The Sierra Nevada offer tremendous opportunity for expanding one's horizons.
Every backpacking trip has a subtitle, a theme, a concept, or vision behind it.
Every trip is a learning experience; about yourself, the people you are with,
and the mountain environment.
You can use your on-trail opportunity to achieve the next level of knowledge
or skill in a chosen area:
- History--Read about the history of the Sierras and be able to relate
several interesting historical episodes to the rest of your backpacking team.
Sierra History Books
- Natural History--Focus on a particular aspect of the natural world
(whether it's flowers, birds, plants, insects, geology, weather, etc.), bring
a guidebook, identify, observe, and appreciate. I've spent a lot of time
watching the butterflies, hovering flies, and other pollinators at alpine zone
flowers. Natural History Books
- Photography--Capture on film the High Sierras. This never-ending challenge
can provide an intensive Sierra activity. I'm still trying to get it right.
Photography Books
More High Sierra Backpacking Explorations
- Explore a lake--Circumnavigate a small lake to see
it's inlet steam, outlet stream, water beetles, hidden beach, and swimming
spots.
- Waterfall enjoyment--Spend time at a small or large waterfall or
creek. Sit and listen.
- Explore a meadow--Did this once and came to a giant split rock
overlooking an alpine meadow. Flakes of obsidian around the rock led us to the
top, where we found an arrowhead, and an Indian hunting lookout.
- Mountain Yellow-legged Frog--Search the alpine and sub-alpine lakes
and ponds for this now very rare frog. For information, or if you discover a
collection of frogs or tadpoles, go to the
Mountain Yellow-Legged
Frog Research Project.
- Swimming--Go swimming everyday. Most Sierra days are warm/hot
enough to allow stimulating mid-to-late afternoon dips in lakes or streams. Then
lay on a rock in the sun. Excellent after a day on the trail and will
immediately provide a sense of relaxation and contentment.
- Hike at different times of the day--Hiking at sunrise and sunset is
a dramatic visual experience and
highly inspirational, as well. Or hike under a full moon.
- Go To It--When you see something interesting--a shape, a color, a
movement, a view--go to it and explore.
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