Backpacking Portola Redwoods State Park
Welcome to one of the Bay Area’s best kept secrets: Portola Redwoods State Park. I’ve never seen this park busy, with more famous tree spots to the north (Muir Woods),…
Welcome to one of the Bay Area’s best kept secrets: Portola Redwoods State Park. I’ve never seen this park busy, with more famous tree spots to the north (Muir Woods),…

As a young lass, Walden West Outdoor School & Summer Camp took me on my first backpacking trips on the Skyline-to-the-Sea route through the Santa Cruz Mountains. As the years went on, they added more offerings in the Sierra, which is how I discovered Mineral King. I’ll never forget flipping through those brochures in awe of kids jumping off rocks into alpine lakes. After 15+ years of waiting, my boots (trail runners, more accurately) finally touched the trails of Mineral King. If you’ve got some time to spare, this 5-day Mineral King backpacking loop is a must-do.
Desolation Wilderness is one of the most popular wilderness areas in the nation. With alpine lakes accessible within several miles of hiking, it’s no wonder that folks flock to this destination from all over the country. If you’re looking for a weekend backpacking trip with the most bang for your buck, look no further than Desolation Wilderness. This 2 day, 1 night loop hits some of the most beautiful spots in the Tahoe wilderness. Here’s everything you need to know about backpacking Fontanillis Lake.

This post is sponsored by Merrell and Zappos.

Summer backpacking is just around the corner. But there’s a wee bit of a problem… we’re all mostly stuck inside. If you live somewhere where getting outside responsibly and safely isn’t an option, there are still ways to prep for a summer on the trails. Here’s how to train for summer backpacking during COVID-19.
When it comes to glamping, Northern California has no shortage of fire lookouts and huts to spend the night in. These rustic destinations have the bare minimum, and then some, to make your night in the wilderness one to remember. Robbs Mountain Hut in Eldorado National Forest is one to add to your to-visit list.
