Yosemite National Park is best known for its views of the biggest granite walls in the world located in Yosemite Valley. But when you leave the valley behind and venture out to the high country, you’ll find classic High Sierra scenery: rolling green meadows, dipping…
Little Lakes Valley in California’s Eastern Sierra is home to what seems like a billion beautiful alpine lakes. The trail wanders through a mountain-lined valley and passes by seven named lakes, all with stunningly clear water that practically beg you to jump in. This hike…
If you’re looking to get a taste of the Sierra backpacking experience but don’t want to sell your soul for coveted permits, you should have the Kaiser Wilderness on your list! Upper Twin Lake is a beautiful camping area, and with multiple trailheads giving access…
Parque Nacional Torres del Paine is located in Southern Chile and is one of the crown jewels of all of South America. It is known for its mountains, glaciers, stunning blue lakes, and interesting wildlife. If you find yourself in Torres del Paine, you need…
Everyone has heard of Half Dome in Yosemite. It’s amazing and beautiful and the star of the show in Yosemite Valley. But there’s another dome, one that is a full dome, hanging out adjacent to Half Dome: North Dome. This rock feature looks unreachable from…
Not to be mistaken with the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is a major feature in Yosemite National Park, carved by the Tuolumne River. Towering granite walls, beautiful green-blue pools, rattlesnakes, waterfalls, and more await those who travel through this…
After a co-worker of mine lamented that he got snubbed for all of his backpacking trips this year (COVID, fire, smoke…), I knew we had to plan a great trip to change that luck. Thankfully, a group of us were all able to get time…
2024 Update: The road to Road’s End is now open! The Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park is one of the most popular backpacking loops in the Sierra Nevada. Its ease of access from the Bay Area and LA, the gradual start to…
2024 Update: Permits are available. Road is open. The Mineral King Valley in Sequoia National Park is at the southern end of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Don’t let that fool you though: the mountains are high and the scenery is just as grand as…
Six months ago, way before I knew what this winter would hold, I booked my first permits for the 2019 season. My mom and I would kick off the season backpacking in Yosemite over Mother’s Day weekend, and do a point-to-point hike I’ve had on…
