It’s Memorial Day weekend. Winter is gone, and for the past 4 months, I have successfully gone on one solo trip every month this year.
Backpacking the Trans-Catalina Trail II
“One, and done, and never again,” I said as I completed the Trans-Catalina Trail 5-years ago. The year was 2016, and I had only gone backpacking a handful of times within the two years of discovering my passion for backpacking.
Backpacking Sespe Wilderness Hot Springs
It was officially the first backpacking trip of the year. 32-miles in the middle of Ojai, CA and thankfully, it was the last few days of winter.
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.
Not This Time Mount Whitney…Not This Time
Not only is my pack 29.5 lbs, and not only are we and planning to hike the tallest mountain in America, and not only are we planning to be on trail for the next 5-days, while attempting to hike two 14ers, when I haven’t even hiked my first one, but of course, this morning– I started my period.
My First Cowboy Camp: Backpacking Ontario Peak
My very first backpacking trip ever was in the San Gabriel Mountains, nearly 8 years ago. I was lucky enough to fall in love with backpacking on my very first trip. We camped at Kelly Camp and I clearly remember there was a bear next to our tent in the middle of the night.
Backpacking 20 Lakes Basin & Saddlebag Loop
There are some places that you keep returing to because it just feels right. So, how many times do you visit a place before fully exploring it? It was my 5th time hiking this specific trail, but my 1st time completing the loop.
Day Hiking California’s 3rd Tallest Peak
If we’re not floating around the alpine lakes of the Eastern Sierra, or stocking up on jerky in Bishop, we’re most likely to be found somewhere in the backcountry either seeking out our next big adventure or on the road to the next!
Birthday Hike Backpacking Mineral King Loop
A good friend of mine is currently training to hike the John Muir Trail this summer and has committed to camping or backpacking every weekend until her start date in August.
Backpacking Channel Islands: Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is the largest of seven that make up the Channel Islands. Located 20 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara county, this national park is a backpacker’s dream!
Backpacking Big Pine Lakes in Eastern Sierra
Big Pine Creek North Fork Trail is located in Inyo National Forest on the Eastern side of the Sierra Nevada and is a pretty popular area known for day hiking, camping, fishing and backpacking.
Backpacking Duck Pass Trail to Pika Lake
Duck Lake Trail in the John Muir Wilderness is a popular trail that consists of alpine lakes, mountain views, wildflowers and a decent climb for a day hike or even an overnight backpacking trip.
Backpacking the Valley of Little Lakes
Trail so nice, I’ve hiked it, well.. several times this summer; twice backpacking and twice day hiking! Easy enough for beginner hikers with views that you don’t necessarily have to “work” for, although the hike is rated as “moderately strenuous” due to the elevation at the trail head,which is 10,000 ft.