It is prime time to be planning for next summer's hikes and backpacking trips in the Sierra. If you are hiking, plan on hiking or just dreaming about hiking the John Muir Trail this guide is for you. Especially, if you would like to hike the trail in a personal and unique way, northbound. The John Muir Trail is traditionally hiked southbound and stretches 222 miles from Yosemite Valley to Whitney Portal. It passes through 3 national parks, climbs over 9 major passes, rises up to the highest peak in the lower 48, and leads the hiker up and down extreme changes in elevation. It has what backpack ..read more

Arizona trail here we come! I am starting to hike […] The post Ready to hit the Arizona Trail AGAIN – Planning, Gear & Food appeared first on Lady on a Rock ..read more

A couple of years ago, I completed Sections 1 & 2 of @andrewskurka Kings Canyon High Basin Route in the California High Sierra from Twin Lakes to Kearsarge Pass Trailheads. The diverse and rugged route trampled over 50 miles of mostly cross-country crossing the range from west to east, went up 7 passes, over many saddles, across countless boulder fields and traversed granite slabs and grassy ramps with a couple of snow cornices. It was such a great route and I have recommended this trip to many experienced hikers. This route is remote, stark, and breathtaking and we did not see a sing ..read more

I said "YES!" to this invite and boy am I glad. Mary Poppins (trail name) contacted me last week to do a winter climb of Telescope Peak in Death Valley National Park. I know her virtually through my website and Instagram as Mary Poppins, but we had never met in person. We had a great day getting to know each other, laughed a ton, got A LOT of exercise, had the peak to ourselves, and talked on and on about trips and gear. My kind of day. The post Telescope Peak Winter Climb – Death Valley National Park appeared first on Lady on a Rock ..read more

After a cold, windy night, I enjoyed another gorgeous Arizona sunrise. Today’s downhill, brisk walk started with miles of nice dirt road and open views. I missed the turn that leaves the road and had to backtrack 1 mile to get on the route. Glad I noticed something wasn't right and checked my Guthook App. Last night, Ranger John’s weather forecast called for snow and cold temps in the upper elevations for the next couple of days. Since I will be climbing up into the Mazatzals Mountains tomorrow, I have decisions to make. The post Day 18 AZT – Down Down Down appeared first on Lady on a Rock ..read more

All the whining in the last couple of posts had to stop! It was a great move to rest up at the Roosevelt Marina. I am thankful for: The post Day 17 AZT – So Very Thankful appeared first on Lady on a Rock ..read more

There was a little mouse that tormented me most of the night. Just when I thought I had scared him away he came back. The only damage I can see is one of my guy lines on my tent has been chewed on. I fixed it with some DCF tape. The post Day 16 AZT Nero at Roosevelt Marina Nero appeared first on Lady on a Rock ..read more

This is my very least favorite day. The trail passed through the Superstition Wilderness Area. It was mostly through burn area with a rocky, steep trail. Lots and lots of straight ups and downs. The water sources are spread apart, so that didn’t help much. The post Day 15 AZT – Superstition appeared first on Lady on a Rock ..read more

Choose the good. -from the memoir Educated by Tara Westover […] The post Day 14 AZT – Low Point – Lean Into the Heat appeared first on Lady on a Rock ..read more

On the coolest note ever Joe McConahy will be going for the fastest known time on the Arizona Trail. His start date is March 23! He is a really quality and smart elite athlete. I also have the privilege to be guiding with him in Utah in April. You can find all about his run/hike on Instagram, @stringbean . GO JOE! The post Day 13 AZT – Focusing In appeared first on Lady on a Rock ..read more