John Muir Trail

The John Muir Trail (JMT) is a 211-mile long hiking trail located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It runs mostly in conjunction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and is named after the famous 19th-century naturalist and conservationist, John Muir. The trail begins at the Happy Isles Trailhead in Yosemite Valley and runs to the summit of Mount Whitney, passing through portions of John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses in Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. The JMT is known for its stunning scenery, including towering granite peaks, alpine meadows, and deep forests. Due to its popularity, permits to hike the trail are now required and can be difficult to obtain.

Mount Whitney

Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It stands at 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) above sea level and is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The mountain is located on the far eastern boundary of Sequoia National Park and within the Inyo National Forest. There are several routes up the mountain, ranging from 13 miles to 60 miles one way, with varying levels of difficulty. While ice axes and crampons are needed in the spring and early summer seasons, technical climbing equipment is not always necessary to summit Whitney between mid-July and early October. Despite its relatively non-technical nature, Mount Whitney is a challenging climb and attracts hordes of people, some of whom are inexperienced and unprepared for the hazards present. The mountain has a history of fatalities, with the vast majority resulting from falls.

Trans Sierra Cross Country Ski Expedition

The 1982 Trans Sierra Cross Country ski expedition was a grueling journey undertaken by Jean Montrath and her fiancé Ken, covering some of the most rugged terrain in the lower 48 states. The trip stretched between Yosemite Valley and Mount Whitney, covering 223 miles through snow on skis, ascending 48,000 vertical feet and descending another 43,600 feet, crossing 14 high altitude passes, the majority of which lie along the John Muir Trail. The expedition was meticulously planned and required years of training and preparation, including honing their ski skills, maintaining rigorous fitness and nutrition routines, and meticulously planning their route and gear choices. The expedition was ultimately cut short by a near-death fall on Mount Whitney, but it left a lasting impact on Jean's life and inspired her subsequent adventures in the Himalayas.

National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) is a federal agency of the United States Department of the Interior that manages all national parks, national monuments, and other conservation and historical properties. The NPS was established in 1916 to conserve the scenery and natural and historic objects in the national parks and to provide for the enjoyment of these resources by the public. The NPS employs over 20,000 people and manages over 400 sites across the United States, including national parks, national monuments, national historic sites, national battlefields, national memorials, and national seashores. The NPS is responsible for protecting and preserving these sites for future generations, while also providing opportunities for recreation, education, and research.

Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range in eastern California, known for its towering granite peaks, deep canyons, and vast forests. The range is home to Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Sequoia National Park, as well as numerous other wilderness areas and national forests. The Sierra Nevada is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, skiing, and other outdoor activities. The range is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and mountain lions. The Sierra Nevada is a significant source of water for California, with its snowpack providing a major source of water for the state's agriculture and urban areas.

Backcountry

Backcountry refers to areas of wilderness that are remote and undeveloped, typically located outside of designated trails and campgrounds. Backcountry travel often involves hiking, backpacking, skiing, or climbing in challenging terrain and weather conditions. Backcountry areas are often characterized by their natural beauty, solitude, and opportunities for adventure. However, backcountry travel also carries inherent risks, including the potential for getting lost, encountering wildlife, or experiencing severe weather. It is important to be well-prepared and experienced before venturing into the backcountry.

Avalanche

An avalanche is a rapid flow of snow down a slope, often triggered by factors such as heavy snowfall, unstable snowpack, or human activity. Avalanches can be extremely dangerous, posing a significant risk to hikers, skiers, and climbers in mountainous areas. The risk of avalanches is influenced by factors such as the slope angle, snowpack conditions, and weather patterns. Avalanche safety is crucial in mountainous areas, and it is important to be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions, such as checking avalanche forecasts, avoiding avalanche-prone slopes, and carrying avalanche safety equipment.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that occurs when the body's temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). It can be caused by exposure to cold temperatures, wet clothing, or prolonged immersion in cold water. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, slurred speech, confusion, and loss of coordination. In severe cases, hypothermia can lead to unconsciousness and death. It is important to take precautions to prevent hypothermia, such as wearing warm clothing, staying dry, and avoiding prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a national park located in northwestern Montana, known for its stunning mountain scenery, glaciers, and abundant wildlife. The park is home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, including the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which winds through the park's heart. Glacier National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. The park's glaciers are a significant feature, but they are rapidly shrinking due to climate change. Glacier National Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is a national park located in southwestern Washington state, known for its iconic volcano, Mount Rainier, which is the highest peak in the Cascade Range. The park is home to a variety of ecosystems, including forests, meadows, and glaciers. Mount Rainier National Park is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, skiing, and other outdoor activities. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and mountain goats. Mount Rainier National Park is a stunning example of the beauty and power of nature.