Drought stricken Sierra had its first significant snowfall last week. What better time for a quick one night trip to climb one of Northern California’s iconic peaks, 9735’ Mount Tallac. Tallac towers overs Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, & the Desolation…
Glaciers carved Yosemite Valley and once covered the Sierra. Remnant glaciers dot the Sierra but are rapidly receding. Several recent articles have documented the disappearing glaciers of the Sierra – especially the Lyell Glacier in Yosemite. I’ve also climbed amidst…
The Pacific Crest Trail’s 2650 miles has segments for all levels of hikers. One of the most visited spots on the PCT is the Desolation Wilderness – for good reason. It features granite peaks, alpine lakes, and multiple trails including…
The outdoor industry is recognizing that unfortunately, most folks do not have the free time to take off three months to hike a long distance trail or cycle across a continent. Responsibilities and real life intrude – especially as folks…
What area inspired the writings of William Wordsworth, Samuel Coleridge, & Beatrix Potter? England’s Lake District with its glacial carved valleys, chiseled mountains, and lakes is England’s most scenic spot. I recently climbed England’s tallest Peak and camped beside one…
I’m starting a weekly entry featuring a short note about my favorite adventure spots. Nevado de Toluca is Mexico’s 4th highest mountain and at 15,350 feet (4680m) is higher than any US peak in the lower 48. It is a dormant volcano…
Getting outside and exploring a new place energizes me. There is no replacement for exercise, fresh air, and pushing boundaries in the mountains. Caring for two young boys and a demanding career make it difficult to escape for long periods. …
Only five roads cross the Sierra south of Lake Tahoe, and I had only explored four of them until March 6. On that Friday my friend Mark and I climbed Mount Reba along Route 4. Our climb started at the…
My backpacking style and gear has evolved over the years. While in the Boy Scouts at age 16, I saved for rugged but heavy Gregory Massif. I used it backpacking in KY, TN, and NC, and trailbuilding a summer in…
I’m posting descriptions of my past favorite trip – the Appalachian Trail. To conclude my trip, I flew 1500 miles from Baltimore to Colorado in about 3 hours. It would have taken me over 75 days to walk that same…