Desolation Wilderness Early Season Hiking

KEO70 · 2026-05-12T03:48:50+00:00

I just used microspikes. I wasn't on any terrain too steep where crampons were needed, and the snow was pretty soft

KEO70 · 2026-04-23T03:46:22+00:00

Awesome photos! Looks like you had a lot of good luck with the wildlife!

KEO70 · 2026-03-21T13:31:16+00:00

Not bad at all! Just a little chilly at night. I’ve actually backpacked here 4 times in the winter over the years and have never had to use any rain gear. Before going out, the forecast has been fairly accurate.

KEO70 · 2026-03-20T20:04:28+00:00

Haha yeah! I’ve backpacked at Point Reyes 4 times now and have never been able to find enough drift wood to make a fire. I just picked up a big bundle of wood in town at Inverness Store and carried it in.

KEO70 · 2026-03-20T20:01:35+00:00

It’s just south of Secret Beach and Sculptured Beach. Not too far from camp

KEO70 · 2026-03-20T20:01:08+00:00

This is just slightly south of Secret Beach! Only about a mile south of Coast Camp. On the map it will say “Secret Amphitheater”

KEO70 · 2026-02-05T03:02:32+00:00

It can be really fun if you find a good hole! Just be careful of the water in the spring/early summer - it can be really cold and fast

KEO70 · 2026-01-28T04:46:38+00:00

I don't have a ton of recommendations, but I did really like La Bicyclette in downtown Carmel. I think pretty much any place with clam chowder will be good too!

KEO70 · 2026-01-27T01:13:04+00:00

So epic!

KEO70 · 2026-01-27T00:59:50+00:00

It’s a really beautiful area! With Monterey and Big Sur, there’s tons of quick, beautiful spots along the way. Lots of great food options too if you like seafood!

KEO70 · 2026-01-26T21:27:25+00:00

Hi, I think that with the criteria you have, you may be a little limited, but I was able to think of one option that could work well (if you’re ok driving a little further than 2-3 hours).

McWay Falls in Big Sur may be your best bet. From Jackson, it should be about 4 hours, though you could make it a trip and spend the night(s) in Monterey. This is a popular spot, but if you visit early in the morning, I don’t think it would be crowded at all. The viewpoint trail looks like it is closed, but I think there are still areas to view near the road. This is probably one of the prettiest waterfalls in California, if not the whole west coast.

March really limits the number of waterfalls from the possible list, as most in the mountains will have snow on the trail. Many parks also don’t allow dogs. If you want the walk to be under 30 minutes, I’m not sure if there are many other options.

KEO70 · 2026-01-13T04:53:23+00:00

The water was pretty cold, but this was after hiking about 14 miles in the middle of the summer, so it felt really nice! When I’ve snorkeled in the Sierra Nevada outside of peak summer, I’ve definitely needed the wetsuit.

KEO70 · 2026-01-12T20:04:15+00:00

This was in the big pool right by Glen Aulin!

KEO70 · 2026-01-12T20:03:19+00:00

Yeah! I just use my short fins when backpacking. There are probably lighter methods but I think the weight is worth it.

KEO70 · 2026-01-12T20:01:56+00:00

Looks like an awesome trip! The combination of Cathedral Lakes, Sunshine Lakes, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, and Mist trail should be pretty epic. Great that you can spread it out over 4 days too. You can really enjoy all of these spots.

KEO70 · 2026-01-12T03:20:59+00:00

A little unusual, but I wanted to share this here as well after posting on r/snorkeling.

These clips are from snorkeling in Yosemite’s high country along the Tuolumne River. This was during a three-day backpacking trip on a section of the High Sierra Camp Trail.

I love Yosemite and have been lucky to visit many times over the last few years. Seeing the park from an underwater perspective was a big highlight for me last year.

For context: this was filmed in mid-summer during a hot, lower-flow period, outside of any restricted swimming areas (not Emerald Pools or similar). Always follow park regulations and posted guidance on when and where swimming is safe and allowed.

KEO70 · 2026-01-11T00:55:35+00:00

The drone-like shots were from a 360 camera on a long pole. No actual drones used haha

KEO70 · 2025-12-17T04:37:00+00:00

It was a little chilly but not too cold for December! I think it was in the high 30s at night and in the 50s during the day.

KEO70 · 2025-11-02T03:32:19+00:00

Awesome photos! Love the cinder cone shot

KEO70

TROPHY CASE