How Do You Backpack In The Sierra Nevada Mountains?
The Sierra Nevada mountain range provides some of the most spectacular hiking and backpacking terrain in America. A huge network of trails, including the Pacific Crest and Tahoe Rim, is easily accessible and well-maintained. However, that doesn’t mean a backcountry trip into the Sierra will be a piece of cake. Elevations are high; many trailheads begin at 6,000 feet or higher and access peaks as tall as Mt. Whitney (roughly 14,500 feet). Conditions change quickly and explorers must be prepared. Decide the duration and location of your backpacking excursion. The longer your trip, the heavier your pack will be. Use a topographic map of the area to plot your route, taking note of distances, elevation and difficulty of the terrain. Decide how far you will hike each day, which water sources you will use, and where you will camp. Familiarize yourself with your compass and how to use it. You will need this knowledge in case you wander off the trail or otherwise become lost. Check weather fore