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 …
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 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. …
The Tour of Mont Blanc, a 110-mile hike through the Alps in France, Italy and Switzerland, meanders through villages and is connected by an extensive system of refuges (huts), hostels and inns. Though some carry full backpacking gear for a mountain expedition, many carry daypacks and take advantage of the many shelters. Once the decision …
I’ve been curious about backpacking in the Trinity Alps of Northern California for a long time but trips to the Sierra kept taking precedent. This year, with the huge layer of snow that blanketed the Sierra, I decided it was high time I checked out Trinity. While Trinity gets a lot of snow as well, …
Many people have trouble coming up with a relatively healthy meal plan that has adequate calories and protein for backpacking. This can be a real challenge for those with a high metabolism who have significant calorie needs. How to determine calorie needs is a complex topic. There are formulas but they are, at best, only …
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 …
In this epic snow year of 2017, summer backpackers may find themselves pitching their tent in snow. If that happens, they will quickly discover that regular tent pegs will pop right out of the snow. I’m no snow expert (unless I’m on skis) but this year I’ve started to acquire some snow backpacking skills. First …
I had a lot of questions about food choices on the Tour of Mont Blanc for our self-guided hike. It was a relief to not have to plan our usual backpacking menu since I had just done five backpacking trips in one summer, but I didn’t know what our food choices on the Tour of Mont …
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 …