The Adventurous Reinvention

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 one of the most physically and emotionally challenging days on trail—but also one of the most beautiful. After waking up at camp (surrounded by cowboys, coffee cake, and loose pack animals), we took on the long, steady climb up and over Muir Pass. The ascent was a grind, but the reward was worth it: sweeping alpine views, the iconic Muir shelter, and a sunset descent through Evolution Basin that took our breath away.

From sore shoulders to surprise trail reunions and awkward gear questions from strangers, this episode is full of real trail life moments—both magical and messy.

In this episode:

• Cowboy hospitality
• Mental tricks for pushing through the pain cave
• Our uphill battle to Muir Pass (and countless false summits)
• Why the Evolution Basin might be the most beautiful stretch of trail so far
• Trail friendships, awkward encounters, and favorite gear surprises (Kula Cloth, anyone?)

🎧 Come walk with us through the highs, the lows, and the golden hour glow on Day 14 of our JMT journey.

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 we’re back on trail! After taking a year off because of last seasons wildfires, we rejoined the JMT by climbing over Bishop Pass with fresh legs and cautious optimism. The trail welcomed us with sweeping views, swirling dust, and one chaotic rogue horse incident.

We ended the day camping alongside some pack animals and reflected on what it’s like to come back to something you didn’t finish the first time.

In this episode:

• Climbing back over Bishop Pass to rejoin the JMT
• Dusty miles, shifting trail energy, and re-entry thoughts
• A first night's camp with pack animals
• A rogue horse encounter
• Tired legs and feet

🎧 Come hike along as we step back into the JMT—dust, pack animals, and all.

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.

After a year away, we’re back. In 2020, wildfires forced us off the JMT—but in 2021, we returned to finish what we started. This episode was recorded from our hotel the night before we hit the trail again, as we reflected on our return, what’s changed, and what it means to pick up a dream that got put on pause.

Plus: a sweet moment of trail magic before the trail even begins, involving a bowl of peaches, almond milk, and an unexpected new friend.

In this episode:

• Returning to the JMT one year later
• What it feels like to come back after a forced pause
• Getting permits and planning the second section
• Peaches & almond milk
• Pre-Hike feelings and anticipations

🎧 Hit play to hear how we’re stepping back onto the trail—new year, same dream.

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 we hiked out—truly out. After making the tough call to leave the trail due to wildfire smoke, we completed our long exit via Bishop Pass. The hike was steep, scenic, and bittersweet. As we made our way back to civilization, we reflected on what it means to change plans, to trust ourselves, and to let go of expectations on a dream hike.

Even though this part of our JMT journey is coming to a close, there’s peace in knowing the trail will still be there—and that this isn’t the end of the story.

In this episode:

• Climbing over Bishop Pass with heavy hearts
• Final views and surprise alpine beauty
• Emotional trail reflections and processing the pivot
• The power of letting go (and knowing when it’s time)
• What we’re learning about flexibility, trust, and next chapters

🎧 Join us as we hike out with gratitude, grief, and hope for the next section of the journey.

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 11 was a hard day—but a necessary one. The wildfires weren't letting up, and we had to leave the John Muir Trail. We began the long climb out via Bishop Pass.

With help from our InReach and my safety contact on the outside, we came up with some creative shuttle logistics, found a way to exit safely, and began processing what it means to pause a hike we’ve dreamed about for so long.

In this episode:

• A somber morning in the smoke
• Passing LeConte Ranger Station and checking in with rangers
• Finalizing our decision to bail over Bishop Pass
• Using the InReach to coordinate a backcountry exit
• What it feels like to pause a thru-hike—and what’s next

🎧 Tune in for a vulnerable and honest trail moment—sometimes the bravest thing is knowing when to stop.

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 10 was big—both in mileage and emotion. We climbed Mather Pass early in the morning, took in its wide-open views, and then descended the iconic Golden Staircase. It was one of our longest days so far, but the terrain felt surprisingly manageable... until smoke began to fill the air again.

At camp, we started hearing reports of new fire evacuations nearby, and we were forced to face a difficult trail reality: what happens if the JMT closes?

In this episode:

• Climbing Mather Pass and savoring a smoke-filtered view
• Descending the Golden Staircase
• Hunger pains
• Wildfire updates from my friend
• Big decisions ahead

🎧 Hit play for one of our longest and most uncertain days on the trail.

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 next two days were all about big climbs, blazing sun, and a whole lot of food talk. We tackled both Glen and Pinchot Pass, crossed over some stunning terrain, and found ourselves daydreaming constantly about fresh fruit, real meals, and a post-trail feast.

The heat rash continued to be very real, and Michael caught a new fish: The Rainbow Trout.

Trail life was starting to settle into a rhythm—sore feet, daily routines, and conversations about everything and nothing. A classic stretch of the JMT, complete with long views, sweaty backs, and just enough magic to keep moving forward.

In this episode:

• Climbing Glen Pass and Pinchot Pass + what makes a pass feel hard or easy
• Long Break at Raes Lakes
• Our least favorite campsite
• Trail food obsessions + rainbow trout
• Battling heat rash
• Why we’re loving quiet moments and “slow talk” out here

🎧 Come walk with us across some of the most scenic (and sweaty) miles of the trail.

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.

Days 6 and 7 were a mix of rest, reward, and reunion. We took a much-needed resupply day in Independence, resupplied at the cozy Mount Williamson Hotel, and soaked in the luxuries of clean laundry, fresh food, and indoor sleep. Then it was back over Kearsarge Pass—packs heavier, bodies recharged, and hearts a little fuller after connecting with fellow hikers and trail friends.

These two days gave us contrast and perspective, and reminded us how sweet it is to return to trail life after stepping away for just a moment.

In this episode:

• Resupply magic at Mount Williamson Hotel
• The reality of resupplying (and eating everything)
• Hiking back over Kearsarge Pass—again
• A near gear loss + a water bottle rescue mission
• Trail friendships, heat rash updates, and fishing reflections

🎧 Press play to join us for a mix of town feels, mountain climbs, and the joy of being back on trail.

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 one of those wow trail days. We crossed the legendary Forester Pass—one of the tallest passes on the JMT—and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The approach was breathtaking, with massive granite walls and a surprisingly kind set of switchbacks. On the other side, we scored what might be our favorite camp yet: tucked beside a rushing creek and waterfall, totally secluded.

Michael caught his first backcountry trout and we cooked it for dinner (with a little salt, pepper, and tru-lemon flavor—backpacking gourmet style). Plus, we reflect on trail routines.

In this episode:

• Climbing Forester Pass (and why a northbound approach might be the best)
• Scoring an epic, private campsite near water
• Catching and cooking our first wild trout
• Trail routine reflections and slow-down moments

🎧 Come along for one of the most iconic days on the trail—you won’t want to miss this one.

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 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.