One of my favorite birthday traditions is heading out into the backcountry. I was lucky to snag a permit to hike the Deer Lakes Loop in Mammoth Lakes.
Eastern Sierra Backpacking: Lake Sabrina Basin to Donkey Lake
The journey from Lake Sabrina Basin to Donkey Lake is a backpacking experience that combines challenge with beauty. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle of daily life, and immerse yourself in the magic of the Eastern Sierra.
Backpacking To Lake Dorothy: An Awesome Eastern Sierra Hidden Gem
Lake Dorothy, a high alpine lake in the Eastern Sierra, is accessible via a 5.8-mile trail starting at Convict Lake. Located in Inyo National Forest, the lake is best visited between May and October. However, a major creek crossing before Mildred Lake is not recommended as of December 2023. Wilderness permits are required for backpacking.
The Blue Lakes Trail: An Epic Colorful Colorado Day Hike
The Blue Lakes Trail in Ridgway, CO offers a moderately challenging 8.7-mile round-trip hike with 3 alpine lakes: Lower, Middle, and Upper. Despite some stream crossings, the non-technical trail is well-maintained. The mid-September hike, featuring moody weather and transitioning wildflowers, offered a serene experience. Despite unideal weather, the stunning lakes made for a memorable day hike.
The Best Alpine Lake Hike: Lamarck Lakes Trail
The Lamarck Lakes trail is a 4.6-mile round-trip located near Bishop, CA in the Eastern Sierra. Starting from North Lake Campground, it gains 1,564ft in elevation and crosses Lamarck Creek twice. The hike to Upper Lamarck Lake from Lower Lamarck Lake is just over half a mile. A backpacking wilderness permit is required.
The Best Summer Backpacking: Lakes Trail in Sequoia National Park
The Lakes Trail in Sequoia National Park offers amazing views of three amazing alpine lakes: Heather, Emerald and Pear Lakes. The trail is popular for day-hiking, but I would always recommend an overnight trip whenever possible.
An Eastern Sierra Epic Lake Adventure: Big Pine Lakes
The hike to Big Pine Lakes is a challenging 15.2-mile out-and-back trail located in the John Muir Wilderness in the Eastern Sierra mountains of California.
Backpacking to Big McGee Lake: An Eastern Sierra Gem
Big McGee Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located in the Eastern Sierra mountains. The hike to the lake is 15.2 miles round trip and begins at the McGee Creek Trailhead.
Backpacking to Thousand Island Lake via Rush Creek Trail
Thousand Island Lake is an alpine lake in the Eastern Sierra Mountains. It’s known for the many little islands that make up Thousand Island Lake.
Backpacking The Mineral King Loop in Big Seki Wilderness
Challenging myself and my limits because of that, I was rewarded each day with a newfound appreciation for finding the beauty in discomfort.
Winter Backpacking at Big McGee Lake
The month is October. It has been several weeks since I’ve returned home from thru-hiking the John Muir Trail, making this trip my first backpacking trip this winter. We went to chase fall colors, and even though the trees were starting to change color, we were not quite expecting so much snow.
Backpacking to Iceberg Lake in Ansel Adams
You know all of those places you have saved on your maps? Maybe you too have a list titled, “BRB”? How about those IG friends you’ve never met?
Backpacking Shamrock Lake in Eastern Sierra
Being able to show my sisters just exactly why I don’t mind the 6-hour drive to Mammoth is probably one of my favorite ways to get them outdoors and in the backcountry.
Backpacking Mammoth Crest Loop
Once places started to safely open up to the public; hikers and backpackers, like myself, took full advantage of getting back on the trail.
Backpacking Blue Lake in John Muir Wilderness
2019 was my year of backcountry memories and alpine lakes. From Washington during spring and Colorado in the summer, I was lucky to be able to dip my toes in a few alpine lakes last year.