u/onXBackcountry

** Sea to Summit Trail Trip Report | Squamish, BC | 9.33 km and 920 meters gain | Fall conditions **

Did the Sea to Summit Trail in Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) last weekend and it did not disappoint, but I'll say upfront: we knew it was steep going in and it was still more exhausting than expected. Come with more water and snacks than you think you need! Our group's fitness was pretty high—one of us has run a trail marathon and the rest of us are very active hikers and mountain bikers.

The two route options

There's a choice early on: the straight-up climb with ladders, ropes, and sections where you're using your hands to pull yourself up, or a longer route that's still very steep but more trail-like. My partner and I did the steep section for about the first quarter of the way up for fun, then rejoined our friends on the less steep route (who had their dog and took the longer route the whole way). After that point we all did the longer route together. Either way, pay close attention to the trail markers. In places the route is not obvious, especially on the steeper section where you're sometimes sidestepping small creeks and it's hard to tell what's established trail and what's runoff.

Fall conditions

Really nice time to go. Mostly evergreen so don't expect dramatic fall foliage, but the streams were still running well and it wasn't wet or muddy the way it can get after heavy rain. I could see how the steep section in particular would be brutal after a big storm. Shannon Falls was still going strong and absolutely worth a look.

No wildlife on a busy Saturday, but the trail more than makes up for it with cool mushrooms everywhere and trees growing directly out of cliff faces and rock walls.

The selfie tip

At roughly the quarter point of the steep climb, there's a spot where if you take a selfie and show it at the lodge at the top, you get a free hot drink. We got a hot chocolate and a chai latte. Worth knowing.

The top and the gondola down

The views from the top are some of the best I've ever seen. We had lunch at the lodge and took the gondola down, which is its own experience because the descent is so steep it feels almost vertical. The gondola down is $20 CAD per person.

Dog notes

Dogs are not allowed in the lodge or most of the gathering areas at the summit, so our friends with the dog basically had to head straight to the gondola. Dogs also cannot take the gondola up, only down. The gondola is $20 CAD for dogs. Worth planning around if your dog is coming.

Overall, 10/10 weekend day hike!

Chris here! I recently completed the Rut 28k in Big Sky, Montana. The MC for the event described this as “the best bang for your buck in trail running, a ton of vert with not that much distance.” 28km or almost 18 miles was a long distance for me, but the real test is 7,900ft of elevation gain and descent. My previous trail race experience included the Cirque Series events at Arapahoe Basin, Grand Targhee, and Alta. If you're thinking about the Rut 28k, here's what conditions looked like and what to expect:

Conditions:
Start and end on a mix of gravel roads and dirt trails, but much of this route is on loose rock and talus. In mid-September, Montana can give you a range of weather from warm sun to rain and snow. For 2026, we started with temps around 30-35. The top of Lone Peak had a feels-like of 25 with the wind, then the bottom of the descent warmed up quickly to 65 in the direct sun. The day after the Rut events finished, Big Sky got a fresh coat of snow.

The route:
I used onX Backcountry to break down the course into 7 sections. This helped me think through pacing, fueling, and when to expect the real struggles. It all matched pretty well, except for the last section. Section 1 starts from the village of Big Sky - 4 miles and 1600ft of gain. Gravel roads and dirt single track.

Section 2 - 2.6 miles and 1800ft of gain - starts at aid station 1 at the top of the Madison lift. This is your first taste of talus under foot. Head downhill before starting the climb to the top of Headwaters/Challenger. This climb starts on grass before you enter loose rock. It gets steep. If you are in a tight group of people, you will get slowed down.

Section 3 starts at the top of the ridge - 2.7 miles with 1600ft down and 650 up. This is mostly narrow trail on talus before descending into the bowl below Lone Peak. A short uphill to the top of Powder Seeker feels rough, but it doesn’t last long. Find friends, family, and good vibes at the next aid station at the top of the gondola.

Then section 4 brings the big climb - 1 mile and 1970ft of gain. Starts steep, mellows out, then gets steep to the top. Rocky climbing all the way, poles are helpful until the steeper section feels like more of a scramble. The top is a party. Soak in the views, fuel up, and enjoy the DJ, because now the challenge begins.

Section 5 is 1.7 miles and 2600ft down. Mostly talus until it turns into dusty loose gravel. By the end of this descent, your quads and knees are feeling it. At the bottom of the Dakota lift, I have Section 6 labeled as the “slugfest” - 3.4 miles 500ft up 1250ft down. This is where the strong racers push ahead, and I was not one of them. This section includes the last aid station at Moosetracks, but you continue downhill past that station.

The final section 7 is 2.1 miles 860ft up and 1000ft down to the finish. This climb is not long but it feels ridiculous. The surface is soft, but it is STEEP. After the long downhill runs, this was the biggest test and was way harder than I anticipated. Reach the top of Andesite before the final descent to the finish.

Highlights:
If you love steep rocky climbs, this is your race. There is stoke all around you, great vibes the whole way. The first big ascent to the top of headwaters is a really fun challenge. Seeing Lone Peak waiting for you on the other side of the bowl gets you fired up. The aid stations are full of good fuel. Shout out to Gandalf waiting at the top of Lone Peak allowing us all to pass. The top of that peak is the real highlight and the best feeling of accomplishment. After that, just keep pushing to the finish.

Bottom line:
Cam Smith (olympian, absolute animal, and fellow ginger who won the 2026 VK and 28k) said before the event that the best training for The Rut is “T.O.T” or time on talus. This is the best advice I could have gotten. Time on feet and time on talus or loose rock is the best way to prepare for the Rut 28k. This race is tough. Coming from the Cirque Series, it felt like a whole new level. Consistent fueling is key. Prepare for a range of weather. Expect a struggle, but enjoy the ride. Take pride in doing a really hard thing in a beautiful place.

Here is a link to my shared folder in onX where you can view everything I describe: https://webmap.onxmaps.com/backcountry/share/content?share_id=01M0G4NH44CM75GYMZ8CK6HHTA

Got back from 13 days on the Sierra High Route, Roads End trailhead in Kings Canyon NP north through the John Muir Wilderness to Mammoth Lakes a few weeks ago. Mostly off-trail with lots of passes and cols, plus a couple days on the JMT. If you're thinking about the SHR, here's what conditions looked like and what to expect:

Conditions:
Snow was nearly a non-issue. Most passes were clear, with occasional snowfields on eastern aspects. We only had to cross 2 or 3 and they were soft and easy to traverse. Water was everywhere: creeks and streams running strong throughout. Mosquitos were significant, which I hear is normal for the area. We got drizzle and a t-storm on day two, clouds the next couple days, then bluebird skies for the rest of the trip.

The route:
This is a genuinely difficult multi-day route. Route finding and talus and boulder hopping are constant. We did some 3rd class and occasional 4th class terrain, which I think could technically be avoided but felt like the most obvious line in the moment. I'd say someone needs to be very experienced with off-trail hiking before attempting the SHR.

The most physically brutal section was Frozen Lake Pass: relentlessly steep talus with no real trail (photos). The section near the 14er crest was the most challenging from a route-finding standpoint since maintaining 3rd class or below required constant attention, but it was also one of the most striking parts of the entire trip.

One note: a ranger told us Sky Pilot Pass was very brutal even for experienced hikers. We bypassed it and don't regret that call.

Highlights:
Marion Lake is the bluest lake I've ever seen! Palisade Lakes along the JMT and Dusy Falls were both stunning and worth building your itinerary around if you can. Muir Pass was busy but a genuinely rewarding hike. The SHR takes you through parts of the park that most people never see, which is the whole point.

Permits:
Pretty straightforward for this route. Most of the trip fell within Kings Canyon and we were able to make a reservation at the ranger station when we started. Worth confirming current quota availability before you go.

Bottom line:
If talus, boulder hopping, and route finding are your thing, the SHR delivers. It's tough, remote, and one of the best ways to see the High Sierra off the beaten path. Happy to answer questions!

This is Kylie! In my opinion, the Highline Trail from Logan Pass to Ahern Pass is a must do day trip or backpacking option. We got back from a similar excursion a couple of weeks ago. Trails are in excellent shape right now: no snow, no bugs, and no timed entry required in Glacier this year but the season is changing a bit.

Route overview: Logan Pass to Ahern Pass via the Highline. From there you can go back to the Granite Park Chalet and cut down to Going to the Sun Road via the Loop, or head back to Logan's Pass on the Highline. The Loop trailhead and Logan Pass are in different locations, so travel requires planning. Shuttles will stop running over Labor Day.

Map your route before you go - we encountered lost hikers who meant to do the Loop but accidentally added 15 miles on by going out to Ahern without realizing they'd missed the turn off.

Current conditions: Trails are clear all the way to Ahern Pass. Late August is a solid seasonal access window before fall weather moves in.

Bear activity (read this part):
Six grizzly sightings over three days. Three from 200+ yards. Three from 20 to 75 yards. Bear spray out and accessible the entire time, and I'd strongly recommend doing the same.

The standout moment: a grizzly heard a squirrel nearby and came charging down the slope toward our group. It stopped about 50 yards away and started digging. We held still and watched. Completely surreal, and a good reminder that bears are not rare here.

Two things worth knowing: Glacier has the densest grizzly population in the lower 48, and the Granite Park area and northern Highline specifically have the densest concentration in the park. Bear activity is expected to stay elevated from now through hibernation. This is not a trail for leaving your bear spray in the tent!

Trail character: Not technically difficult, but the exposure is real. Several sections have significant drop-offs on one side (photos). If heights bother you, know that going in.

Planning notes: No permit required for day hiking, but overnight trips require a backcountry permit. No timed entry this year and food storage regulations apply.

Services Notes: Logan's Pass and Going to the Sun Road are still accessible, but all their services are being scaled back over labor day. The Chalet is shut down and not available for potable water or snacks either so pack what you need.

Happy to answer questions on the route or planning!

Alex here! Just got back from three nights camping in Yosemite Valley and I have one major complaint: there is absolutely no photography skill involved. You point your camera in any direction and it's the best photo you've ever taken. Very humbling.

Getting a campsite
We stayed at Lower Pines, which I'd recommend. Reservations open exactly 4 months in advance, so for a late August trip you need to be on the site at 7am on April 15. By 7:03 the site I wanted was gone. Sites do come back through cancellations in the weeks leading up, so that's worth checking if you're planning later.

Getting around the valley
Bringing bikes was probably the best decision we made. Parking in the valley is a nightmare, but with bikes we just locked up at camp and rode everywhere without thinking about it. You can also rent bikes at the valley if you don't want to haul your own.

Hikes
We did Columbia Rock and Sentinel Dome. Columbia Rock is steep with a lot of switchbacks but manageable for kids and the views are great. Sentinel Dome was the highlight, a short hike in the Glacier Point area (about an hour's drive from the valley) with a huge payoff at the top and totally doable with younger kids too.

We also stopped at Lake Tenaya up in Tuolumne Meadows, which you can basically just park and walk to. Great for families since there's no real commitment involved. Tuolumne runs noticeably cooler than the valley, mid-70s versus about 90 down below, so it's a good escape from the heat.

I didn't get to do Half Dome this trip. The two day prior permits go through a lottery and I didn't get selected, so that's on the list for next year. Worth knowing: this one is not kid-friendly, most people start around 4 or 5am and you'll want gloves for the cables section near the top. One to do on your own if you're visiting with family.

Crowds, weather and bugs
We went on weekdays and the crowds were there but honestly not bad at all. People were friendly on the trails. The heat in the valley topped out around 90 most days but cooled down enough at night to sleep comfortably, and most trails have decent tree cover.

One nice surprise for an August trip: basically no mosquitoes. A few gnats near Mirror Lake but nothing worth worrying about.

It was a low snowpack year so we weren't sure what the Merced would look like, but we were still able to float sections near Stoneman Bridge and hang out on the banks a lot.

Would go back every year. 10/10.

Hey r/norcalhiking, Kelly from onX again, back after the Canyon Creek Lakes report last week! This time I did my first ever solo backpacking trip: Lyons Lake via Lyons Creek Trail in Desolation Wilderness, which is roughly 10 miles with 1,700 ft of elevation gain.

Something nobody warned me about: the California Tortoiseshell butterfly migration. The Sierra is in the middle of a major irruption right now, which is a population explosion where they've moved inland from the coast looking for cooler alpine environments. There were hundreds of butterflies on the trail the entire way up, and more as I gained elevation. Genuinely so cool!

Most of the trail before the final mile climb to the lakes runs through the Caldor Fire burn from 2021. The trail itself is completely dry right now. What surprised me was how alive the burn zone is. Indian Paintbrush is absolutely peaking in there, bright orange fields against blackened trunks. Charred standing forest with wildflowers erupting through it is not what I expected, but it's one of the more striking things I've seen on a trail.

The two lakes are pretty different. Lake Sylvia is tucked into the trees and more sheltered. Lyons Lake opens into a full granite bowl with better views, and there's a trail up to a ridge with a panorama of the surrounding peaks. Water temp at Lyons Lake was very pleasant, I was expecting a lot colder. If you're only doing one, go to Lyons!

For those who don't know, overnight permits in Desolation require advance reservations through Recreation.gov during quota season (Memorial Day through September 30). I booked mine over a month out for a summer weekend. They hold about a third of overnight permits to be picked up first-come, first-served on the day of at ranger stations, so you can still snag try to one.

Conditions as of late July 2026:

• Trail surface: Dry throughout
• Water: Main creeks running, a few small ones dried up, no problem refilling water
• Bugs: Flies present, mosquitoes nearly nonexistent
• Wildflowers: Indian Paintbrush peaking in the burn zone

No cell service in Desolation, so I downloaded the route on onX before heading out. Also dropped a waypoint for where I stashed my bear canister in the rocks so I could find it again in the morning!

Happy to answer anything for anyone planning a Desolation trip this summer.

Hey r/norcalhiking, this is Kelly from onX. I got back from a few days on the Canyon Creek Lakes trail last weekend and figured I'd share some photos/conditions since I couldn't find many recent reports when we were planning!

The swimming holes along the approach are the real surprise if you haven't been—the water was cold and running pretty strong. One thing I'd wish I'd known ahead of time: we stopped for lunch about a half mile before the main swimming hole around mile 3.5, not realizing it was right up ahead. It's on the route so you won't miss it, but good to know so you can plan your stops on a hot day.

We camped at the upper lake, and I used a 3D offline map to scout potential spots before having to schlep all over the place with a heavy pack, which was super helpful when trying to see where the flat ground is. Zero cell service the entire time, so definitely download your maps ahead of time.

The trail from the lower to upper lake is pretty hard to navigate and disappears at points, so it's also worth having the route pulled up to find the easiest way there.

The sunset the first night was one of those where everyone just kind of goes quiet—so gorgeous.

Highly recommend getting up there before the water drops too much later in the summer, and start hiking on Friday if you can to get a camp spot before everyone is up there Saturday evening.

Zion closed The Narrows and all slot canyons Saturday due to flash flooding, and looking at the region right now we can see that storm cells are still firing across the whole watershed.

Here's a screenshot of the forecast on the actual route through Saturday, and what the precipitation radar looks like throughout the region.

The thing that catches people off guard with The Narrows is that the flood risk is upstream, not overhead. You can have clear skies at the Temple of Sinawava while water's moving toward you from 20 miles north. Closure stays until conditions settle.

Anyone else been following this? Curious how people track conditions before a Narrows hike.

For anyone planning the Four Pass Loop or Conundrum Hot Springs this summer, overnight backpacking permits for August-November this year just opened today on Recreation.gov - $10 per person per night, plus a $6 reservation fee (excluding children).

If you're doing a day trip instead, shuttle tickets and parking passes for August-October open June 18th at 8am MT on the Visit Maroon Bells site. RFTA shuttle from Aspen Highlands is $16/adult.

We mapped out the full area on onX Backcountry if you're in trip planning mode, and we're happy to answer any questions about the route!