Along Hwy 120 heading into Yosemite National park there are a series of tunnels, one of which has a side tunnel within. This "tunnel tunnel" goes right to the edge of the cliff above the Merced River. It is a fun, short hike that you can see here!
One of the best distance-to-views ratio hikes in Yosemite is the Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop. For only 5 miles (and 1,100' of elevation gain) you can stand nearly as high as Half Dome and above El Capitan. Along the way you'll see narrow fissures with thousand foot drops, trees, creeks, boulders, and breathtaking … Continue reading Hiking Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop in Yosemite National Park
Often hailed as the most popular trail in Yosemite National Park, the Mist Trail / John Muir Trail loop includes beautiful views of Happy Isles, Illilouette Falls and cascades, close encounters with both Vernal and Nevada Falls, the idyllic Emerald Pool and Silver Apron, a vertical look from the base of Liberty Cap, Merced River … Continue reading Yosemite’s Mist / John Muir Trail Loop
Like many hikers, Half Dome has been on my bucket list for some time. The first problem is that it requires a 17+ mile hike in addition to the climb - and if you don't get a wilderness permit on top of your Half Dome permit, you can't make it an overnight. The second problem … Continue reading Half Dome in a Whole Day
My hike on the Pioneer Express Trail along the American River (18 miles, 1,350') included a canal, a hydro-electric plant, and a bear. A BEAR! Guess he was tired of the lockdown too! Full video HERE!
This is a fairly unknown loop trail near Cache Creek, CA. It was my longest day hike to date at 20+ miles and 4,400'-5,100' elevation gain (depending on whether you believe All Trails or the GPS). It begins at the bottom of one ridge, goes up and over the top, down into the valley, then … Continue reading Hiking the Blue Ridge 20 Mile Loop
In March 2020 I got in one last hike before the coronavirus broke out in CA. It was my first solo backpacking trip, and the first time out with a bunch of new gear! Backpack Loadout Hike Part 1: Trailhead to Creek Hike Part 2: Big Burn to Campsite Hike Part 3: Summit to Home
