Yes, You Need a Permit to Backpack in Yosemite Yosemite is an incredible place to backpack - and with over 750 miles of trail, you won't see many of its beautiful features without spending a night or two in the wilderness. Doing so, however, is not as easy as throwing on a pack and walking … Continue reading How to Get a Wilderness Permit to Backpack in Yosemite (2023)
Mt. Dana is the northernmost summit in the Sierra Nevada which is over 13,000 feet. At an elevation of 13,057', Dana is the second highest mountain in Yosemite (after Mount Lyell which is only about 55' higher and generally requires an overnight to reach). Having never climbed higher than 10,845 (Mt. Hoffman), I was excited … Continue reading My First 13er! Mt. Dana, Yosemite
Along Hwy 120 heading into Yosemite National park there are a series of tunnels, one of which has a side tunnel within. This "tunnel tunnel" goes right to the edge of the cliff above the Merced River. It is a fun, short hike that you can see here!
One of the best distance-to-views ratio hikes in Yosemite is the Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop. For only 5 miles (and 1,100' of elevation gain) you can stand nearly as high as Half Dome and above El Capitan. Along the way you'll see narrow fissures with thousand foot drops, trees, creeks, boulders, and breathtaking … Continue reading Hiking Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop in Yosemite National Park
Sierra Point was Ansel Adam's inspiration and is the only place in Yosemite where four major waterfalls can be seen at once. Yet it's not on any (modern) maps. An avalanche in the 70's wiped out the trail and it was never rebuilt. But it can be found. And it is worth it! FULL VIDEO … Continue reading Finding the Lost Sierra Point Trail in Yosemite
After a tough August, I got to go play for a few days. To "prepare for my Camino" (*wink*), I went to my beloved Yosemite for 4 days and did 4 great hikes. The total distance was 52k with an elevation total of 5,700': Taft Point & Sentinel Dome: 7k, 830 ft, 2 hrs Cloud's … Continue reading Extended Training: 4 Days, 4 Hikes
Had an epic first summer training day this week at Cloud's Rest, Yosemite. It was one of the hardest hikes I've ever done - but also one of the most rewarding. Enjoy the video HERE!
Backcountry Pilgrim 