We hiked off trail through brush, snow, crossing small creeks and swamps to get our reward of seeing a very rare flower and wonderful views of snowcapped high peaks. And, who knew that a small toad was a peak bagger? Where: Sierra National Forest Distance: 5.32 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Range: 7,188′ – 8,353′ Date: June 14, 2017 Maps: Little ...

Tioga Pass hadn’t opened up from its winter’s sleep yet, but I really wanted to get over to the east side of the Sierra. Sally was up for the adventure and we drove along those brightly colored, snowcapped mountains to Convict Lake for a few days. Where: Inyo National Forest, John Muir Wilderness Distance: 2.77 Miles Difficulty: Easy Elevation Range: ...

I was curious about how much water was coming out of Alder Creek Falls and was really hoping to see some wildflowers, especially those beautiful harlequin lupine. Sure enough, there was lots of water gushing over the edge of Alder Creek Falls and I think those harlequin lupine were happy to see me. Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: 11.88 Miles ...

I am really fascinated with seeing our nearby waterfalls while they are roaring with their spring melt and I was in need of a good workout, so I headed up to Yosemite to hike along the Panorama Trail where I could view 4 of these famous waterfalls. And I had a couple of surprises along the way . . . ...

I never imagined the beauty that Nelder Grove held on a day when the floating mist was hiding the tops of the towering Giant Sequoias. Raindrops on dogwood blooms and leaves made me stop and admire them. And, have you ever wondered how some of these big trees got their names? Where: Sierra National Forest, Nelder Grove Distance: 2.1 miles, ...

The Merced River had reached flood stage, gently spilling its banks into areas within Yosemite Valley. Waterfalls were reacting from our recent heat with a display that we hadn’t seen in years. And, on top of that, the dogwoods were blooming. How could I resist a trip to Yosemite Valley to check it all out? Where: Yosemite National Park Distance: ...

We hiked up and up 600 plus steps on the Mist Trail to check out two of Yosemite’s famous waterfalls, Vernal and Nevada Falls. Where:Yosemite National Park Distance: 8.59 Miles Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Elevation Range: 3,983′ – 6,056′ Date: May 3, 2017 Maps: El Capitan Topographic Quad Dog Hike? No dogs allowed on this trail We had planned on ...

Not the amazing display of poppies in the Hite Cove area this year, but plenty of other wildflowers were showing off as we hiked where miners walked as they searched for their fortunes in those gold mines long ago. Where: Sierra National Forest with some stretches through private property Distance: 8.21 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Elevation Range: 1,412′ to 3,187′ Date: ...

I’ve had a few requests to see what type of daypack I carry on my hikes and what I put in it. I haven’t cleaned mine out for a year or so, so let’s discover together what I have in there. Pack:  I have several packs but this Osprey Manta 36 is what I have been using for day hikes, ...

The Carrizo Plain and foothills that border it were popping with sweeping displays of wildflower in yellow and purple hews. It was a heck of a long, one day drive from the Oakhurst area but it was so worth it! If this sounds like a drive that you want to take, you had better do it quick because it won’t ...