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Kalalau Trail: Backpacking the Nāpali Coast of Kauai

Beachfront camping at Kalalau Beach and the stunning ridges of the Nāpali Coast are highlights of the 11 mile-long Kalalau Trail in Kauai.

backpacking, trip reportLily TangFebruary 25, 2023difficult, multi-night Comments

Fall Colors in the Eastern Sierra: Dusy Basin via Bishop Pass

Dusy Basin is a high alpine basin located in Kings Canyon National Park. This out-and-back trip starts at South Lake, passes several lakes on the way to Bishop Pass, then descends to Dusy Basin on the other side of the pass.

Island Lake, Twin Lakes, and Little Pyramid Peak

Only 7 miles round-trip, this overnighter to Island and Twin Lakes is a high-reward and low-effort Desolation Wilderness classic, great for a first-time backpacker, but also offering multiple off-trail options for the more experienced.

backpacking, trip reportLily TangDecember 27, 2022overnight, California, beginner, Desolation Wilderness Comments

Solitude on Yosemite’s Pohono Trail

The Pohono Trail is a 13-mile trail located on Yosemite Valley’s south rim that connects Tunnel View and Glacier Point.

backpacking, trip reportLily TangJune 9, 2022Yosemite, overnight, difficult, California Comments

Winter Meets Spring at Lake Aloha

An early-season overnighter to Lake Aloha, the “thousand island lake” of Desolation Wilderness.

backpacking, trip reportLily TangJune 3, 2022California, moderate, overnight, Desolation WildernessComment

Going Off-Trail in Tuolumne Meadows: Nelson Lake to Cathedral Lakes

This 3 day backpacking trip to Nelson, Matthes, Echo and Cathedral Lakes is an approachable cross-country trip in the remote Yosemite Tuolumne backcountry.

backpacking, trip reportLily TangMay 25, 2022Yosemite, California, multi-night, moderate Comments

A Strenuous Yosemite Trio: Four Mile Trail + Panorama Trail + Half Dome

This route combines the best of Yosemite: Glacier Point, Half Dome, Nevada Falls, and the Mist Trail, in 2 days of backpacking.

backpacking, trip reportLily TangAugust 18, 2021Yosemite, California, overnight, difficult Comments

Late Summer Backpacking at Fontanillis Lake in the Desolation Wilderness

Fontanillis Lake in the Desolation Wilderness paired with an optional scramble up the nearby Dicks Peak is an ideal destination for a quick and easy overnighter.

backpacking, trip reportLily TangFebruary 26, 2021Desolation Wilderness, California, overnight, beginner Comments

Stuart Fork to Emerald and Sapphire Lakes

A long 13 mile hike up the Stuart Fork valley ends at 2 alpine gems, Emerald Lake and Sapphire Lake.

backpacking, trip reportLily TangFebruary 17, 2021Trinity Alps Wilderness, California, overnight, difficult Comments

Backpacking Half Dome in the Off-Season, Yosemite National Park

With stunning waterfalls, technical climbing, and panoramic views, backpacking to the top of Half Dome when the cables are down is the ultimate adventure.