Byline: Matt Johanson

Yosemite climbing movies reach new heights

A climber risks his dream to help a friend. Another risks his life for hard-to-fathom reasons. Yosemite big wall climbing comes alive on the big screen like never before in two new adrenaline-pumping films. Brilliantly filmed and produced, both stories will leave audiences awestruck and breathless. “Dawn Wall” shares the life of Tommy Caldwell, a… Continue reading Yosemite climbing movies reach new heights

Amazing trail, amazing people

Indigenous hikers reach celebrate reaching the summit of Mount Whitney, which was originally named Tumangaya.

John Muir Trail hikers rave about its extraordinary scenery, but perhaps for once we should rave about its extraordinary hikers. Among this year’s class are U.S. Army Sgt. Justin Bond and indigenous leader Jolie Varela. Bond, who served in Iraq and lost his left leg during the 2004 Battle of Fallujah, led a veterans group… Continue reading Amazing trail, amazing people

Eat better on the trail with hiker’s cookbook

If you love backpacking, and love good food, but rarely enjoy them both at the same time (like me), then you’ll benefit from reading “The Hungry Spork: A Long Distance Hiker’s Guide to Meal Planning.” Combining aspects of a cookbook, a gear review and a personal narrative, the new book by outdoors writer Inga Aksamit… Continue reading Eat better on the trail with hiker’s cookbook

“Fool’s gold” can forge golden memories

A "wrong" turn left to this "right" view of the Emigrant Wilderness.

We reached the foot of the mountain early, which should have tipped us off; climbing trips never go ahead of schedule. But the summit looked inviting and achievable, so the three of us eagerly hiked up towards it. Reynolds Peak was our goal and we approached the 9,679-foot peak from Ebbetts Pass on the Pacific… Continue reading “Fool’s gold” can forge golden memories

“On the Nose” recounts airy adventures

On his first attempt to climb The Nose of El Capitan, Hans Florine and his partner survived a near-death experience and retreated. But they succeeded on their second push, and Florine later skyrocketed to unprecedented longevity and speed on the iconic Yosemite climb. Anyone who’s struggled with a challenge, climbing-related or otherwise, will find inspiration… Continue reading “On the Nose” recounts airy adventures

Chefs’ Holidays at The Ahwahnee

For Yosemite visitors used to cooking on gas stoves on crowded Camp 4 picnic tables, the Chefs’ Holidays events held in the park each winter may provide a refreshing and delicious change of pace. World-class chefs from around the country gather to both cook and teach over several sessions each lasting three days. Guests not… Continue reading Chefs’ Holidays at The Ahwahnee

New book captures John Muir Trail’s hardships, glory

Those who have hiked the John Muir Trail know and adore its spectacular scenery, high passes and deep river canyons. Perhaps best of all, backpackers love the sense of adventure and spirit of camaraderie it imparts, which live on in memory long after hikers’ foot blisters have healed. Ron Erskine, outdoorsman and journalist, captures all… Continue reading New book captures John Muir Trail’s hardships, glory

How the other half lives in Yosemite

When my wife and I carried our bags down the red carpet into a plush lobby, I could still hardly believe it. In all the years we had visited Yosemite, we had never stayed at the lavish hotel that houses royalty, presidents and the well-to-do. I figured we never would, yet there we were. “Welcome… Continue reading How the other half lives in Yosemite

Actor’s shows bring Muir to life

John Muir never wanted for words when it came to protecting the wilderness, especially his beloved Sierra Nevada mountains. But what would the father of American environmentalism say if he were alive today? “I’m back, and I’m really ticked off!” Muir might roar. “I’m back to track down Lord Man, to make him a better… Continue reading Actor’s shows bring Muir to life