Backpacking Guides and Trips
Trips
We spent a relaxing weekend by Muir Lake in the Cottonwood Lakes basin (John Muir Wilderness). We started at the old trailhead along the road that lead to the Cottonwood campground. Reaching the lake is an uphill hike but the first half is almost flat and the second part, the steeper one, is nicely graded. We set up camp above the sandy beach and explored from there. We checked out the other...
A fun weekend in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness...Rebecca, David, Joe, Sam and I spent the weekend in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness, in the Stanislaus National Forest. The idea was to spend a relaxing weekend by Sword Lake. There are two main trailheads to access this lake. The closest one is the County Line trailhead, at which you can park after having survived driving 6 miles of dusty dirt road, of Highway 108.The rangers at...
This was a busy weekend in Yosemite and for the group I was tagging along with, this route was plan E or F. For me, who's never been on the rim, it was as good as a plan A.We left a car at Yosemite Creek campground and drove along Tioga Road to Porcupine Flat where we started hiking to Indian Rock first. Going to the Indian Rock summit involves a side trip...
I joined a bunch of friends from the Bay Area and Sacramento for the first backpacking weekend of the year. We took the Redbud Trail from Highway 20. After a nice healthy climb, we went down to Baton Flat, where we were to cross the creek. Well, the creek was really a river and crossing it was fun. Water was high, almost up to my waste near the banks, and the current...
Carr Lake to Island Lake backpacking
Maybert (historical), California, United States
Backpacking | 3.3 miles
Backpacking | 3.3 miles
A very relaxing backpacking weekend in the Grouse Lakes Basin area (Tahoe National Forest). The plan was simple for Kara, Stacey (thanks for organizing!), Ron, Andy and myself : Hike from Carr Lake and set up camp for 2 nights by Island lake. From there, we would hike, fish, swim.. relax.The hike was short and relatively flat. It took us along Carr Lake, Freeley Lake, Delany Lake (a pond really), and Crooked...
Buck Island Lake backpacking
Rubicon Springs (historical), California, United States
Backpacking | 12.1 miles
Backpacking | 12.1 miles
Another great backpacking weekend in the Sierra, brought to us by Rebecca (Calipidder)...We hiked from the trailhead at the Wilderness Parking lot by Loon Lake, to Buck Island lake. It's about 6 miles. The first part of the hike, along Loon Lake was mostly flat and shady. The second section, leaving Loon Lake, and climbing up to a pass between the two lakes was more exposed, and very "rocky". The altitude and...
After having hiked a portion of the Ohlone Wilderness trail from Lake
Del Valle to Murietta Falls last February, I felt compelled to hike the
full 28 miles of this trail, connecting Lake Del Valle to Stanford
Avenue in Fremont, which is the west-facing foot of Mission Peak.This
sure seemed challenging. 28 miles is long, even over two days. The
climb to Rose Peak is strenuous for sure. And then, Mission Peak comes
as a "bonus".After doing a...
CBW - Day 2 - Pacheco Camp to Kaiser-Aetna Road
Madrone Soda Springs (historical), California, United States
Backpacking | 3.6 miles
Backpacking | 3.6 miles
Day 2 of the Coe Bakcountry Weekend. Because of personal constraints, I had to be home on the Saturday afternoon and could not extend my stay with Antony and Dave.So this trip is mostly the hike out from Pacheco Camp (see day 1).The night was very cold (Coe is usually known for its heat in Summer). So cold in fact, that there was frost on David's hat, boots, and even bivy bag. After breakfast,...
CBW - Day 1 - Orestimba Corral to Pacheco Falls
Madrone Soda Springs (historical), California, United States
Backpacking | 9.2 miles
Backpacking | 9.2 miles
First day of a great weekend in Henry W. Coe State Park during the annual Coe Backcountry Weekend.Antony, Dave and I started from Orestimba Corral where we parked, and took the Alquist trail as it was supposed to be very flowery. And we were not disappointed. Alquist took us to County Line Road, along which we hiked for a while until we hit Coit Road. We took Coit Road down from County Line...
Wildcat Camp to Arch Rock to Bear Valley
Point Reyes National Seashore, California, United States
Backpacking | 8.3 miles
Backpacking | 8.3 miles
Second part of our backpacking trip in Point Reyes. We started from Wildcat Camp, took the Coastal Trail to Arch Rock, and then back to Bear Valley visitor center.
Bear Valley to Wildcat Camp
Point Reyes National Seashore, California, United States
Backpacking | 6.5 miles
Backpacking | 6.5 miles
This hike was the first part of a two day backpacking trip to Wildcat Camp. We started at the Bear Valley visitor center and spent the night at camp (site 2).
