Backpacking the Ansel Adams Wilderness in October 

I think I lucked out a lot last year on October being so great in the Sierra, between the historic snow pack & no wildfires in the area. I would absolutely go back that time of year though, just keep an eye on conditions and be flexible if you can!!

Thanks for the kind words. I think leaving the peaceful silence for the majority of the time makes sense for the videos I’m trying to make.

It’d been on my “someday” list for a while, I think eventually I’m going to do the whole JMT in small sections like this (time needed away from work makes it impractical to hike it all at once) It is a very busy area in the summer, but I will say in my experience that’s not been a bad thing… most of the hikers I’ve met are super friendly, have great trail & camp etiquette, and are very happy to be out there. Of all the crowded areas I’ve hiked, the folks in the Sierra backcountry have made for some of the most enjoyable company. We’re starting to put ideas together for next year, going to try for Glacier permits again & maybe a Utah trip.

Thank you. I've not had any real bear encounters in the Sierra, only caught a glimpse of one a few years ago from quite a distance away, and it took off running the second I saw it!

I’ve always flown into Fresno for trips out there. Small airport, 5 minute walk from the gate to baggage claim & rental car counter, usually flight prices are reasonable, there’s an REI & Sportmans Warehouse nearby. However, I think I’m gonna look at Reno next time I know I’ll be in the eastern Sierra, this trip was a toss up as to where I’d hike in, so I went with what I knew.

Nice! I think I'm going to aim for another section of the JMT next year. For video I'm mainly using an iPhone 12, with a little 30" carbon fiber tripod. I carry a Sony a6300 & 28-70mm lens you'll see on the front of my pack, but that's mainly used for still photos, like the night sky shot from Thousand Island Lake.

Wow! Pretty impressive for an iPhone 12. I have been using iPhone 12 Pro Max myself but all hand held. I think a tripod makes the difference. A lot of extra work with setting it up for sure. Great job!! Thanks for sharing! I try to do a JMT section every year. The last year I did the Onion Valley to Mt. Whitney (Kearsage Pass to Whitney Portal) which was spectacular! Next year will try for the Bishop Pass to Kearsage. Thanks again! @@shredhiker6209

@@albertk3125 I just checked, the one I have is the Aoka 28” if you’re interested. For $90 just under 1 lb, it’s the lightest & cheapest option I’ve found, that’s a step up from a handheld. I don’t use the little extension but. Hiking with a few buddies next year, we’re undecided on doing the HST or a section of the JMT hopefully mid July. So many fantastic options out there, you can’t go wrong no matter where you wind up.

Honestly I have a mini tripod myself (Oben CTT 1000L) but I never use it due to an extra weight. It is also under a pound. I will have to start using it. Many thanks!!!@@shredhiker6209

The only one I hiked along was Waugh Lake, and it was bone dry unfortunately.

@@shredhiker6209 I’m referring to the summit lakes that you passed through

@@jimmyorsag4693 Sorry I misunderstood. Those were quite spectacular actually! I stopped for lunch at the first one I came to. I wish I'd had a few more hours to explore around that area, but I was moving way too slow making the climb up that morning.

@@shredhiker6209 will be going up in June to check it out when the snow melts

@@jimmyorsag4693 that's awesome! We got a permit for Kearsarge to Whitney in July.