SierraDescents | Category | Hiking
August 19, 2014
University Peak
Okay, I thought this one was supposed to be easy. When it comes to accurately sizing up a route’s difficulties, I’m beginning to fear either I’m a hopeless optimist or else (more)
July 27, 2014
Inyo Mts: Squaw Peak
At first, I thought it was simply a case of guidebook error. Later—hours later—when I was beset by flies, and covered in scratches and pine sap, when my legs were (more)
July 19, 2014
Mount Diablo
Rising a decidedly non-devilish 3,849 feet above sea level, Mount Diablo is not quite the highest summit in the Bay Area, but it is Contra Costa County's highpoint, and, thanks to (more)
July 11, 2014
Where’s Your Sierra?
I have a distinct mental image of "The Sierra"—and this isn't it. My Sierra is heavy on Owens Valley and fourteeners, with lots of dry, dusty, austere granite brooding high (more)
September 26, 2013
Canyon With Kids, Reprised
We made it out! I don't think I've ever been as anxious about a backpacking trip as this one, but when my brother invited me to join him on a 2-night trip with his family to (more)
August 16, 2013
House of Pain
Olancha Peak has long commanded my attention. First of the Southern Sierra's big mountains, Olancha can be thought of as the range's regional ambassador. Drive Highway 395 north (more)
June 26, 2013
The South Fork Loop
"Don't tell me how far it is," I say. I don't want to know. We're at the Mill Creek Ranger Station, waiting for it to open so we can get hiking permits. You need permits to enter (more)
June 12, 2013
Mount Hollywood
Rising only 1625 feet above sea level, Mount Hollywood may sound lowly. But it is surely one of the must-do summits in Southern California. You won't need much more than a pair (more)
November 7, 2012
Rim to Rim: I Think You Can Do It
The call comes at 3:30 a.m. In record-setting fashion, my brother has pushed this decision to literally the last minute possible. If he says go, we'll hop in the car and drive to (more)
September 30, 2011
White Mountain
White Mountain, California — It would be a mistake to call White Mountain an easy fourteener (is there such a thing?). But it's not unreasonable to call White Mountain (more)
