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JMT: Crabtree Meadows to Mt. Whitney
Backpacking

JMT: Crabtree Meadows to Mt. Whitney

I started my final section of the JMT at 3 am from Crabtree Meadows. I summited Mt. Whitney a little after sunrise to complete my 14-day JMT journey.
Aug 9, 2019 3 min read
JMT: Forrester Pass and Crabtree Meadows
Backpacking

JMT: Forrester Pass and Crabtree Meadows

Trip report of the JMT section from Bubbs Creek to Crabtree Meadows: Forester pass, Tyndall Creek, Wallace Creek.
Aug 8, 2019 4 min read
JMT: Rae Lakes and Glenn Pass
Backpacking

JMT: Rae Lakes and Glenn Pass

The JMT section from the Woods Creek bridge to Bubbs Creek features some of the most stunning scenery on the JMT: Rae Lakes and Glenn Pass.
Aug 7, 2019 4 min read
JMT: Palisade Lakes to the Woods Creek bridge
Backpacking

JMT: Palisade Lakes to the Woods Creek bridge

The JMT section from Palisade Lakes to the Woods Creek bridge has two passes over 12,000 ft: Mather and Pinchot, which means a lot of climbing. And views.
Aug 6, 2019 4 min read
JMT: Evolution Lake to Upper Palisade Lake
Backpacking

JMT: Evolution Lake to Upper Palisade Lake

The section from Evolution Lake to Palisade Lakes features some of the most iconic JMT landmarks: Muir Pass and hut, Le Conte Canyon, and the Golden Staircase.
Aug 5, 2019 5 min read
JMT: Senger Creek to Evolution Lake
Backpacking

JMT: Senger Creek to Evolution Lake

Over halfway! A quick resupply at Muir Trail Ranch, before entering Kings Canyon and Evolution Valley. My campsite on Evolution Lake was the best of the JMT.
Aug 4, 2019 4 min read
JMT: VVR to Senger Creek
Backpacking

JMT: VVR to Senger Creek

I had a pancake breakfast at VVR before starting the climb up Bear Ridge. Bad idea. I planned on camping at Sallie Keyes Lakes, but mosquitoes drove me farther.
Aug 3, 2019 4 min read
JMT: Virginia Lake to VVR
Backpacking

JMT: Virginia Lake to VVR

Virginia Lake was a spectacular campsite. From there, I continued over Silver Pass and toward Lake Edison. It was fun to hang out with other hikers at VVR.
Aug 2, 2019 5 min read
JMT: Red's Meadow to Virginia Lake
Backpacking

JMT: Red's Meadow to Virginia Lake

I took the shuttle to Red's after breakfast in Mammoth. I stopped to fish at Purple Lake, continuing on to Lake Virginia to set up camp.
Aug 1, 2019 4 min read
JMT: Garnet Lake to Red’s Meadow and Mammoth
Backpacking

JMT: Garnet Lake to Red’s Meadow and Mammoth

A short section from Garnet Lake to Red's Meadow. I took the shuttle into Mammoth to resupply food and fishing gear, and to enjoy some town food.
Jul 31, 2019 4 min read
JMT: Lyell Canyon to Garnet Lake
Backpacking

JMT: Lyell Canyon to Garnet Lake

Donohue Pass was the first real pass of the JMT. The views got more amazing as I climbed higher into the Sierra, into Ansel Adams and past Thousand Island Lake.
Jul 30, 2019 5 min read
JMT: Upper Cathedral Lake to Lyell Canyon
Backpacking

JMT: Upper Cathedral Lake to Lyell Canyon

On the third day, I stopped for resupply and a burger at Tuolumne Meadows and camped in the beautiful Lyell Canyon.
Jul 29, 2019 4 min read
JMT: Little Yosemite Valley to Upper Cathedral Lake
Backpacking

JMT: Little Yosemite Valley to Upper Cathedral Lake

After Little Yosemite Valley, you feel like you're on the JMT. The Sunrise trail offers amazing views, the Cathedral spires surround impossibly green meadows.
Jul 28, 2019 3 min read
JMT: Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley
Backpacking

JMT: Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley

Finally, after months of planning and training, I was heading up to Yosemite Valley to start the John Muir Trail!
Jul 27, 2019 5 min read
My (almost) ultralight JMT gear list
Gear

My (almost) ultralight JMT gear list

The pack, shelter, clothes, cook system, and electronics I used on the John Muir Trail. Even with a bear canister and fishing rod, I was able to stay at 16 lbs.
Jul 26, 2019 6 min read
TRT section hike: Van Sickle to Echo Summit
Backpacking

TRT section hike: Van Sickle to Echo Summit

This 40-mile weekend hike of the Tahoe Rim Trail started in South Lake Tahoe and followed the trail to Echo Summit. Early season snowy conditions in July 2019.
Jul 15, 2019 7 min read
How I got my JMT permit – tips
Backpacking

How I got my JMT permit – tips

One of the biggest challenges of hiking the JMT is getting your permit. If you really want to hike the John Muir Trail, you can't leave it up to a lottery.
Jul 7, 2019 3 min read
Trinity Alps backpacking: Sapphire and Emerald Lakes
Backpacking

Trinity Alps backpacking: Sapphire and Emerald Lakes

A two night, three-day backpacking trip following the Stuart Fork river up to Sapphire and Emerald Lakes, stopping at Morris Meadow
Jun 19, 2019 8 min read
Fjällräven Classic USA backpacking trip report
Backpacking

Fjällräven Classic USA backpacking trip report

Fjällräven Classic USA is a 30-mile backpacking adventure in the Colorado Rockies. Read my trip report and tips if you are planning to hike the Classic.
Jun 6, 2019 11 min read
Backpacking to Pacheco Falls in Henry Coe
Backpacking

Backpacking to Pacheco Falls in Henry Coe

A 27-mile overnight backpacking trip to Pacheco Falls in Henry Coe State Park in California. This hike is best to do during the cooler months of the year.
May 11, 2019 8 min read
TRT: Lessons learned - what would I do differently next time?
Backpacking

TRT: Lessons learned - what would I do differently next time?

I hiked the Tahoe Rim Trail in July and August of 2018. It was my first thru-hike. Even though I had been backpacking in the past, there were a few things I learned along the way. Some were specific to the trail, and others were more general and something I
Aug 23, 2018 2 min read
TRT: Richardson Lake to Tahoe City
Backpacking

TRT: Richardson Lake to Tahoe City

Tahoe Rim Trail thru-hike day 11: 22 miles from Richardson Lake to Tahoe City. The morning started out frosty, but the thought of a warm bed got us going.
Aug 22, 2018 3 min read
TRT: Gilmore Lake lake to Richardson Lake
Backpacking

TRT: Gilmore Lake lake to Richardson Lake

TRT thru-hike day 10. Started out at Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness. Dicks Pass & Lake, Fontanillis Lake, and a stretch of forest to Richardson Lake.
Aug 21, 2018 3 min read
TRT: South Lake Tahoe to Gilmore Lake
Backpacking

TRT: South Lake Tahoe to Gilmore Lake

TRT thru-hike day 9: Desolation Wilderness. Tamarack, Aloha, and Susie Lakes. We camped at Gilmore Lake.
Aug 20, 2018 4 min read
TRT: Round Lake to South Lake Tahoe
Backpacking

TRT: Round Lake to South Lake Tahoe

TRT Thru-hike day 8. We started at Round Lake, connected with the PCT and continued north past Showers Lake to Echo Summit for a ride into town.
Aug 19, 2018 4 min read
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