Sierra Backpacking Adventure
A few weeks ago, Ajay reached out about a spontaneous backpacking trip to the Sierra Nevada over the long weekend. While researching last-minute permit availability, I discovered an opening at the Rancheria Trailhead in John Muir Wilderness and quickly secured it.
During my route planning, Mount Goddard caught my attention on the Sierra map—an impressive peak typically approached from the eastern side. I found several trip reports describing the challenging but feasible western approach, perfect for our long weekend despite the demanding daily mileage.
Day 1
After picking up Ajay at 6am Friday (Logan and Brad joined us too), we hit the road. The drive took longer than anticipated, so we didn’t start hiking until 1pm—much later than our planned early morning departure.
We initially aimed for 20 miles that day but wisely adjusted our expectations when we found an ideal lakeside campsite.
A campfire kept the mosquitoes manageable, and I noticed fish jumping in the water. Within 20 minutes of casting my line, I caught five fish, which we grilled over the fire with lemon and herbs wrapped in foil—a perfect first night.
Day 2
Recognizing our original itinerary was overly ambitious, we pivoted to exploring nearby peaks before returning to camp for more fishing and swimming.
Day 3
I kicked off our last morning with a lake swim before we packed up. The hike out offered spectacular views of Mount Whitney and the Sierra Crest—a fitting end to our adaptable wilderness weekend. We stopped at our go-to Mexican spot in Fresno on the drive back, reaching San Francisco at sunset.
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