I’ve been backpacking plenty of times in Yosemite, but this was my first time in Tuolumne and it blew my expectations out of the water! This is a gorgeous 1 night backpacking trip that brings you to a series of lakes with stunning mountain views. Interested? Just keep reading! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission from...
This is maybe one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever gone backpacking. We ended up camping right on the rim of the Yosemite Valley, overlooking the Merced River, Curry Village, the Yosemite Lodge, and so many other iconic landmarks. If you’re looking for a moderately challenging backpacking trip with great payoff, this is the trip for you! Pohono...
This is a short-and-sweet trail with a little bit of elevation gain but so much payoff. The Picnic Rock Hike is easily done in the summer and, with the right equipment, winter, too! Here’s everything you need to know before you hike. Picnic Rock Hike Key Information Trailhead: Brockway Summit Tahoe Rim Trail Trailhead Hike End: Brockway Summit Tahoe Rim...
Yosemite is no hidden gem, but it’s so iconic for good reason! This is one of my favorite national parks in the US. With incredible granite cliffs, sheer drop-offs, and some of the best viewpoints in the world, Yosemite isn’t to be missed! Here’s my guide to seeing Yosemite in two days. The best time to visit Yosemite You can really visit Yosemite...
This 2 day, 1 night backpacking trip has everything—it’s really beautiful, easy-to-organize, full of lakes to jump into, and there are loads of campsites to choose from. Here’s everything you need to know before going backpacking from Loon Lake to Buck Island Lake. Loon Lake to Buck Island lake Trail Key Information Trailhead: Loon Lake Hike End: Loon...
This one-night backpacking trip is perfect for beginner backpackers and experienced ones alike! Easy incline, great views, and short mileage makes this trip easily accessible for those who are looking for a night under the stars. Grass Lake Trail Key Information Trailhead: Glen Alpine Hike End: Glen Alpine Hike Type: Out & Back Length: 4.6...
There are few places that have the accessibility and magnitude of Yosemite Valley. The Glacier Point to Panorama Point day hike combines incredible views, a decent amount of milage, and a great resting spot into one fantastic day out. Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. If you purchase something using an affiliate link, I will receive a small commission...
Sitting nearly 9000 feet above the sea level, Half Dome is an iconic hike in Yosemite National Park. With over 5000 ft of elevation gain over about 8 miles, this hike is demanding but rewarding. This bucket list hike requires a little bit of forethought and organization but is certainly worth doing—here’s my guide to doing the Half Dome Hike in a day! Half Dome...
Castle Crags State Park is a beautiful, highly underrated state park in California. With picture-perfect views of granite towers, endless hiking and climbing, and close proximity to Mount Shasta and beyond, Castle Crags is certainly worth a few days. If you have two days to spend in the area, this guide is for you! Here’s my 2 day Castle Crags Itinerary. When...
The Castle Dome Trail is one of Castle Crags State Park’s best hikes. This trail is short but intense, with plenty of elevation gain rewarded with incredible views of the Castle Crags and Mount Shasta in the distance. If there’s only one hike you do in this state park, make it this one! Castle Dome Trail in a nutshell Views ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 4.5 out of 5...