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Cactus Bloom

A prickly pear cactus blooms alongside the Symes Creek/Shepherd Pass trail, on the way back from Mount Williamson, providing a welcome burst of color to cheer the exhausted climber.

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PCT: Onion Valley to Cottonwood Pass
The Pacific Crest Trail from Onion Valley to Cottonwood Pass—a five day, fifty mile hike through the interior Sierra.
North Palisade: the U-Notch
Glaciers, couloirs, and rock in the heart of the High Sierra: 14,242' North Palisade is a true California classic.
Mt. Whitney: Mountaineer's Route
For adventurous hikers, John Muir's Mountaineer's Route offers an unforgettable Whitney climb.
Mt. Russell: East Ridge
Explore the bleeding edge of Sierra Class 3 climbing on this day hike up Mount Russell's exposed East Ridge.
Grand Canyon: Walter Powell Route
My brother and I go off the map in the Grand Canyon to find Walter Powell's 1869 rim-to-river route.
Mt. Langley: Cottonwood Lakes Loop
A strenuous but scenic day hike up Mount Langley's Class 3 East-Southeast Ridge and down Army Pass.
Sandstone Peak: Mishe Mokwa Loop
Ocean, canyon, and city views abound in this easy day hike to the top of Southern California's Santa Monica Mountains.
Mt. Shasta: Avalanche Gulch
7000 vertical feet of superb July skiing down Avalanche Gulch, 14,162' Mount Shasta's popular climbing route.