self portrait on the summit of 14,027' Mount Langley, the southern-most of California's fourteeners. Langley's unique, beach-like geology sets the mountain apart from its next door neighbor, Mount Whitney, making for a fascinating—and much less crowded—summer hike in the Southern Sierra.
North Palisade: the U-NotchGlaciers, couloirs, and rock in the heart of the High Sierra: 14,242' North Palisade is a true California classic.
Grand Canyon: Walter Powell RouteMy brother and I go off the map in the Grand Canyon to find Walter Powell's 1869 rim-to-river route.
Mt. Russell: East RidgeExplore the bleeding edge of Sierra Class 3 climbing on this day hike up Mount Russell's exposed East Ridge.
Sandstone Peak: Mishe Mokwa LoopOcean, canyon, and city views abound in this easy day hike to the top of Southern California's Santa Monica Mountains.
Mt. Whitney: Mountaineer's RouteFor adventurous hikers, John Muir's Mountaineer's Route offers an unforgettable Whitney climb.
Mt. Langley: Cottonwood Lakes LoopA strenuous but scenic day hike up Mount Langley's Class 3 East-Southeast Ridge and down Army Pass.
Mt. San Jacinto: Round Valley TrailEscape the desert's merciless heat via the Palm Springs Aerial Tram and Mount San Jacinto's Round Valley Trail.
MT. SHASTA: AVALANCHE GULCH7000 vertical feet of superb July skiing down Avalanche Gulch, 14,162' Mount Shasta's popular climbing route.
