Day 5 Big SEKI Loop

Sequoia & Kings Canyon

3.8 miles before Forester Pass to Kern Hot Springs I awoke to the sounds of boots on the trail and voices going by my tent. It was only 5:30 am. I tried to go back to sleep, but it was hopeless and I was on the trail by 6:20. The air was cool and the trail...

Day 4 Big SEKI Loop

Sequoia & Kings Canyon

Woods Creek Bridge to 3.8 miles north of Forester Pass I had a sound sleep thanks to the pleasant sound of Woods Creek bubbling next to my tent. As I packed up and crossed Woods Creek Bridge, I saw that the tent city was just starting to stir. Food bags were hanging...

Day 3 Big SEKI Loop

Sequoia & Kings Canyon

Palisades Lake to Woods Creek Bridge Though I woke around sunrise, I spent the first mile from Palisades Lake in the dark shade of the surrounding mountains. I thought, sunrise comes late in a valley, as I walked along the granite floor crossing little streams and...

Day 2 Big SEKI Loop

Sequoia & Kings Canyon

East Fork of Dougherty Creek to Palisades Lake I woke up 30 minutes later than normal and took my time getting ready, but I was still walking by 6:15. If yesterday was any indication, today was going to be a hot one. The trail, which was well established and...

Day 1 Big SEKI Loop

Sequoia & Kings Canyon

I woke up next to the South Fork of the Kings River in Sierra National Forest and quickly packed up my cowboy camp. With everything back in the car, I drove the last 6 miles to Roads End in Kings Canyon National Park. I stepped out into the already warm air,...

Tahquitz Peak via South Ridge Trail

Moderate Trails, San Bernardino

Miles Elevation Gain (ft) The South Ridge Trail to Tahquitz Peak is one of the most rewarding trails in the San Jacinto area. The moderately strenuous hike up provides epic views down to the Desert Divide, a clear view of San Jacinto Peak, and a chance to explore the...

Telescope Peak

Death Valley, Strenuous Trails

Miles Elevation Gain (ft) The hike to Telescope Peak takes you along an exposed ridge line through starkly beautiful and windswept terrain. You pass by pinyon pine, juniper, and 3,000 year old bristlecone pine trees before topping out at 11,049 ft. The summit views...

San Bernardino to Shields Peak Traverse

San Bernardino, Strenuous Trails

Miles Elevation Gain (ft) A strenuous hike with almost 7,000 feet of elevation gain, the San Bernardino Peak to Shields Peak Traverse makes for a challenging day hike or nice overnight backpacking trip.  The route takes you through juniper, pine and fir forests to the...

Zabriskie Point

Death Valley, Easy Trails

Miles One of the classic views of Death Valley National Park, Zabriskie Point gives an expansive view over the badlands of Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch.  Best viewed at either sunrise (my personal favorite) or sunset, this hike, more of a short walk, is easily...

Golden Canyon & Gower Gulch Loop

Death Valley, Moderate Trails

Miles Elevation Gain (ft) The Golden Canyon & Gower Gulch Loop takes you through beautiful badlands that are the remnants of an ancient lakebed.  The colorful layers (or strata) are a visual clue to the different geological deposits that surround you as you hike....

Eureka Dunes

Death Valley, Moderate Trails

Miles If you crave a wilderness experience of solitude, silence, and stark beauty, than the Eureka Dunes, in the remote Eureka Valley of Death Valley National Park, are calling your name.  At more than 680 feet, they are the tallest dunes in California and the second...

Ubehebe Crater

Death Valley, Easy Trails

Miles Elevation Gain (ft) Death Valley shows off some of its diversity with the volcanic craters know as Ubehebe and Little Hebe, which exhibit colorful erosion and a lunar-esque landscape that is an excellent side trip as you make your way to Scotty’s Castle or the...