Are there any mountain bikes with more upright seating position? I can't ride longer trips when handlebar is lower or on the same level as the seat. I usually ride flat paths/roads so my neck hurts from constantly raising my head to look up the road in the front of me. I have sold my mountain bike and bought a hybrid bike with 700c wheels. I like the seating position of the hybrid so I am going to keep it but I need something sturdier to go off road when I need to. Still nothing extreme as I ride 80% on the paved roads. I just need the ability to leave road and venture on some crushed stone, packed cinder or dirt paths.

I guess another option would be to turn my hybrid into more of a mountain bike than a road bike.

Unless you truly plan to do some trail riding, I definitely think your second idea is better. You already say you feel comfortable on it, and it meets just about all of your needs. So instead of buy another bike for the 20% or so of the time you feel you need more, why not wait till the tires are dead and switch to something a bit meatier. The things you described don't really require a mountain bike and it would kind of suck to make a large purchase you don't need, or may not even like.

How wide sre your tires? They may be fine for what you're intending or a switch to wider tires may be all you need if you have the clearance.

The hybrid will be fine for crushed stone, cinder, and dirt paths. If you eventually do move on to more technical trails, all it takes is a different stem and perhaps higher rise bars if the stem doesn't do it.

Hybrids with 700c tires are so nice to ride light trails...
Definitely take some for a spin!

Thanks for replies. The tires I currently have are 700x38. They are OK for the occasional off road driving. You guys may be right though. I think my hybrid lacks the precise steering that my older 26" MTB had. I guess it has be because of the bigger wheels and raised handlebar.