2019 was the first year for the Arizona Winter Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, featuring six iconic hikes based around Phoenix and Tucson. Until this past January, I had never done much hiking in Arizona. The challenge provided the perfect excuse to get acquainted with this beautiful area. For this trip, I flew into Phoenix and rented a camper van from Escape Campervans. I had … [Read More]
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Backpacking the Red Peak Pass Loop in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park features some of the most beautiful backcountry in all of the Sierra Nevada. Surprisingly, however, most people stick to a few main trails – … [Read More]
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What Makes People Go for the Fastest Known Time?
I've thru-hiked the John Muir Trail twice. The first time, back in 1980, I took 25 days to cover the 211-plus miles. The second time in 2010 I hiked it with my … [Read More]
Featured Posts
Hiking to Mount Saint Helena
A peak in the beautiful Mayacamas Mountains overlooking Napa Valley and beyond, Mount Saint Helena will give you the best views all around. In Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, this hike is great at different times of the year and one of the few mountains in … [Read More]
Hiking to Humphreys Peak in the Coconino National Forest
The highest point in all of Arizona, Humphreys Peak towers above the surrounding region. Millions of years ago a massive stratovolcano called San Francisco Mountain stood around 16,000 feet tall, but it eventually collapsed leaving an arc of peaks which rim … [Read More]
Hiking to Mount Elden in the Coconino National Forest
Take a hike up Mount Elden and perch yourself atop Flagstaff. This route starts out on the Fatman’s Loop, then splits off to climb all the way to Elden Lookout standing at over 9,000 ft. From the top you are rewarded with sweeping views of O’Leary and the San … [Read More]
Hiking to Kendrick Peak in the Kaibab National Forest
One of the tallest mountains in the San Francisco volcanic field, Kendrick Peak offers spectacular views stretching from Humphreys Peak to the Grand Canyon. The trail begins in a quintessential ponderosa pine forest, travels up through a decades old burn area, … [Read More]
Team SoCalHiker is Back for the 2019 Climb for Heroes
Team SoCalHiker is back for the 2019 Climb for Heroes, and we want to hike with you! On Sunday, May 19th June 23rd (NEW DATE!) we will be lacing up our hiking shoes and hiking up 10,064' Mount San Antonio – aka Mount Baldy – to support The Heroes Project. … [Read More]
Hiking to O’Leary Peak Lookout
Hiking O’Leary Peak will take you to the edge of a millennia old lava flow, and up high above to look down on the cinder cone that created it. From the lookout tower at the top of this lava dome, you’ll look into the heart of the San Francisco Peaks, marvel at … [Read More]
Hiking Wilson Mountain in Sedona
With one of the greatest overlooks in all Sedona, Wilson Mountain is a must for any Arizona hiker. This northern approach offers a cool shady canyon start and an up-close perspective of beautifully stratified red and beige rocks, before climbing onto the broad … [Read More]
Hiking Bear Mountain in Sedona
A hike up Bear Mountain is full of rewarding views not just at the top, but all along the climb. You get quintessential panoramas looking across Sedona, up close and personal encounters with red cliff faces, and the most incredible perspectives peering down … [Read More]
GEAR REVIEW: Glen & Loch High Point Duffel
Last month I took a 9-day road trip in Arizona. I was car camping, meeting with friends and spreading the word about the Arizona Winter Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. And of course, hiking the six mountains in the challenge along the way. I was … [Read More]
How Do You Talk About Climate Change?
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Nature Conservancy. All opinions are 100% mine. DID YOU KNOW that 7 in 10 Americans believe climate change is real, but less than half of us talk about it with friends or family with any … [Read More]
Hiking to Strawberry Peak
At 6,165 feet, Strawberry Peak is the highest summit in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains, a mere 3 feet taller than its neighbor, San Gabriel Peak. This area was heavily damaged and was closed after the Station Fire in 2009, but was re-opened in … [Read More]
REVIEW: Catalina Backcountry Gear Haul
On our first thru-hike of the Trans-Catalina Trail back in the spring of 2010, we carried our gear. That trip was one of our shake-down trips to prepare for the John Muir Trail, so we carried everything--tent, stove, fuel, food, sleeping bags--basically … [Read More]
GEAR REVIEW: Patriot Cooler
We had been hiking for over six hours. We were hot, thirsty and tired. We were grateful for that first glimpse of the car back at the trailhead. Finishing 12 miles hiking one of the Six-Pack of Peaks, there's nothing better than getting back to the trailhead … [Read More]
Sign-up for Adventure in 2019
I love a good adventure, and part of the fun is in the planning. Whether it's preparing for a big trip like thru-hiking the John Muir Trail, or something shorter like the Trans-Catalina Trail, I love poring over maps, planning meals and getting ready for good … [Read More]
7 Post-Thanksgiving Hikes to Burn Off the Bird
The average American consumes 3,000 to 4,500 calories in their Thanksgiving Day celebrations, according to the Calorie Control Council. So instead of diving into the madness that is Black Friday, get outside and take a hike! You'll avoid the crowds and … [Read More]
Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro
I began hiking five years ago as a way to de-stress and get through a difficult life experience. I quickly learned that many others shared similar reasons for venturing into the outdoors. Little did I know hiking would become a lifetime passion. Discovering … [Read More]
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