For those who have backpacked the famous John Muir Trail, Evolution Valley is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful and memorable spots along the trail. But is there a way to get to Evolution Valley on just a one-week backpacking adventure? The answer is YES – and the most popular of these routes […]
Backpacking over Bishop Pass to LeConte Canyon
I admit it. I have a soft spot in my heart for the Sierras. I fell in love with the Sierras on my first backpack trip there back in 1978. The first time I thru-hiked the John Muir Trail in 1980, it was official. I was hooked. Earlier this spring I attended the first ever JMT […]
Muir Monday: The World Is Big
The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark.” – John Muir When I was young, like all the kids in my neighborhood, I played outdoors. As it started to get dark, our mothers would come to the door to call us in, and we’d reply […]
Thru-Hiking the JMT: Upper Rae Lake, Glen Pass to Vidette Meadow
Day 19 on the John Muir Trail… We awoke early, determined to get a jump on Glen Pass (11, 970ft.). Last night we camped at 10,600ft. just above Upper Rae Lake and were looking forward to reaching the pass early before it got too warm. I need to qualify what I mean by an “early start.” […]
Thru-Hiking the JMT: Woods Creek to the Rae Lakes
Day 18 on the John Muir Trail… Yesterday we discussed our plans for today’s hike. We had originally planned to hike over Glen Pass to Vidette Meadow, but decided to modify the itinerary to have an easier day and leave us just below Glen Pass. Even with the modification, we would meet our original exit date […]
Thru-Hiking the JMT: Over Pinchot Pass to Woods Creek
Day 17 on the John Muir Trail… We awoke just before sunrise, with frozen beads of condensation clinging to outside of our tent. It was chilly. Boil water! Make coffee! Stat! Most of this trip, we were spending all day in shorts and short sleeves. I put on my knit cap at night to keep […]
Thru-Hiking the JMT: Le Conte Canyon to Palisade Creek
Day 15 on the John Muir Trail… It gets cold at high elevations. We were camped just below Muir Pass, and well above 11,000 feet. We lingered in the warmth of our tent, emerging when sunlight illuminated the tops of the peaks to our west. Our campsite was entirely exposed, and yet completely private. We […]
Thru-Hiking the JMT: Muir Trail Ranch to McClure Meadow
Day 13 on the John Muir Trail… We slept not too far away from Muir Trail Ranch, with the headwaters of the San Joaquin providing our soundtrack for the night. Fortunately, our bear bag was unmolested. We broke camp and hiked about a quarter mile back to MTR to enjoy the promised breakfast (it was […]
