Many years ago I did  a four night trip into the John Muir Wilderness from Wishon Reservoir to Blackcap Basin and back. I thought the area was pretty spectacular high country but with a fair bit of climbing to get there. On the trip, I spent two days getting to Portal Lake and an extra [...]

I love spring hiking. The long days, abundant greenery, full streams… But access to Sierra trails are limited in May. Many of the smaller backroads are closed due to snow and will not be open – depending on the year – till June or later. And most access points that are available mean snow hiking [...]

Another September in the Yosemite Park. And again in the northerly section of the park. I seem to be slowly trying to discover all the nooks and crannies of this area. I like the fact that it seems to be an area of less interest to everyone else and that there are many un-trailed sections [...]

Located in central Arizona, Southwest of Flagstaff, Sycamore Canyon wilderness looked interesting when I read the write up in Exploring Arizona’s Wild Areas. It was described as similar to Oak Creek Canyon, without the crowds… hmm. The last couple of Spring trips to Arizona had been to the Mazatzal and I was looking to try [...]

It had been many years since I had spent much time in Mount Rainier Park. I had summited the peak years ago and I have also done the wonderland trail in one go, but apart from the occasional day trip, I haven’t backpacked there recently. There is something about Washington’s high meadows that are unique [...]

Another lakes tour of the Yosemite North Country. This would be my third trek into the area, having done a week trip in ’05 and ’03. The North Country of Yosemite offers lots of off-trail opportunities to discover some beautiful country away from the crowds. Also, there’s the challenge of finding a good route and [...]

Arrasta Mountain Wilderness is essentially the big blank space on maps of Western Arizona to the west of Highway 93. Big mountains, some deep canyons, lots of sand, little water and no trails. Lets go. I have been driving past this area for years on my way through Arizona to other hiking locations. It’s about [...]

Into the Mazatzal Wilderness once again. This time I tried an area north of the East Verde River. I studied the map and found an interesting rough canyon section and decided to explore that. Kind of a slow trek, but well worth the effort. Saw some great areas. The trek started at the 6000′ Twin [...]