trip report

Backpacking the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne in Yosemite

This 30-mile point-to-point hike follows the Tuolumne River and takes 3-4 days to complete. Waterfalls, swimming holes, and impressive granite canyons are just some of the highlights.

backpacking, trip reportLily TangNovember 1, 2024California, multi-night, moderate, YosemiteComment

A Winter Island Escape: 3 Days on the Trans-Catalina Trail

The Trans-Catalina Trail off the coast of Southern California was the perfect choice for a winter backpacking trip. We hiked it in 3 days over President's Day weekend.

backpacking, trip reportLily TangAugust 12, 2024California, multi-night, moderateComment

Yosemite Valley Backpacking to Cloud's Rest and Quarter Domes

This strenuous hike out of Happy Isles takes you to an off-trail camp spot with a view that rivals that of Cloud’s Rest.

backpacking, trip reportLily TangAugust 31, 2023overnight, California, Yosemite, difficult Comments

Snow in July: Backpacking Panorama Ridge and Garibaldi Lake

Panorama Ridge is an iconic 20 mi/32 km hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park that offers 360-degree views of Garibaldi Lake, Black Tusk, Helm Creek, and the surrounding mountains.

backpacking, trip reportLily TangMay 16, 2023overnight, difficult, British Columbia Comments

Backpacking at Wedgemount Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park, BC

The trail to Wedgemount Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park is steep: 1100 meters in just 7 kilometers, with lots of scrambling over tree roots and boulders, but the reward at the top is a glaciated paradise.

backpacking, trip reportLily TangApril 28, 2023overnight, difficult, British Columbia Comment

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.