Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike.

Today was all about putting in steady miles and soaking in the simplicity of trail life.

We hiked from Guitar Lake down to the Shepherd Pass junction—nothing too intense, just a consistent grade with beautiful granite landscapes and blue skies overhead.

We crossed paths with a few interesting hikers (including someone dealing with altitude sickness), had songs stuck in our heads, and reflected on the weird little routines that form when you’re five days deep into the backcountry. Plus: some honest updates on feet, battery life, and what it’s like to hike with a USB-powered life system.

In this episode:

• Hiking from Guitar Lake to Shepherd Pass junction
• Random trail thoughts, musings, and song obsessions
• Interactions with fellow hikers + altitude stories
• Battery and gear performance updates
• A quiet, simple camp and a little peek into trail routines

🎧 Hit play and enjoy a slower day on trail with us—it’s not always about the passes.

JMT Resources on the Blog:

• The Stress-Free Guide to John Muir Trail Permits
• The Ultimate John Muir Trail Planning Guide
• 15 Reasons I’m Excited to Hike the John Muir Trail

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.

Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike.

Today was a huge milestone on the trail—we summited Mount Whitney! It’s the official start point for northbound JMT hikers, and the 3,000 ft sunrise climb from Guitar Lake made for an epic morning.

We soaked in summit views, shared a snack break with strangers (some naked, some not 😅), and reflected on how it felt to officially begin our long walk north.

Back at camp, we dealt with emerging blister issues, talked about our feet (a lot), and closed the day with a wildly disappointing attempt at backcountry cheesecake.

In this episode:

• Climbing Mount Whitney at sunrise (Michael’s first time, Allison’s second)
• Unexpected summit entertainment 🙈
• First real blister drama of the trip
• The magic of Guitar Lake… when you have it to yourself
• Polar plunges, trout attempts, and a cheesecake recipe gone wrong

🎧 Tune in and walk with us—this trail is just getting started.

JMT Resources on the Blog:

• The Stress-Free Guide to John Muir Trail Permits
• The Ultimate John Muir Trail Planning Guide
• 15 Reasons I’m Excited to Hike the John Muir Trail

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.

Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike.

We’re recording this episode quietly from Guitar Lake, just below Mount Whitney. It’s Day 2 on the John Muir Trail, and while the mileage was shorter, the climb and smoke made it feel long.

We chat about trail name antics, losing (and recovering) gear, and what it was like camping at one of the busiest backcountry sites we’ve ever seen.

In this episode:

• A smoky climb over Guyot Pass
• Losing trekking poles (oops)
• Trail names: “Baby Lamb” and “Black Ant” are born
• A dreamy lunch break and marinated chickpeas
• Reflections on soreness, long days, and finding rhythm

JMT Resources on the Blog:

• The Stress-Free Guide to John Muir Trail Permits
• The Ultimate John Muir Trail Planning Guide
• 15 Reasons I’m Excited to Hike the John Muir Trail

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.

Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike.

Day 1 is in the books! In today’s trail diary, we reflect from inside our tent after hiking 14+ miles from Cottonwood Pass to Rock Creek Ford.

We share what it was like to finally start the JMT, deal with the reality of heavy packs and sandy trails, and find joy in our first camp (and Michael’s first trout catch!).

In this episode:

• What it felt like to finally step onto the trail
• How our bodies handled the first big mileage day
• Allison’s gear pain points
• Michael’s pack upgrade & gear thoughts
• Fly fishing magic at camp—and filtering water with the BeFree

JMT Resources on the Blog:

• The Stress-Free Guide to John Muir Trail Permits
• The Ultimate John Muir Trail Planning Guide
• 15 Reasons I’m Excited to Hike the John Muir Trail

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.

Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike.

These short, behind-the-scenes episodes take you day by day through our journey on the JMT, including all the real, raw moments along the way. Enjoy!

We’re kicking off the JMT Trail Series with Day 0—aka, all the chaos before we even hit the trail. In this episode, Michael and I talk through our final prep day before starting our 2020 John Muir Trail thru-hike, including our alternate route decision, permit challenges, and the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with massive California wildfires.

If you’ve ever planned a big backpacking trip and felt overwhelmed by logistics, weather, or “what-ifs,” this one’s for you.

In this episode:

• Why we started south of Whitney instead of at the portal
• Our original 22-day hiking plan
• How wildfire smoke nearly canceled the trip
• The backup route we almost took (Shepherd Pass!)
• Last-minute changes and mindset shifts to stay safe and flexible

JMT Resources on the Blog:

• The Stress-Free Guide to John Muir Trail Permits
• The Ultimate John Muir Trail Planning Guide
• 15 Reasons I’m Excited to Hike the John Muir Trail

Where to learn more about Allison:

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.

In this episode, I’m joined by one of my incredible Backpacking Badass clients—Tiffany—whose story is a perfect example of what’s possible when you combine a dream with the right support and structure.

When Tiffany joined the Backpacking Badass Program in 2022, she had never been backpacking before. Fast forward to today—and she’s completed 33 backpacking trips, many of them solo, including a 6-day Grand Canyon adventure.

We talk about:

• What sparked her desire to start backpacking
• How she prepared for her very first trip (on a 2-week timeline!)
• What helped her feel confident enough to go solo just a few trips in
• The fears she still sometimes navigates on trail—and how she moves through them
• Why she calls the Backpacking Badass Program her “cheat code to backpacking”

This episode is packed with relatable insights, beginner wins, and empowering reminders that you don’t have to wait for someone else to join you—you can become a confident, self-sufficient backpacker who makes her own adventures happen.

🥾 Enrollment for the Backpacking Badass Program is OPEN through June 13! If Tiffany’s story lit a spark for you, go to shedreamsofalpine.com/enroll to learn more and join us. This is our big summer enrollment and includes some of our best bonuses of the year.

How to Connect with Tiffany:

• Instagram: @gaia_goddess888
• YouTube: Gaia Goddess Adventures

Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine):

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

🎉 Registration is officially OPEN for the 2025 Solo Adventure Summit! Join us June 5th-6th for a free two-day virtual event all about building confidence, preparation, and skills for your solo outdoor adventures.

👉 Grab your free ticket now at shedreamsofalpine.com/summit

🎙️ Ep 034. Is It SAFE to Go Solo? The Truth About Solo Hiking & Backpacking

In this powerful episode recorded straight from the backcountry, Allison dives into the heart of this question with personal stories, surprising stats, and wisdom from outdoor experts like Nicole Snell and Kim Titchener.

Whether you’re solo-curious or already hitting the trail alone, this episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to make empowered, educated decisions about adventuring solo.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Allison chooses to solo hike—and why it matters
• The real stats on solo safety (hint: it’s safer than you think!)
• Safety advice from outdoor pros including: Nicole Snell (Girls Fight Back) on solo hiking and self-defense + Kim Titchener (Bear Safety & More) on wildlife encounters
• Why empowerment—not fear—should drive your decisions

Links & Resources:

• 📖 Read the Blog: “Is Solo Hiking & Backpacking Safe for Women?”

Ready to take the next step? Join us for the Solo Adventure Summit!

🎟️ Sign up now at shedreamsofalpine.com/summit

It’s completely free and packed with expert-led sessions on everything from solo safety and mindset to road trip planning and bear encounters.

And don’t forget—enrollment for the summer cohort of the Backpacking Badass Program opens June 9–13! If you want hands-on support in becoming a confident, self-sufficient backpacker, this is for you.

🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.

Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine):

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎉 Registration is officially OPEN for the 2025 Solo Adventure Summit!

Join us June 5th-6th for a free two-day virtual event all about building confidence, preparation, and skills for your solo outdoor adventures. You'll learn from over 10+ amazing speakers—including today’s guest, Kim from Bear Safety and More!

👉 Grab your free ticket now at shedreamsofalpine.com/summit

🎙 Episode 33 – Bear Safety & Backcountry Confidence with Kim Titchener

If you’ve ever worried about what to do if you run into a bear—or moose, or mountain lion—on the trail, this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Kim Titchener, founder of Bear Safety and More, who has spent her entire career helping people safely coexist with wildlife.

We talk about:

• The biggest myths around bear encounters (and why they’re often misunderstood)
• The #1 mistake hikers make that increases the chance of an animal attack
• What to do before you ever step on the trail to avoid an unwanted encounter
• Dog safety tips (why off-leash dogs are more dangerous than you think)
• The truth about bear spray, firearms, and what actually works
• How solo hikers can build more confidence with a few simple tools

Kim has decades of experience working with wildlife in Banff National Park and now teaches safety courses across North America. She breaks down bear behavior in a way that’s empowering—not fear-based—and gives you the tools to explore with confidence.

🔗 Connect with Kim & Learn More:

• Website: bearsafety.com
• Bear Safety Courses: https://bearsafety.com/services
• Instagram: @bearsafetyandmore
• Facebook: Bear Safety and More

Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine):

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎟 Don’t forget to register for the Solo Adventure Summit where Kim will be speaking LIVE on June 5! 👉 shedreamsofalpine.com/summit

🎉 Registration is officially OPEN for the 2025 Solo Adventure Summit! Join us June 5th-6th for a free two-day virtual event all about building confidence, preparation, and skills for your solo outdoor adventures.

👉 Grab your free ticket now at shedreamsofalpine.com/summit

🎙️ Ep 032. 4 Outdoor Skills Every Woman Should Master Before a Solo Trip

Are you dreaming of heading out on a solo adventure but unsure where to start?

In this episode, I break down 4 core outdoor skills that every woman should learn before taking off on a solo hiking or backpacking trip.

Whether you're brand new to the idea of "going solo" or looking to level up your confidence on trail, this episode gives you the foundation to get started—safely and intentionally.

We’re also gearing up for the 2025 Solo Adventure Summit (happening June 5–6), and this episode is the perfect prep. These skills—route planning, safety prep, physical readiness, and wildlife awareness—are all topics we’ll be diving into at the summit, and that I cover extensively inside my Backpacking Badass Program.

Ready to take the next step? Join us for the Solo Adventure Summit!

🎟️ Sign up now at shedreamsofalpine.com/summit

It’s completely free and packed with expert-led sessions on everything from solo safety and mindset to road trip planning and bear encounters.

And don’t forget—enrollment for the summer cohort of the Backpacking Badass Program opens June 9–13! If you want hands-on support in becoming a confident, self-sufficient backpacker, this is for you.

🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.

Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine):

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

What if the thing holding you back from solo adventuring isn’t lack of skills—but the feeling of safety?

In this powerful episode, Allison sits down with Nicole Snell—international speaker, TEDx presenter, and CEO of Girls Fight Back—to talk about self-defense, solo travel, and how we can stop letting fear define our choices.

Nicole is a globally recognized self-defense educator and the founder of Outdoor Defense, a YouTube series dedicated to equipping solo hikers and travelers with tools and confidence to explore the outdoors boldly. She’s worked with military groups, universities, and outdoor communities around the world—and today, she’s bringing that wisdom to the show.

Together, we dive into:

• Why most self-defense is mental, not physical—and how mindset is your most powerful tool
• How to break free from fear-based narratives about solo hiking and being alone in the outdoors
• What people get wrong about stranger danger—and what the data actually says
• Nicole’s personal story of growing up in the desert, reclaiming the outdoors, and hiking Mount Whitney
• How her now-famous “Yes, I’m Hiking Solo” workshop got started—and why it resonates with so many women
• The behind-the-scenes story of Nicole’s TEDx Talk: “What Would You Do If You Felt Safe?”

Whether you're prepping for your first solo hike or want to feel more empowered moving through the world, this episode will leave you feeling stronger, more prepared, and deeply inspired.

If you're interested in getting some of the references and stats that Nicole Mentioned on today's episode, send us an email at [email protected]

🗓️ PS—Don’t forget to save the date for our annual Solo Adventure Summit! It’s happening June 5–6, 2025, and Nicole is one of our featured speakers. You’ll get practical tools, inspiration, and community support to help you take your solo adventure dreams to the next level. Details coming soon. Join our newsletter here to be FIRST to know when registration opens for the Solo Adventure Summit.

🔗 Connect with Nicole:

• Outdoor Self-Defense Course
• NicoleSnell.com
• GirlsFightBack.com
• IG: @adventuresofnik | @girlsfightback
• Outdoor Defense on YouTube

Learn more about your host, Allison (aka She Dreams of Alpine):

• She Dreams of Alpine Blog
• Instagram @shedreamsofalpine

🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.

🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.