backpacking routes
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Reflecting on the PCT High Sierra: entry date, resupply, gear, and more
Before I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, one section in particular gave me pause: the High Sierra. I was already an experienced backpacker, having completed the Appalachian Trail and Colorado Trail. Even so, the big mountains of the Pacific Crest… Continue reading
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CDT Prep: What is the Continental Divide Trail?
In last week’s post, I shared that I’m planning another thru-hike. This time, I’ll be tackling the Continental Divide Trail (CDT). The CDT is less well-known than the Pacific Crest Trail, which I hiked and blogged about last year. And… Continue reading
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Here we go again.
This week, I have an exciting update to share. I am planning another thru-hike. This time, I’ll tackle the Continental Divide Trail. It will be my third and final of the three Triple Crown trails. I hiked the Appalachian Trail… Continue reading
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Northern Washington: battling blowdowns and wildfire smoke
Stevens Pass (Leavenworth) to ~Steheikin. Miles 2,467 – 2,570. Days 121 – 125. After Stevens Pass, the Pacific Crest Trail begins a particularly remote ~100-mile stretch with no road crossings. In this section, the PCT goes through the Glacier Peak… Continue reading
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Adventures in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Leavenworth
Snoqualmie Pass to Stevens Pass (Leavenworth). Miles 2,396 – 2,467. Days 116 – 120. The Pacific Crest Trail climbs significantly after Snoqualmie Pass into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. Hikers are rewarded for their labor when they emerge into a… Continue reading
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1,000 miles completed and leaving Yosemite
~Tuolumne Meadows to Sonora Pass. Miles 955 – 1,018. Days 48 – 50. The PCT continues through Yosemite National Park after it diverges from the Tuolumne River. Thru-hikers tackle rugged trails full of roots, rocks, mud, and steep climbs. They… Continue reading
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Sierras part 2: high passes, heavy packs, and hiker hunger
Independence to Mammoth. Miles 790 – 904. Days 38 – 44. After Kearsarge Pass hikers find themselves in the thick of the Sierras. Each day brings climbs over high passes and river crossings. This is some of the most beautiful… Continue reading
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Hitchhiking 50 miles for a sandwich and the end of the desert!
Tehatchapi to ~Kennedy Meadows. Mile 566 – 705. Days 27 – 32. Past Tehachapi, the trail feels like the desert, with rolling hills covered in Joshua trees and long dry sections where hikers must carry lots of heavy water. As… Continue reading
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Lessons learned on my first hot days and reaching mile 100!
Mount Laguna – ~Warner Springs. Mile 41 – 109. Days 3 – 5. The section of the PCT between Mount Laguna and Warner Springs features long walks across treeless chaparral ridges. It is breathtakingly beautiful on a cool day but… Continue reading
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Day 2: Easy walking and my first resupply stop on the PCT
~Lake Morena – Mount Laguna. Mile 22 – 41. Day 2. I camped with a few other Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) thru-hikers last night. It was a bit chilly overnight but I kept warm enough. This morning, I stayed in… Continue reading
Adventures with Val 