Covering roughly 231,000 acres within the Inyo and Sierra National Forests, the Ansel Adams Wilderness sits between Yosemite National Park to the north and the John Muir Wilderness to the south, forming part of a vast protected corridor in the central Sierra Nevada. Elevations range from around 3,500 feet to more than 13,000 feet, with the Ritter Range, including Banner Peak and Mount Ritter, standing as the wilderness’s most recognizable summits. The Minarets, a jagged series of spires, provide some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in California. 

The Ansel Adams Wilderness’s human history stretches far beyond its modern designation. The Mono and Paiute people lived seasonally in these mountains, hunting, fishing, and gathering in tune with the land’s rhythms. Archeological evidence in the form of obsidian flakes, petroglyphs, and ancient campsites attests to their long presence in the region. For these communities, the Sierra Nevada was not a wilderness to be explored and exploited, but a homeland interwoven with cultural and spiritual meaning.In the 19th century, Euro-American settlers arrived, establishing mining camps and trade routes, cutting trails, and exploring the high country. Over time, a growing conservation movement, propelled by Adams’ photography and public awareness of the Sierra’s grandeur, helped secure permanent protections, keeping the wilderness as pristine today as it was over a century ago. 

Getting There 

Accessing the Ansel Adams Wilderness is relatively straightforward, though your route depends on where you start. Most visitors enter from the eastern side near Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, or the Reds Meadow Valley. Western access points are available from trailheads near Clover Meadow and Granite Creek. 

Popular trailheads include: 

• Agnew Meadows: Just outside Mammoth Lakes, this trailhead connects to the River Trail, Shadow Lake Trail, and the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trail corridor.

• Fern Lake Trailhead: Near June Lake, it climbs steeply to alpine lakes, offering quieter access than Mammoth-area entries.

• Granite Creek Trailhead: On the western side, this less-traveled entry provides solitude and access to Isberg and Post Peak Passes. 

The nearest airports are Mammoth Yosemite Airport (seasonal) or larger hubs in Reno, Fresno, or Bishop. From Mammoth Lakes, trailheads are typically a 30–45 minute drive. 

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I didn’t camp in the wilderness until I was in my mid-20s, though I had heard about it years prior and been immediately enticed. It took some time before I met the right friends who were gracious enough to show me the ropes. Now, knowing how much it has changed my life, I only wish I had started sooner.  

What do you need to know about planning these types of overnight trips in the backcountry? This is for you! 

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The Dolomites are a bucket list destination for hikers from all around the world. But figuring out how to get to the Dolomites might feel overwhelming in the inception phase of trip planning. This blog will explore how to get to the Dolomites, including recommendations on gateway cities, airport accessibility, transportation options, and lodging. 

READ: When and Why Hike the Italian Dolomites

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Knife Ridge Traverse Backpacking Trip

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Outdoors, climbers must take full responsibility for every aspect of their being, from assessing rock quality to building secure anchors. Transitioning to outdoor rock climbing requires more than just strength; it demands knowledge, preparation, and an understanding of risk management techniques in a sometimes unpredictable environment.

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Designed for outdoor enthusiasts who crave both rugged exploration and modern comfort, AutoCamp blends the rustic charm of camping with upscale amenities. It is a thoughtfully curated glamping experience, with prime locations near parks like Joshua Tree and Yosemite. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a veteran of the outdoors, AutoCamp offers a boutique camping experience that is as exciting as it is comfortable. Let’s check it out.

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But wait…that’s 23 miles with one mile of vertical down AND up! Maybe taking a few days to do it is a better idea. Backpacking the Grand Canyon rim to rim hike is a multi-day adventure that allows you to more fully experience all this majestic National Park has to offer. Choosing the time of year for your journey will make a big difference in the conditions that you experience, yet some aspects are the same regardless of time of year. There is a narrow window in which you the North Rim Park gates are open (Approximately May 15 to Nov 30)…so, summer or fall? Which one is best? 

Like so many questions, the answer is “It depends!”  

My Favorite Time to Go

I have backpacked countless routes in the Grand Canyon in every month of the year for more than 10 years. The Grand Canyon rim to rim hike stands out as one of my favorite trips, I have done it more than 70 times! My favorite time to do this iconic backpacking trip is August…yes, that’s right! I love summer in the Grand Canyon; I kinda feel that if you’re not hot in the Canyon, you haven’t truly experienced it. There are ways to backpack safely in the summer (mid-May to September 15) and make sure you still enjoy yourself. The fall (September 15 to November 30) is also a great time to be on the trail and has its own benefits and drawbacks. 

Regardless of when you choose to do the Grand Canyon rim to rim hike, training is essential. I have hiked with people from all over the world, and regardless of how active they are or how hot/cold their home city is, the key to success is not just getting outside and walking, it is walking with a weighted backpack on. Training before your trip will make your journey much more enjoyable. 

You’ve Started Your Trip 

Once you have descended below the rim on your Grand Canyon rim to rim hike, no matter what time of year you choose, you will use the same trails and sleep at the same campsites. You will walk downhill for 2 days, cross the mighty Colorado River as she works her way from the Rockies to Mexico, and walk uphill for 2 days. Along the way, the immense canyon walls will afford you the opportunity to walk in plenty of shade.  

You will have moments of pure bliss as you take in the austere desert landscape. You will have times of trail, looking up at Heartbreak Hill on the final day, then looking down to your feet and taking it one step at a time. You will reach flat land once again and high five your fellow hikers.  But here is where the similarities end. 

 Crowds on the Trails 

The two busiest time periods for Grand Canyon trails are May 15-30 and October 1-15. The simple explanation for this is that these dates have some of the most ideal temperatures…for DAY HIKES. Rim to rim backpacking is not the same as hiking rim to rim in one day. One major benefit of spending a few days walking this route rather than doing it all in one day, is that you can wake up early and hike during the cool morning hours rather than slogging all day long in the height of the heat.  

While backpacking the Grand Canyon rim to rim hike, when the mercury creeps up each day, you are done walking. You put away your food and gear and relax by the creek while the heat of the day passes. You rest your legs and start again the next day. If you want to avoid crowds while you are backpacking rim to rim, choose late June, July or August.  Late October into November are also quieter times on the trail.  

That said, summer weather in the canyon can present its share of challenges to be aware of and plan for. 

Weather 

It’s no secret – a Grand Canyon rim to rim hike in the summer month can be hot. Daytime temperatures in the canyon in the summer can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit while the evenings don’t dip below the 70s. You will be spending the better part of 4 days completely outside! There is no air conditioning waiting for you at the campground so you have to mitigate the effects of the heat in other ways.  

In the desert you do this by wearing a long-sleeved cotton or bamboo shirt and getting that shirt wet at the drinking water stations along the trail or in the creek. A delicious cup of icy lemonade at Phantom Ranch helps too! At camp you spend time in the creeks or Colorado River. What better way to celebrate your arrival to the bottom of the Grand Canyon than by plunging into the very river that carved it! 

Typical weather for a fall rim to rim backpacking trip can vary widely from mid-September (still kinda warm) to November (mild days and chilly evenings), but generally speaking is not as hot at the summer time. The trade-off with fall temperatures is that your pack is heavier: you have to carry a warmer sleeping bag and more clothing. The cool creeks and frigid Colorado River don’t seem quite as inviting in the fall, although they do provide a refreshing cold soak for tired feet!  

For some, the heat is a non-starter. But please know that you can avoid the worst of it by waking up early and wearing the right clothes! The low humidity of the desert makes extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) less intense than in other areas. If you can only travel to the Grand Canyon in the summer, you can still do this amazing backpacking trip safely and have fun! If you are able to wait until fall and are lucky enough to get a permit (remember those crowds?) you will avoid the hottest time of the year in the canyon. 

A Sense of Accomplishment 

Completing a Grand Canyon rim to rim hike – whether in one day or over the course of a few — is a major feat and one that you will be proud of for years to come. Whether you do it in summer or fall, you will have walked down, across, and up one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.  

The t-shirt and sticker you buy won’t quite capture the struggle, but you’ll know what you did to earn those badges of honor.  After spending 3 nights below the rim, you will notice that most pictures taken of the canyon are from the top. You will belong to an elite group: ones who know the canyon in a way that only the1% of visitors do; you have slept below the rim!  

No matter what time of year you choose, you will have an accomplishment to share with your friends; now it will be your story that will inspire others to choose this epic adventure.

The post The Best Time for a Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Hike Isn’t When You Think appeared first on Wildland Trekking.

There’s no time to waste, the only thing missing is you! 

GETTING THERE 

The National Parks in Oregon and Washington are nestled in remote mountain regions of the Pacific Northwest, often requiring lengthy travel times. These parks are spread across considerable distances, adding to their sense of seclusion and appeal. Reaching Washington’s National Parks is relatively straightforward, with Sea-Tac International Airport (SEA) serving as the primary gateway. From there, driving times range from just a couple of hours to several, depending on your destination.  

In Oregon, Portland serves as the main travel hub, while Bend’s smaller airport provides convenient access to Crater Lake National Park and the Three Sisters Wilderness. Though the journey to these parks may take several hours, the breathtaking adventures that await make every effort worthwhile. 

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With this in mind, and as it happened to be April Fools’ Day, Carm and I plotted a prank. We had been tasked with bringing Austin his backcountry food from the Wildland warehouse. Oatmeal, bagels, rice, chicken packets, typical Wildland backcountry fare– all of which we hid in my car’s roof box. When we all met up at the trailhead ready to pack our backpacks for our trek, Carmelina and I pretended to search the car for Austin’s food bag. We were frantic, faking distress. 

“You were supposed to grab Austin’s food,” I jabbed at Carmelina. 

“No… you said you were gonna put it in the car,” she quipped back. 

Austin, ever the peacemaker, started to sweat. “It’s ok guys… I’ll just uh, drive the two hours back to Boulder and see what they have…”

We yelled “APRIL FOOLS!” just as he began to climb into his truck. Instantly, I saw the relief wash over his face. Not only was it a few hours to the nearest grocery store, the unpaved road to the trailhead was quite rough. Therefore, when visiting Capitol Reef National Park, preparation is crucial. 

This area of Utah does not have the amenities that the other Utah national parks do or the bustling gateway cities of parks like Arches and Zion. This, and its distance from any major airports, is why Capitol Reef is among Utah’s less-frequented national parks. 

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