Last Saturday I participated in the inaugural Inside Trail Marin Ultra Challenge, which features 50k and 50 mile distances. It took me literally half of 2012 to do my first race (due to injury), but this was a great one to chose for my first outing. Both courses, designed by Jim Vernon of the Endurables,…
Granite Dome and its lakes
Aptly named Granite Dome is an immense granite massif with numerous basins occupied by stunning alpine lakes. All of the lakes are located on the northern side of the massive ridge that culminates in the summit while the south side features much less rock and more meadows. The region is accessed via Kennedy Meadows and…
Sister Lakes & Forsyth Peak
The Sister Lakes region describes a chain of lakes that straddle the northern border of Yosemite National Park and Hoover Wilderness. The name “Sister” aptly describes the names of these lakes, which include Stella, Harriett, Helen, Ruth, Bonnie, Cora and Dorothy. Forsyth Peak serves as a rugged backdrop for all of these lakes with its permanent…
Emigrant Wilderness
The Emigrant Wilderness is located north of Yosemite National Park and accessed via the Sonora Pass Highway. There are several trailheads that access this vast wilderness of glacier polished granite, lakes and meadows. For my first exploration into this region I decided to do a 30 mile loop out of the Crabtree Trailhead above Dodge…
Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne 2012
The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne is a rugged, wild and remote corner of Yosemite National Park. I completed this point-to-point adventure in 2010 and couldn’t wait to return this year. In 2010, we did the trip in July, but due to the unusually dry winter season resulting in meager snowpack, the trail was snow-free…
Clouds Rest via Yosemite Valley
Clouds Rest is a colossal granite formation with striking prominence. At 9,926 ft, it is not nearly the tallest mountain in Yosemite, but it’s close proximity and unobstructed perch above Yosemite Valley provides spectacular views and a unique vantage of both the high country and the valley. In a 360 degree panorama, one can gaze over…
Happy 75th Golden Gate!
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge turns 75 years old tomorrow (opened May 27, 1937) and continues to inspire locals and tourists alike. With its distinct “international orange” color and twin towers, it’s one of the most photographed subjects in the world, and almost certainly the most photographed bridge. Undoubtedly part of the allure lies in…
Pescadero Creek
The network of trails in Pescadero Creek County Park and adjacent Portola Redwoods State Park are some of my favorite paths anywhere. These parks are characterized by miles of fantastic true single track, almost entirely under forest canopy. Pescadero Creek County Park has essentially no infrastructure allowing one to experience a wilderness feeling despite being…
2012 Adventure Run Ideas – Cascades
The North Cascades of Washington state are a special place. These mountains were the inception of my adventure running in 2006. While I do many more trips in the High Sierra these days, I always look forward to a trip up to WA to visit some of my favorite mountains. The North Cascades have a unique character…
2012 Adventure Run Ideas – High Sierra
I have been fortunate enough to explore some amazing spots in the High Sierra over the last few years, but the outstanding scenery in the “range of light” keeps me coming back for more. Virtually every trip features a stunning combination of rugged granite peaks, placid alpine lakes and colorful meadows in an authentic wilderness setting. The…
Leor Pantilat's Adventures