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All tagged High Sierra
Just ten miles south of Mammoth Lakes along Highway 395, Convict Lake is an alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks waiting to be kayaked on. This glacially carved gem in Inyo National Forest is a favorite for outdoorsy people, offering year-round kayaking and paddleboarding. The lake’s mirror-like surface reflects the towering mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop as you glide across the calm waters.
There's a tranquil beauty that comes with gliding across the still surface of a calm lake, river, or pond, surrounded by nature's serenity. If you've ever been captivated by the idea of exploring these peaceful waters up close, then you're in the right place. Welcome to our beginner's guide on how to embark on the exciting journey of flatwater kayaking.
When I first started my peak-bagging journey, I was obsessed with climbing 14ers. Living in California gave me some great options, but nowhere near the variety Colorado offers. The flipside? Not as many people in California are chasing those 14,000-foot summits. In Colorado, the peaks are buzzing with climbers.
After my first few successful summits in California, I felt invincible. I tackled these mountains car-to-car and stuck to routes no harder than Class 4. Climbing solo felt completely fine—until the day I experienced altitude sickness.
Hidden in the plain sight in the breathtaking Eastern Sierra region of California, Mammoth Lakes and its neighboring areas provide a perfect retreat for travelers craving tranquility, natural beauty, and rejuvenation. Among the area's most alluring features are the hot springs scattered along Highway 395, offering a serene and soothing escape amid stunning mountain views. Whether you're looking to soak in a natural mineral pool after a day of hiking or simply unwind surrounded by nature, these hot springs are an oasis worth exploring.
We had a crazy idea, let’s road trip down Highway 395 in our self-converted van (watch the video tour of our dodge promaster 2500) with kayaks and explore as many bodies of water as possible. We only had a week, so how much could we cram into a single outing? We were not sure, but we wanted to try. So, would five bodies of water be too many, ten? Now, I’ll admit neither of us are good at kayaking, heck we can barely get in the kayaks without flipping, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that we committed to the idea and have loads of fun along the way.
Did we succeed? Kind of.
There are a lot of great reasons to hike to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls. From the trail, the views of Yosemite Falls are breath taking and the sound of the thundering flow humbles the soul. Halfway up the climb you get an amazing view of Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome in the distance.
The High Sierra, a majestic mountain range stretching along the eastern border of California, is a backpacker's paradise. Its rugged terrain, glacial lakes, and breathtaking vistas beckon adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. Among the many iconic trails in the region, the North Lake to South Lake Loop stands out as a challenging yet rewarding journey that showcases the best of the Sierra Nevada.
Welcome to the pristine haven of Sabrina Lake, where adventure meets serenity and nature beckons you to unwind. Nestled in the heart of the majestic Eastern Sierra Nevada, this stunning alpine lake offers a retreat for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a blend of exhilarating activities and unparalleled tranquility.
When it comes to the High Sierra, adventurers often gravitate towards the more famous peaks like Mount Whitney or Half Dome. However, hidden amidst the rugged beauty of this vast mountain range lies a gem that demands attention: Mount Emerson. Rising majestically to an elevation of 13,204 feet, this formidable peak offers a thrilling challenge for climbers seeking a less-trodden path and a unique connection with the wilderness.
The wilderness of Mammoth, where towering peaks and rugged landscapes beckon climbers from all corners of the globe. Amongst the plethora of climbing spots in this mountainous region, one destination stands out like a sparkling jewel in the rough: Crystal Crag. With its mystical allure and heart-pounding challenges, many climbers wonder if this granite wonderland truly reigns as the best rock climbing spot in Mammoth.
Embarking on a hiking adventure in the Eastern Sierra is like stepping into a realm of untamed beauty and boundless exploration. This extraordinary region, nestled along the eastern edge of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, offers a hiker's paradise with its diverse landscapes, breathtaking vistas, and an extensive network of trails to suit all skill levels.
Embarking on a challenging hike in the Eastern Sierra is not for the faint of heart. This rugged and majestic region of California offers a plethora of trails that will push your limits and reward you with awe-inspiring views and a profound sense of accomplishment. From towering peaks to alpine lakes and dramatic canyons, the Eastern Sierra presents hikers with a playground of adventure and natural beauty.
Welcome to the breathtaking realm of the Eastern Sierra, a realm where rugged peaks kiss the cerulean sky, crystal-clear lakes mirror the towering majesty of the surrounding mountains, and vast stretches of untamed wilderness beckon adventurers from far and wide. Nestled along the eastern edge of the mighty Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, this enchanting region is a true haven for nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and those seeking solace in the embrace of untouched landscapes.
Highway 395 is an adventurer's paradise, providing access to the breathtaking Eastern Sierra Mountains. This scenic road trip route is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide array of activities and attractions along the way. If you're planning a journey along Highway 395 and find yourself unsure of where to stop, this blog is here to help.
Nestled in the Sherwin Range of the Sierra Nevada, Convict Lake, with its turquoise-blue waters and dramatic mountain scenery, is a remarkable destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Its name, steeped in an intriguing history of convicts and shootouts, adds an element of mystery to its natural beauty. Carved out by glaciers, the lake is among the deepest in the Sierra Nevada mountains and is enveloped by a box canyon set in the mountains. The landscape is dominated by light-colored granite, the result of a deep geological history involving magma, sedimentary rocks, and extreme heat and pressure. Moreover, the lake holds cultural significance as well, being known as Wit-sa-nap to the Paiute Indians, whose legends fill the place with a spiritual ambiance.
For those who are motivated for a full-day of hiking there’s arguably not a better trail to showcase the park’s natural treasures. There are several ways to enjoy this trail. For a moderate hike, start at Glacier Point and hike down to the Valley Floor. For a personal challenge, hike the Panorama trail from the Yosemite Valley floor out and back for a total of 18 miles, often taking all day. Regardless of how you hike this trail, the panoramic views of Yosemite Valley give the Panorama Trail its namesake.
From Lake Tahoe to Alabama Hills, Highway 395 has become a destination for adventure seekers, offering stunning landscapes and thrilling outdoor activities. But what do you do with all those sore muscles after a long day of hiking, skiing, or exploring? Fortunately, sprinkled throughout the 215-mile stretch of road and mountains, you'll find six different mineral-rich hot springs waiting to soothe and rejuvenate your adventure-beaten body.
Are you a photography enthusiast, or seasoned pro, seeking awe-inspiring landscapes to capture with your lens? Look no further than the enchanting Alabama Hills in California! Nestled in the shadow of the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountains, this unique destination offers an abundance of picturesque locations for photographers of all skill levels. Join us on a virtual journey as we explore the must-visit photography spots in Alabama Hills, CA.
