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About
Gear
- Backpacking Gear List
- Day Hiking Gear List
Hikes
Resources
Contact

on February 28, 2015

Early go time of 6 am, starting with a climb through foxtail pines and towering juniper trees. The morning light danced off the branches as I climbed, casting long shadows across the trail. After a quick off-trail push, I reached the base of Bullfrog Meadow Peak.

The summit block turned out to be a fun Class 2 climb, with plenty of route options weaving through the rock to the top. Waiting there was a summit register placed by the Church of the Sierra and spectacular 360-degree views. I sat for a long while, taking it all in and identifying as many surrounding peaks as I could.

I left the summit knowing I still had unfinished business in this area. From the top, several nearby peaks caught my eye, each one calling for a future visit. I’ll be heading back soon to explore more of this rugged country and climb a few of the summits I spotted during this trip.

Favorite New Gear:
•Zpacks Arc Haul 60 Backpack with vest straps
•Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Long Sleeve UL
•Topo Athletics Traverse Trail Runners
•Injinji Ultra Run Crew CoolMax Socks
•Terra Ultralight Alpha Direct Sleep Socks

Highlights from Day 3:
⏰Early morning lighting
🧗Bullfrog Meadow Peak summit block climb
💯360 degree view from the summit of Bullfrog
❤️Foxtail Pines, I love them
🥾No humans the entire trip
💪Thankful for a strong body
🥪🍨 Sandwich & ice cream at The Bistro in Lone Pine

🌟Cinder Cone, Red Hill & Bullfrog Meadow Peak Golden Trout Wilderness Solo Backpack
📅: May 17, 2026
🧭ROUTE:
3️⃣Day 3 - Mulkey Meadow Trail > Bullfrog Meadow Peak Summit > Trail Pass

•

Early go time of 6 am, starting with a climb through foxtail pines and towering juniper trees. The morning light danced off the branches as I climbed, casting long shadows across the trail. After a quick off-trail push, I reached the base of Bullfrog Meadow Peak. The summit block turned out to be a fun Class 2 climb, with plenty of route options weaving through the rock to the top. Waiting there was a summit register placed by the Church of the Sierra and spectacular 360-degree views. I sat for a long while, taking it all in and identifying as many surrounding peaks as I could. I left the summit knowing I still had unfinished business in this area. From the top, several nearby peaks caught my eye, each one calling for a future visit. I’ll be heading back soon to explore more of this rugged country and climb a few of the summits I spotted during this trip. Favorite New Gear: •Zpacks Arc Haul 60 Backpack with vest straps •Jolly Gear Triple Crown Button Down Long Sleeve UL •Topo Athletics Traverse Trail Runners •Injinji Ultra Run Crew CoolMax Socks •Terra Ultralight Alpha Direct Sleep Socks Highlights from Day 3: ⏰Early morning lighting 🧗Bullfrog Meadow Peak summit block climb 💯360 degree view from the summit of Bullfrog ❤️Foxtail Pines, I love them 🥾No humans the entire trip 💪Thankful for a strong body 🥪🍨 Sandwich & ice cream at The Bistro in Lone Pine 🌟Cinder Cone, Red Hill & Bullfrog Meadow Peak Golden Trout Wilderness Solo Backpack 📅: May 17, 2026 🧭ROUTE: 3️⃣Day 3 - Mulkey Meadow Trail > Bullfrog Meadow Peak Summit > Trail Pass

6 days ago

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1/15

After a cold, quiet night I woke to the alarm of birds chirping. The familiar sounds of my stove heating water for coffee, the hiss of the air mattress deflating, the crunch of gear being packed away, and the thud of my fully loaded pack landing outside the tent — these are what I came for. Well, all of that and the coffee. ☕️

The day brought new sights, perfect temperatures, fun peak climbs, and wide-open views. From the summits of Red Cone and Red Hill Peak, I spotted a massive unnamed meadow arm stretching out from Ramshaw Meadow. From above, it looked too good not to explore — and like the perfect connection toward tomorrow’s objective, Bullfrog Meadow Peak.

The route across went better than expected. Early season travel through these meadows can mean thick brush, mud, and endless water crossings, but I managed to find one solid path through.

By evening, a small spring and a perch above the meadow made for the perfect camp. Funny enough, I worried about plenty of other things giving out first, but in the end it was just my feet that were tired. Nothing a good soak couldn’t fix.

Highlights from Day 2:
☕️Sipping morning coffee from my tent
🗿Early morning frost over Tunnel Meadow and it’s rock formations
💦Small stream crossings
🌋Hiking on red volcanic rock
❤️Foxtail Pines, I love them.
🥾No humans
❄️A good soak in cold water at the end of the day

🌟Cinder Cone, Red Hill & Bullfrog Meadow Peak Golden Trout Wilderness Solo Backpack
📅: May 15, 2026
🧭ROUTE:
2️⃣Day 2 - Tunnel Meadow > Cinder Cone Summit > Red Hill Summit > Ramshaw Meadow > Mulkey Meadow Trail

•

Follow

After a cold, quiet night I woke to the alarm of birds chirping. The familiar sounds of my stove heating water for coffee, the hiss of the air mattress deflating, the crunch of gear being packed away, and the thud of my fully loaded pack landing outside the tent — these are what I came for. Well, all of that and the coffee. ☕️ The day brought new sights, perfect temperatures, fun peak climbs, and wide-open views. From the summits of Red Cone and Red Hill Peak, I spotted a massive unnamed meadow arm stretching out from Ramshaw Meadow. From above, it looked too good not to explore — and like the perfect connection toward tomorrow’s objective, Bullfrog Meadow Peak. The route across went better than expected. Early season travel through these meadows can mean thick brush, mud, and endless water crossings, but I managed to find one solid path through. By evening, a small spring and a perch above the meadow made for the perfect camp. Funny enough, I worried about plenty of other things giving out first, but in the end it was just my feet that were tired. Nothing a good soak couldn’t fix. Highlights from Day 2: ☕️Sipping morning coffee from my tent 🗿Early morning frost over Tunnel Meadow and it’s rock formations 💦Small stream crossings 🌋Hiking on red volcanic rock ❤️Foxtail Pines, I love them. 🥾No humans ❄️A good soak in cold water at the end of the day 🌟Cinder Cone, Red Hill & Bullfrog Meadow Peak Golden Trout Wilderness Solo Backpack 📅: May 15, 2026 🧭ROUTE: 2️⃣Day 2 - Tunnel Meadow > Cinder Cone Summit > Red Hill Summit > Ramshaw Meadow > Mulkey Meadow Trail

7 days ago

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2/15

Left my car at 1:30 PM near the first gate below the official Horseshoe Meadow Trailhead and headed south. Full of fear and doubt, but so unbelievably happy and thankful to have a loaded pack on my back again.

I kept wondering, had all the therapy paid off? So many hours of weight training with Caroline Girvan, pushing through pain with Jose at PT Solutions, red light therapy, trigger point work, supplements — all of it leading to this moment. Along the way I learned a lot about myself, the human body, and other people, but most of all I learned patience and forgiveness.

Every step down the trail felt like proof that healing isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s just quietly showing up, one mile at a time, with gratitude for being able to carry the weight again. 🎒

Highlights from Afternoon 1:
🐄Crossing Mulkey Pass and seeing Mulkey Cow Camp a new pass and area for me
🪾Foxtail Pines!!!!!
💦Water everywhere
❄️Snow Plant
🌅Open green meadows
🥾Saw only 1 set of foot prints going opposite direction, no humans

🌟Cinder Cone, Red Hill & Bullfrog Meadow Peak Golden Trout Wilderness Solo Backpack
📅: May 14, 2026
🧭ROUTE:
1️⃣Mulkey Pass > Mulkey Meadow > Bullfrog Meadow > Tunnel Meadow

•

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Left my car at 1:30 PM near the first gate below the official Horseshoe Meadow Trailhead and headed south. Full of fear and doubt, but so unbelievably happy and thankful to have a loaded pack on my back again. I kept wondering, had all the therapy paid off? So many hours of weight training with Caroline Girvan, pushing through pain with Jose at PT Solutions, red light therapy, trigger point work, supplements — all of it leading to this moment. Along the way I learned a lot about myself, the human body, and other people, but most of all I learned patience and forgiveness. Every step down the trail felt like proof that healing isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes it’s just quietly showing up, one mile at a time, with gratitude for being able to carry the weight again. 🎒 Highlights from Afternoon 1: 🐄Crossing Mulkey Pass and seeing Mulkey Cow Camp a new pass and area for me 🪾Foxtail Pines!!!!! 💦Water everywhere ❄️Snow Plant 🌅Open green meadows 🥾Saw only 1 set of foot prints going opposite direction, no humans 🌟Cinder Cone, Red Hill & Bullfrog Meadow Peak Golden Trout Wilderness Solo Backpack 📅: May 14, 2026 🧭ROUTE: 1️⃣Mulkey Pass > Mulkey Meadow > Bullfrog Meadow > Tunnel Meadow

1 week ago

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3/15

✅ 1st Backpack of the 2026 Season

I’m a huge fan of the Sierra’s Golden Trout Wilderness. It is perfect for early or late season backpacking trips, is lightly traveled, has a rich history, sports a plethora of huge meadows to saunter through and peaks to climb, has no quotas, and most importantly has endless opportunities for off trail travel.

After a shoulder injury a year ago, and doing lots of PT and weight training over the winter, I needed a confidence boost big time. I traded snow for dirt and headed in full force into the wild with a few new gear items and tweaks to ensure success in both shoulder mechanics and pain.

Got to admit I was scared out of my mind. To my huge relief my new gear worked beautifully, especially my backpack with runner style vest straps. The hard work paid off.

On this 3 day trip, I sauntered deep in the belly of Golden Trout traveling on and off trail passing through 6 meadows while climbing 3 little peaks along the way. ⛰️⛰️⛰️

🌟Cinder Cone, Red Hill & Bullfrog Meadow Peak Golden Trout Wilderness Solo Backpack
📅: May 14-16, 2026
🧭ROUTE:
1️⃣Afternoon 1 - Mulkey Pass > Mulkey Meadow > Bullfrog Meadow > Tunnel Meadow
2️⃣Day 2 - Tunnel Meadow > Cinder Cone Summit > Red Hill Summit > Ramshow Meadow > Mulkey Meadow Trail
3️⃣Day 3 - Mulkey Meadow Trail > Bullfrog Meadow Peak Summit > Trail Pass

•

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✅ 1st Backpack of the 2026 Season I’m a huge fan of the Sierra’s Golden Trout Wilderness. It is perfect for early or late season backpacking trips, is lightly traveled, has a rich history, sports a plethora of huge meadows to saunter through and peaks to climb, has no quotas, and most importantly has endless opportunities for off trail travel. After a shoulder injury a year ago, and doing lots of PT and weight training over the winter, I needed a confidence boost big time. I traded snow for dirt and headed in full force into the wild with a few new gear items and tweaks to ensure success in both shoulder mechanics and pain. Got to admit I was scared out of my mind. To my huge relief my new gear worked beautifully, especially my backpack with runner style vest straps. The hard work paid off. On this 3 day trip, I sauntered deep in the belly of Golden Trout traveling on and off trail passing through 6 meadows while climbing 3 little peaks along the way. ⛰️⛰️⛰️ 🌟Cinder Cone, Red Hill & Bullfrog Meadow Peak Golden Trout Wilderness Solo Backpack 📅: May 14-16, 2026 🧭ROUTE: 1️⃣Afternoon 1 - Mulkey Pass > Mulkey Meadow > Bullfrog Meadow > Tunnel Meadow 2️⃣Day 2 - Tunnel Meadow > Cinder Cone Summit > Red Hill Summit > Ramshow Meadow > Mulkey Meadow Trail 3️⃣Day 3 - Mulkey Meadow Trail > Bullfrog Meadow Peak Summit > Trail Pass

1 week ago

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4/15

If I am not on the snow, I am thinking about being on the snow. It is much like I feel about hiking. When I am not hiking on dirt, I am thinking about hiking on dirt. It ain’t over until it is over. I feel so excited for the next round, whatever life throws at me. Anyone else feel this way?

This very sweet week @mammothmountain was filled with turns on soft fresh snow, dramatic sunsets, skiing 35,500’ vertical feet in one day (personal record), cool cloud formations, wind, and cold cold days.

Thinkin’ I’ll head back.
#secondseason
#rossignolsenderfree110

•

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If I am not on the snow, I am thinking about being on the snow. It is much like I feel about hiking. When I am not hiking on dirt, I am thinking about hiking on dirt. It ain’t over until it is over. I feel so excited for the next round, whatever life throws at me. Anyone else feel this way? This very sweet week @mammothmountain was filled with turns on soft fresh snow, dramatic sunsets, skiing 35,500’ vertical feet in one day (personal record), cool cloud formations, wind, and cold cold days. Thinkin’ I’ll head back. #secondseason #rossignolsenderfree110

1 month ago

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5/15

The vibe was thumping big and loud today when @mammothmountain popped the top after a storm that blanketed the steeps in a few inches of powder. @dbrosander and I managed to find some nice lines with open fluff. I feel very well exercised after a week of doing turns with friends and family. Ski ya next time. #skiday45

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The vibe was thumping big and loud today when @mammothmountain popped the top after a storm that blanketed the steeps in a few inches of powder. @dbrosander and I managed to find some nice lines with open fluff. I feel very well exercised after a week of doing turns with friends and family. Ski ya next time. #skiday45

2 months ago

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6/15

Ode to Chair 23…

“Rock it till your wheels come off!”
~quote by a very inspirational friend @brandonmichaelz

What a beautiful bluebird day @mammothmountain complete with fine friends, soft off-piste afternoon snow, a leisurely lunch break, and making lots of turns on the steeps. It was a day to be remembered. #skiday39

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Ode to Chair 23… “Rock it till your wheels come off!” ~quote by a very inspirational friend @brandonmichaelz What a beautiful bluebird day @mammothmountain complete with fine friends, soft off-piste afternoon snow, a leisurely lunch break, and making lots of turns on the steeps. It was a day to be remembered. #skiday39

2 months ago

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7/15

@junemountain never disappoints with all the views, nice groomers, friendly staff, good coverage, and no crowds. Turn baby turn those Rossignol 110 Sender Free⛷️❤️🤩

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@junemountain never disappoints with all the views, nice groomers, friendly staff, good coverage, and no crowds. Turn baby turn those Rossignol 110 Sender Free⛷️❤️🤩

2 months ago

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8/15

Mammoth Magic strikes again. 🪄

This morning started off cold and windy with a striking view of the full moon setting over Mammoth Mountain. 🌝

Usually cold and windy means icy slopes and a lot of unskiable terrain. Surprisingly, the snow was soft, powdery, and so smooth. @dbrosander and I explored some new lines on Cloud 9. As the day progressed, wind gusts increased, many lifts closed, but we still found good skiing.

I am so thankful for my home ski mountain and this community. Can’t wait to make more turns tomorrow. 🥰

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Mammoth Magic strikes again. 🪄 This morning started off cold and windy with a striking view of the full moon setting over Mammoth Mountain. 🌝 Usually cold and windy means icy slopes and a lot of unskiable terrain. Surprisingly, the snow was soft, powdery, and so smooth. @dbrosander and I explored some new lines on Cloud 9. As the day progressed, wind gusts increased, many lifts closed, but we still found good skiing. I am so thankful for my home ski mountain and this community. Can’t wait to make more turns tomorrow. 🥰

3 months ago

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9/15

✨Bring it @mammothmountain ✨After 2 days of wind, rain, and low visibility, today was true redemption with soft snow, bluebird skies, and all the views.

I am sporting new Rossignol Sender Free 110 skis. They are wide, stable, cut through the crud, and love to turn. Today while in line at Chair 23, a young man said not many women ski on them and I was Bad Ass. 💪

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✨Bring it @mammothmountain ✨After 2 days of wind, rain, and low visibility, today was true redemption with soft snow, bluebird skies, and all the views. I am sporting new Rossignol Sender Free 110 skis. They are wide, stable, cut through the crud, and love to turn. Today while in line at Chair 23, a young man said not many women ski on them and I was Bad Ass. 💪

3 months ago

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10/15

Dropouts for daze. Doesn’t get better than this @mammothmountain. Soft fluff on the steeps, cruiser carving on the groomers, and cold sunny days. My face hurts from smiling. 😍

It was one fine week thanks to the magic work of the mountain staff. Feeling very blessed, well-exercised, and full hearted. ❤️🙏

•

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Dropouts for daze. Doesn’t get better than this @mammothmountain. Soft fluff on the steeps, cruiser carving on the groomers, and cold sunny days. My face hurts from smiling. 😍 It was one fine week thanks to the magic work of the mountain staff. Feeling very blessed, well-exercised, and full hearted. ❤️🙏

4 months ago

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11/15

GET READY snow is coming! ❄️❄️❄️❄️

Throwback from last December @mammothmountain on our first real attempt at using a GoPro. This is one of our favorite off-piste lines that is just challenging enough and we usually have the whole run to ourselves.

I wish I could say we are so cool out there but NO… we are not sending gnarly terrain, ribs, couloirs, jibbing, bombing, or popping off every rock with a grab, daffy, or spread eagle, but we sure are out there having fun.

We bought the camera and quite a few accessories 2 years ago and have failed miserably at using it for so so many reasons. Wish I could say the @goprosnow was a winner for us, but we are selling the whole camera package if anyone is interested.

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GET READY snow is coming! ❄️❄️❄️❄️ Throwback from last December @mammothmountain on our first real attempt at using a GoPro. This is one of our favorite off-piste lines that is just challenging enough and we usually have the whole run to ourselves. I wish I could say we are so cool out there but NO… we are not sending gnarly terrain, ribs, couloirs, jibbing, bombing, or popping off every rock with a grab, daffy, or spread eagle, but we sure are out there having fun. We bought the camera and quite a few accessories 2 years ago and have failed miserably at using it for so so many reasons. Wish I could say the @goprosnow was a winner for us, but we are selling the whole camera package if anyone is interested.

5 months ago

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12/15

What a gift! Just pinch me. Is it spring or winter? Thanks again @mammothmountain for bringing it once again. #getoutside #skiyouragechallenge #skicalifornia

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What a gift! Just pinch me. Is it spring or winter? Thanks again @mammothmountain for bringing it once again. #getoutside #skiyouragechallenge #skicalifornia

6 months ago

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13/15

I treasure activities that require so much, that I loose myself in it. No pain, no worries, no extra thoughts, no nothing but what I am doing. Skiing is this. Just the mountain, snow, ice, cold, and me. Day 3 of this season @mammothmountain brought it all. It was a good day. 🤩#

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I treasure activities that require so much, that I loose myself in it. No pain, no worries, no extra thoughts, no nothing but what I am doing. Skiing is this. Just the mountain, snow, ice, cold, and me. Day 3 of this season @mammothmountain brought it all. It was a good day. 🤩#

6 months ago

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14/15

What an awesome opening day @mammothmountain. Lots of open terrain and soft snow. Pretty crazy great. Thank you to all the mountain staff and community that made this magic happen so quickly.

I have a feeling that 25/26 season is going to be mighty fine. ❄️⛷️💫✨
#mammothsopen #mammothbeanie #skicalifornia

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What an awesome opening day @mammothmountain. Lots of open terrain and soft snow. Pretty crazy great. Thank you to all the mountain staff and community that made this magic happen so quickly. I have a feeling that 25/26 season is going to be mighty fine. ❄️⛷️💫✨ #mammothsopen #mammothbeanie #skicalifornia

6 months ago

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15/15

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