Sonora and Groveland: Gateway to Yosemite

Sonora and Groveland: Gateway to Yosemite

  • November 26, 2021
  • by Inga

If you’re looking for a place to stay outside Yosemite National Park or a way to extend your stay, one of the best places to look is Tuolumne County. Not only does Tuolumne County include most of the park, but it also contains a sizeable chunk of the adjacent Stanislaus National Forest and Emigrant Wilderness. …

Southern Yosemite Loops near Glacier Point

  • February 15, 2021
  • by Inga

Glacier Point is graced with some of the most stunning views in Yosemite National Park, with a panorama of peaks, valleys and waterfalls, including the iconic Half Dome rock formation front and center. There could hardly be a more spectacular start to a multi-day hike. Add to that a plethora of trailheads and potential routes …

Nelson Lake Cross-country Backpacking Loop in Yosemite National Park

  • December 04, 2018
  • by Inga

Nelson Lake is a pretty lake in a unique location in Yosemite National Park as there are no maintained trails to the lake. It does require a permit, one of three cross-country locations within the park that require a permit (the other two are Budd Creek and Rockslides). Because a hike to Nelson Lake requires …

Backpacker’s Guide to Tracking California Wildfires

  • November 08, 2018
  • by Inga

Fires one year; huge amounts of snow the next.  You never know what Mother Nature is going to throw our way. I’ve never spent as much time immersed in fire data trying to figure out where smoke-free backpacking routes might be as I have the past few years. If the predictions of experts hold true, …

Sonora Pass to Yosemite on the PCT: Daily Trip Report

  • May 26, 2018
  • by Inga

After a restful day hanging out with Casey Cox from Sonora Pass Resupply at the midpoint of our section hike from Tahoe to Yosemite, we were ready to move on to Sonora Pass to Yosemite on the PCT. Please see the previous article, “Tahoe to Sonora Pass,” to learn about the first 76 miles of …

Tahoe to Sonora Pass on the PCT: Daily Trip Report

  • March 28, 2018
  • by Inga

This trip report represents the first half of our Echo Lakes to Yosemite hike: Tahoe to Sonora Pass on the PCT. My last trip report turned into a book, literally (see Highs and Lows on the John Muir Trail), so I tried to limit myself to the bare-bones facts to provide a quick review of …

Tahoe to Yosemite PCT Section Hike-Itinerary, Maps and Apps

  • January 25, 2018
  • by Inga

Once you’ve decided which direction you’re traveling in and where you’re starting, you’re ready to dig into the planning a section hike of Tahoe to Yosemite on the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail).  See “Tahoe to Yosemite PCT Section Hike-Permits and Planning” for additional information. 15 Day Itinerary-Tahoe to Yosemite on the PCT When Steve examined …

Tahoe to Yosemite PCT Section Hike-Permits and Planning

  • January 21, 2018
  • by Inga

Tahoe-to-Yosemite on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)  is a 150-mile route that starts at Echo Lakes and ends at Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite. The start can begin in a number of different locations along the PCT in the Tahoe area, including Sierra City,  Highway 80/Donner Pass (Truckee) or a number of trailheads in Desolation Wilderness. …

An Introduction to Snow Backpacking in the Sierra

  • June 21, 2017
  • by Inga

On my recent snow backpacking trip to Lake of the Woods in Desolation Wilderness over Memorial Day, I found that it was impossible to be ultralight. I’m usually only in the “light” category anyway, with a base weight of 12-16 lbs depending on whether I have a bear canister and any luxury items. I have …

Backpacking from McGee Creek to Pioneer Basin via Hopkins Pass

  • February 11, 2017
  • by Inga

Pioneer Basin is a treasure trove of high alpine lakes tucked into the Sierra Nevada. Located near Mammoth Lakes, it can be accessed from the Mono Creek Trail or a more adventurous cross-country route over Hopkins Pass via the McGee Creek Trail. The reward for the effort involved in the steep ascent from the East …

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