Little Lakes & Death Valley
Last summer, I decided that I would take the boys on their first backpacking trip during the coming fall break. I’d been to Little Lakes Valley a few times before, most notably when Ryan and …
Category: Backpacking
John Muir Trail III
It’s been nearly a year since we returned from this trip. I guess it must have slipped through the cracks and I never got around to writing a trip report. These things happen. Last August, …
Mt. Russell, East Ridge
After our failed attempts at the summits of Mt. Agassiz and Bear Creek Spire, Ryan and I logically decided to aim even higher; a tougher climb that would take us above 14,000 feet and to …
San Jacinto Wilderness
My very first backpacking trip was to the San Jacinto Wilderness in the late 80’s. My uncle took me up the Devil’s Slide and we camped near Skunk Cabbage Meadow, if I recall. Larry and …
Bear Creek Spire
Bear Creek Spire (13,713 feet) is one of the classic climbs in the High Sierra, and it recently occurred to Ryan and I that we might be able to climb the mountain without a guide. This …
PCT: Mt. Laguna to Lake Morena
The Pacific Crest Trail (2,650 miles) extends from Mexico to Canada. Having already completed the John Muir Trail and Wonderland Trail, the Wilderness Innovations Crew decided, on a whim, to attempt the entire length of …
Dusy Basin
I planned to do a backpack trip to the Dusy Basin last August, but the impending birth of my son forced me to abandon those plans. Scott was able to make it out and he …
Rush Creek Trail
Last week, Scott and I decided to make an impromptu backpack trip to the Mammoth High Country. The record snowfall last winter presented some logistical challenges, however. Originally, we planned to drive to Mammoth and …
Return to Redwood Mountain
If you read my last post, you know that I recently left a bunch of gear in the Sierra backcountry. My Sequoia adventure ended a bit different than planned, but I made it home safe …