2008 Yosemite NP / John Muir Trail
Pacific Crest Trail / River Trail / Mammoth Lakes Adventure



I joined a group of 7 friends to backpack the John Muir Trail system from Yosemite National Park to Mammoth Lakes in July 2008. 4 days of backpacking, 3 nights on the trail, 1 night camping before the trail, 2 nights in a home in Mammoth Lakes, 2 nights in motels. We flew into Reno and drove to Carson City where we first slept in a motel. We had some good mexican food and watched a live band on 3rd st. Next day we headed to Lake Tahoe CA to do some biking on the trails and see the lake, after which we headed down SR89 thru the mountain passes I cycled last year to get to Lee Vining which is just outside of Yosemite NP. We camped outside the park and in the morning headed to get our pass and bear canisters. Eventually after shuttling a vehicle to Mammoth Lakes we headed out onto the John Muir Trail for 4 days, 3 nights, and over 33 miles of backpacking until we arrived in Mammoth on foot to reach our second vehicle. My friends Ed and Tamra Henken allowed us to use their second home in Mammoth Lakes and it really made the trip even more pleasurable! Since I was familiar with Mammoth Lakes I suggested we all eat at Gomez's which is the best Mexican Food in Mammoth Lakes, we had a delicious dinner and margaritas. Next day we jumped on a Shuttle to the Devils PostPile trailhead and hiked from Devils Post Pile down to Rainbow Falls, eventually catching a shuttle back to our car in Mammoth Lakes. That night we ate at Angel's Restaurant which was suggested by Tamra Henken, they had some great BBQ Ribs and other great food that we enjoyed. Staying one more night in Mammoth we then went out on our second day to head down the 11,000ft mountain on the Intermediate downhill mountainbike trails. Everyone had a great time on the downhill trails with just a few scrapes, after which we headed back up to Reno to stay one night before catching a plane back to DFW.



Lake Tahoe


Riding some trails around Lake Tahoe area


Fallen Leak Lake





Lake Tahoe








Pope Estate along Lake Tahoe


Heading back down the trail





Death Ride 2008 - Tour of the California Alps! I cycled the same passes last year with Adventure Cycling Sierra Sampler


Heading towards Marklesville


A stream we stopped at while driving towards Lee Vining





Mono Lake


Campsite outside of Yosemite before the start of the hike

















Driving up to Tioga Pass / Yosemite


My pack leans against the white car, I'm guessing 60lbs! Lan is getting organized


























Group Photo, First hiking day on John Muir Trail




















A deer spotted along the trail





Elias, Lan, and Milo








Storm blew in around 2pm and started raining on us





Its getting cold real quick, I'm setup for the first night




















The water was crystal clear in these streams/rivers

















Elias and Marshal hiking up a steeper section











We were gifted with spectacular views the whole time








One of many Marmots spotted during the hike





Myself in front of a stream before heading up Donohue Pass


Elias enjoys the view before finishing Donohue Pass (11,050ft)


Heading down Donohue Pass (11,050ft)


After passing thru Donohue Pass we dropped about 500ft and found a good area to camp for the second night on the trail























Group Picture just before Thousand Island Lake


A small lake along the John Muir Trail as we head towards Thousand Island Lake


Thousand Island Lake


Thousand Island Lake





Me in front of Thousand Island Lake


Checking the trail maps


We lucked out, my good friends Ed and Tamra Henken have a home in Mammoth Lakes, they were so gracious enough to allow us to stay and use the house!!





Gomez Mexican Restaurant, best in Mammoth!!





Fred preparing pancakes for breakfast


First full day in Mammoth we did some day hiking to see Devils Post Pile and Rainbow Falls





Myself standing in front of the Devil's Post Pile








Myself on top of the Devil's Post Pile


A burnt tree seen from the John Muir Trail heading to Rainbow Falls


This forest section burned in 1992





Rainbow Falls








Lunch in front of Rainbow Falls


Myself in front of Rainbow Falls


Lower Falls 1/2 mile after Rainbow Falls








Mammoth Lakes - Second Day - Here to start some downhill riding





Leaving the lift station


Near the top, 11,050ft!!


Elias heading down the Intermediate trail at Mammoth Lakes (Off The Top Trail)