A family vacation in Mammoth Lakes. My niece, with her family and Malte, were visiting from Germany. They wanted to some hiking in the Sierra, so we decided to rent a condo in Mammoth Lakes.
Author Archives: Uwe
Shepherd Pass and Kern River Loop, September 2025
After last year’s Sierra backpacking trip, Malte wanted another one and came over in September. I came up with a route that gave us some peaks and great scenery in an area that was mostly new to both of us.
Kearsarge Pass, August 2025
I drove up to Independence and found nice spot around 5000 ft along Independence Creek. It was just a short distance on a dirt road from Onion Valley Road and the $40 for a campsite in Onion Valley felt too steep. The temperature was nice and I decided to treat myself to a burrito. SoContinue reading “Kearsarge Pass, August 2025”
Sierra Smorgasbord, June 2025
Brian had sent out an email with an invite to a week in the Sierra to get the 2025 season started. The itinerary had something for everyone, from car camping in National Park and Forest with short hikes to climbing Alta Peak to 3 nights of backpacking in Yosemite.
2024 Peak Summary
As he has done since 2014, Jack prepared a summary of peaks climbed by the people posting here. I’ve added it to the page with all the summaries.
San Gorgoino for Sunset, Comet, Sunrise
There were only a few days left to view Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) and Malte had never seen a Comet. So we decided to climb San Gorgoino (11,499 ft, 3505 m) and spend a night on the peak for our best chance to catch a glimpse.
Pine Creek Pass with Merriam Peak (13,103 ft / 3994 m)
Jack has missed hiking in the Sierra since moving to the East Coast. So we set up a short (2 nights), late season trip to Pine Creek Pass.
Lamarck Col -> Helen Lake -> Piute Pass; incl. 13ers Goethe, Black Giant, Fiske
After my nephew finished his apprenticeship he took off 3 months for hiking. He started by hiking 600 miles south starting from the North Cape in Norway on the E1. Then he flew to California where I had planned an introduction the the Sierra Nevada.
Lake Basin and Observation Peak, August 2024
On our hike last year, Brian suggested this trip for this year. It’s to one of his favorite basins in the Sierra and had a great peak for me to climb.
Mt. Newcomb Loop, July 2024
A week backpacking to climb a few 13ers and explore some lakes and Miter Basin. Unfortunately, none of my regular Sierra hiking companions was available and I had to go by myself.