No long distance backpacking trip plan would be complete without a “cost per mile” estimate. Based on experience from previous trips, I estimate my cost for hiking the JMT at $536 ($33.50 per day) or $2.54 per mile. This includes transportation, lodging (one night before and after), food (on and off the trail), supplies, and resupply expenses. (It does not include the cost for gear or clothing.) I will keep track of my actual expenses and update this post after the trip. Approximately ha...

Below is the confirmation I received for a Yosemite wilderness permit. (Personal information removed.) We will pick up the actual permit on Sunday, August 4th. Awesome!

This confirms your reservation for a wilderness permit for the following trip.

Permit ID: XXXXX

Entry Date: 08/05/2013

Entry Trailhead: Happy Isles->Sunrise/Merced Lake (pass through)

Exit Date: 08/22/2013

Exit Trailhead: Whitney Portal

Number in Party: 2

Number hiking Half Dome: 0

Number of Stock: 0

You must camp beyond Little Yosemi...

Today is the first day of spring. I have been watching the snow pack totals for the high sierra and there is good news and bad news. The good news is that the hiking season should be starting sooner than normal because of the lower than normal snow pack. Unless we get a lot of spring snow storms, then I should be hiking at 6,000+ feet in May or early June! Pinecrest Lake here I come! The bad news is that we really need more snow or it’s going to be a very dry summer in the valley. You can ...