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Last 2 miles of the trail

on March 8, 2025

Last 2 miles of the trail

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Happy Hike Naked Day! Happy Summer Solstice AND Happy Father’s Day from the eastern Sierra. ⛰️❤️🌅🏕️💦🏃‍♀️

A recap of the good stuff from my hike last week. Heading out for a longer jaunt in the high Sierra that will be a true test of what I am made of. 😬

And to take a direct quote from @katiegerber
“May the solstice bring you space to breathe, space to explore, and the grit to handle whatever the trail throws your way.”

You all rock!

•

Happy Hike Naked Day! Happy Summer Solstice AND Happy Father’s Day from the eastern Sierra. ⛰️❤️🌅🏕️💦🏃‍♀️ A recap of the good stuff from my hike last week. Heading out for a longer jaunt in the high Sierra that will be a true test of what I am made of. 😬 And to take a direct quote from @katiegerber “May the solstice bring you space to breathe, space to explore, and the grit to handle whatever the trail throws your way.” You all rock!

1 day ago

View on Instagram |

1/15

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind.

Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with.
I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007.

Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️

📅 June 9–11, 2026

Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass

Recommendations & Tips:
✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail
👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal)
🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side.
🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route.
💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water.
🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

•

I ventured into a wild corner of the Southern Golden Trout Wilderness where abandoned trails, trail blazes, and countless downed trees are often all that remain. Years of storms and heavy snow have left much of the terrain ravaged. I knew that going in, but I wanted to see it firsthand. Parts of this route were fantastic. Other parts were a grind. Over 3 1/2 days and roughly 60 miles, I skirted 12 named meadows, crossed the Toowa Range twice, forded the South Fork Kern River, climbed over at least 350 downed trees, and encountered more bear scat than I was comfortable with. I wouldn’t recommend this route in its entirety, but several sections were outstanding. Much of it appears not to have been maintained since 2007. Mid-trip a missing charger cord became the trip’s biggest gear issue. Traveling solo, it was critical for charging my phone, watch, headlamp, and Garmin. With only 55% battery remaining on my iPhone, I had to conserve power for navigation through the most confusing sections. As a result, taking photos and video came to an abrupt halt. ☹️ 📅 June 9–11, 2026 Route: 🧭 Cottonwood Pass → Big Whitney Meadow → south on Siberian Pass Trail → Cold Meadows Trail → west over Stringer Saddle → north on Redrock Meadows Trail → east on Ramshaw Meadow Trail → ford South Fork Kern River → Strawberry Bell route → Pacific Crest Trail → Mulkey Pass Recommendations & Tips: ✅ Best trail: Cottonwood Pass • Siberian Pass • Volcano Meadow Trail to Volcano Meadow • Cold Meadow to Redrock Meadow • Pacific Crest Trail • Mulkey Pass Trail 👎 Trails to avoid: Cold Springs Meadow Trail from Volcano Meadow south to Cold Springs Meadow • Redrock Meadows Trail to Strawberry Meadow (absolutely brutal) 🍓 Strawberry Bell: Not a trail, but an excellent cross-country route. I often found easier travel on game trails along the north side of the creek, even though maps generally show the route on the south side. 🔥 Trail blazes marked on trees were invaluable and often the only thing keeping me on route. 💦 As of mid-June, all springs and creeks were flowing well and could be relied upon for water. 🦟 Mosquitoes were present near water from roughly 8,500–11,000 feet.

4 days ago

View on Instagram |

2/15

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

4 weeks ago

View on Instagram |

3/15

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

•

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

4 weeks ago

View on Instagram |

4/15

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

•

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

4 weeks ago

View on Instagram |

5/15

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

✅ 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 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

•

✅ 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 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

4 weeks ago

View on Instagram |

6/15

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

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

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

•

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

2 months ago

View on Instagram |

7/15

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

•

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

3 months ago

View on Instagram |

8/15

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

•

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

3 months ago

View on Instagram |

9/15

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

•

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

3 months ago

View on Instagram |

10/15

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. 🥰

•

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. 🥰

4 months ago

View on Instagram |

11/15

✨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. 💪

•

✨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. 💪

4 months ago

View on Instagram |

12/15

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. ❤️🙏

•

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. ❤️🙏

5 months ago

View on Instagram |

13/15

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.

6 months ago

View on Instagram |

14/15

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

7 months ago

View on Instagram |

15/15

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