Badger, California

The paved road ends at the Maxson Trailhead parking lot on the SE side of Courtright Reservoir. The adventure starts with a glance to the left, down a rock-strewn dirt track that leads off further into the wilderness. You're wondering, "Is that the trail?" and "Do I dare?"The Dusy-Ershim Trail of...

Another rare but welcomed flat open space along the JMT. The night sky here will blow you away so if you're a photographer this is a great opportunity to capture the incredibel Sierra night sky. Do be careful about camping in the open space in regards to weather. A thunderstorm in this area could...

You'll have to deal with some crowds at Rae Lakes but that is because this is an amazing setting to spend the night. If sharing this place with others is the worst of your worries then you're doing pretty well. Hikers flock here for the incredible swimming, views of iconic peaks like Fin Dome and...

This adventure begins at Onion Valley Campground outside of Independence, CA. The parking is abundant and the road is snow dependent. Snow will be plowed as long as it is not currently being hit with a massive storm. Dogs are allowed on trail up to Kearsarge Pass (4.5 miles from the trailhead). H...

The hike starts at Onion Valley campground and includes a good deal of elevation (two passes around 12,000 feet). You start climbing at the outset, and keep climbing for the first couple of hours before hitting Kearsarge Pass. Here you begin a long descent, then traverse above some beautiful lake...

Starting at 9,200 feet at Onion Valley Campground, take Kearsarge Pass Trail. The hike begins immediately with a substantial increase in elevation, switchbacking up the mountain. On the way up rest and enjoy the beautiful alpine lakes, which include Gilbert, Flower, Heart and Big Pothole Lake. Fl...

Trip Guide ***Please note, all images after the first one are arranged in chronological order of the trip so you can easily follow along Day 1 Depending on where you are coming from your day one is most likely going to be setting up your car shuttle from Whitney Portal to Onion Valley.  Our fi...

Make sure to obtain an overnight permit up to 6 months in advance. You will have to pick up your permit at one of the Inyo National Forest Visitor Centers (here) before you begin. Once you have your permit in hand, drive to the Onion Valley Trailhead (see map), which is about 15 miles west of th...

Access to the forebay starts at the trail head from the parking lot 6,700 ft up, also from the parking lot there is access to two different sets of boulder patches separate from the ones encountered along the hike in.  Hike Start the 1 mile out and back hike from the parking lot following the t...

Plan your last night to be spent near Guitar Lake at one of the unnamed lakes just a half mile above it along the trail. You'll find sun late into the afternoon and it serves as a great basecamp to hit Mt. Whitney for sunrise early on your final morning on the JMT.Find out everything you need to ...

After the mild, but not negligible, 1000 ft ascent into Pinchot Pass, you'll be ready to rinse off the grime and take a rest. There are a few options for lakeside camping along the trail like Twin Lakes and an unnamed lake on the west side of the trail just beyond.This is a cool area because the ...

The transition from mostly sheer granite slopes to open grassy space is a welcomed one. Set up along the creek meandering through Evolution Basin and explore the area. You won't tire your legs out because it's pretty flat. Whip out your camera to catch some amazing reflections of the Sierra in th...

This trail starts at the lowest, and generally regarded hardest, trailhead in the Southern Sierras. You quickly gain elevation in what many describe as manageable but relentless. The first section of the hike has nice shade and adequate water access. Very enjoyable company to boot! Once you cros...

Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States. It stands over 14,500ft high at its peak (elevation gain of 6100') and it sure feels like it when you are up there. Getting There Located just West of Lone Pine, CA you take Whitney Portal Road West for 13 miles all the way to its...

From the parking lot at the end of Whitney Portal Road, look for the trailhead, which is marked with a wooden "gate" that shows the map and description of the trail. Starting out at 8,350 ft in elevation, the trail begins a series of switchbacks that lead you into the Sierra Nevada. Take more br...

With over 6,600 feet of elevation gain and class 4 climbing, this is not for the casual hiker, but can provide an excellent challenge to a budding mountaineer.Park your car at Whitney Portal, 12 miles west of the town of Lone Pine, and start up the main Whitney Trail. After 1 mile you will encou...