January snow stretches from the 13,652' summit of Mount Tom to the floor of Owens Valley nearly 10,000 feet below. Elderberry Canyon, the prominent S-shaped gorge winding across the center of the mountain, ranks among the Sierra's best ski descents—even when you can't ski all the way to Highway 395.
PCT: Onion Valley to Cottonwood PassThe Pacific Crest Trail from Onion Valley to Cottonwood Pass—a five day, fifty mile hike through the interior 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.
Mt. Whitney: Mountaineer's RouteFor adventurous hikers, John Muir's Mountaineer's Route offers an unforgettable Whitney climb.
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.
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. Shasta: Avalanche Gulch7000 vertical feet of superb July skiing down Avalanche Gulch, 14,162' Mount Shasta's popular climbing route.
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. Russell: East RidgeExplore the bleeding edge of Sierra Class 3 climbing on this day hike up Mount Russell's exposed East Ridge.
