As you guys mention, Im from Iowa. And part of living here is that its pretty much flat and featureless. I have already looked for classes around here and even if there were they wouldnt be able to assist me with the training i need.

Your right I do have a lot of cold weather gear, its all work related since I work outside. Its very heavy. My pack is already 45lbs with full water. A new sleeping back will help that a lot, and I get use to carrying less clothing.

That Escalante trip looked cool, I'll have to look into that one. I was gonna do the Barracks in may, but I chickened out since the water was so cold and I read that the exit can be hard to find, non of the rangers even heard of the trail lol.

The temps in Yosemite are extremely reasonable, whereabouts was that hike? how long was it? Personally, John Muir is my long term goal, its just gonna take some working up to it.