking and backpacking. I'd argue that the desert southwest is a great place for hiking though you obviously have to plan around the extreme temperatures. But the mountain ranges tend to be significantly cooler and a viable option in the summer. The big downside, more for backpacking, is that you either have to: carry all your water, stash water ahead of time, or refill at springs that may be unreliable.