⛰️ Intrepid men needed for arduous journey
Join us on a 5-day traverse into the heart of the Sierra
Hello from Berkeley!
This summer, I’ll be guiding a Men’s High Sierra Traverse, July 24-28, departing from Bishop, CA.
I’m taking a year off from running paid wilderness programs through VIVIFY, and I’m hosting this program on a gift basis, at no cost - my priority is to lower barriers and bring together an incredible group (that’s ready to work hard). Learn more & apply here:
And if you don’t identify as a man, please feel free to share this with any men in your life who you feel would resonate 🙏
Spring has sprung! The days are getting longer, and the snow is starting to melt in the high country.
Sadly, I’ve been sidelined for the past few months with an ankle injury, so can’t give you any firsthand accounts or photos of what I’m sure is just another jaw-dropping spring in the greatest range on Earth.
But I’m beginning to dream of long days wandering in the alpine, and want to share here an opportunity to join me.
This summer, I’m most excited about hard days in high places, traveling fast and light.
Getting into rarely-visited corners of the wilderness.
Finding the rhythm of movement.
Gathering at the end of the day for a well-earned meal and conversation during the late twilight hours.
An opportunity to rest my mind, and awaken my body.
As one of my favorite Sierra authors puts it:
“[Often] you’re just walking, and you’re only going to be walking for the rest of that day. And so you begin to shift into hiking’s different time, its altered state of consciousness. Sierra time. In that morning light, at the start of a trip, I sometimes laugh out loud.
That feeling is one of the things I want to write about here. Crazy love. Some kind of joy. There are people who go up to California’s Sierra Nevada, fall in love with the place, and then live the rest of their lives in ways that will get them back up there as often as possible.”
- The High Sierra: A Love Story, Kim Stanley Robinson
So, I’m gathering a group of 6-12 men for a five-day off-trail backpacking experience into a remote corner of the Sierra, July 24-28.
We’ve got a few spaces still open.
There are three main intentions for this trip:
🔥 Challenge: Get into some rarely-visited areas of the Sierra, pushing our bodies on long & satisfying days. You should be able to hike 10-15 miles at altitude, off-trail, with a 30 lb pack.
🙏 Reflection & Connection: Convene a group of curious, adventurous, and heart-centered men that will stay connected beyond just this trip.
🎒 Skills & Systems: Teach, refine, and practice ultralight, off-trail backpacking techniques.
Since this trip is gift-based (see below) there is a short application process (5 minute form, then a 30 minute call with me) where we’ll see if you’re the best fit for this trip.
When I lived in Boulder, my regular men’s group was my anchor.
It wasn’t complicated. There was no official leader.
It was a space for 5 men who were doing our damnednest to live lives of integrity to come together and be supported and challenged.
On this trip, we’ll bring that energy into the mountains.
We’ll move most of the day, with swim breaks and peak scrambles sprinkled throughout.
In the evenings, we’ll make camp near alpine lakes or ridges, and share an evening council. We’ll watch the sun set & (weather depending) sleep under the stars.
You’ll have space to recharge. Five days fully off the grid and a dedicated 24-hour solo will offer a chance to step out of life’s constant noise.
This trip is for men who have curiosity about their inner world, an appetite for adventure, and a willingness to explore into the unknown.
I’m not coming with any perspective about masculinity.1 But there is something special that happens when a group of men commit to showing up for each other. I’ve felt it.
If you have too, or if you’re curious, reach out.
A Gift
I’m taking a year off from running paid wilderness trips through VIVIFY - there are many reasons for this which I may get into later, but for now suffice it to say that I’m excited about exploring a new model for my work, one that removes as many barriers as possible to sharing these wild places I love so dearly.
To that end, I’m running this trip as a gift.
There will be no expected contribution, just a $200 deposit to secure your spot which will be returned after the trip completes (main point is to give you a little skin in the game so that you block the time/prioritize training for the trip/actually show up).
Join us!
So if you’re up for a truly unique adventure this summer, learn more below, or reach out with any questions.
That being said,
’s manifesto for his “Sons of Now” group is a clear & resonant description for the need & purpose of men’s gatherings in our times. I’m inspired by & aligned with his work.
damnn now this is a tempting invite!
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
This sounds awesome. If I didn’t have a baby due in early August I would be seriously considering applying. Love watching you follow your passion and create what you are longing for!