Matt Johanson

2 weeks ago | sierranevadaally.org | Matt Johanson

Pacific Crest Trail hikers rarely use their real names with each other. Early on their way from Mexico to Canada, most adopt a trail name connected to a funny story or their personality. Trail names help build community and give hikers something to talk about when they meet. I didn’t have one when I started my hike at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Because I began in July, I joined the trail halfway through its 2,650 miles. I hoped that would let me reach Canada before snow set in.

1 month ago | sierranevadaally.org | Matt Johanson

A hike to Canada never occurred to me as I explored snowy slopes and peaks of Sonora Pass. I drove up to the 9,623-foot crest of Highway 108 when it first opened in spring. A late-season tour on my cross country skis made a perfect day and inspired my first-ever outdoors article. Too bad I wasn’t smart enough to respect the High Sierra sun; bright red sunburn advertised my mistake for a week. That was my first Pacific Crest Trail experience, though I’d never heard of it before.

2 months ago | adventuresportsjournal.com | Matt Johanson

Navigating Joshua Tree’s Scenic Roads and Challenging Terrain by BikeDaylight turned to dusk and then darkness while I pedaled my bike beside the busy road. Cars and trucks sped by me on the 65-mph route, every one of them making me cringe, as Highway 62’s narrow shoulder got narrower.My heart raced as I gripped my handlebars fearfully. I expected a different experience when I decided to bicycle through and around Joshua Tree National Park.

Mar 11, 2025 | sierranevadaally.org | Matt Johanson

Joshua Tree National Park never disappoints. Recently I was lucky to spend a week with friends and family there. Greeting us were countless Joshua trees and majestic scenery as far as the eye could see. All involved loved hiking and rock climbing in the cool winter temperatures. My friend Britney completed her first lead on gear, and cousin Andy and I fought our way up a difficult (for us) face climb, 5.10c. Unfortunately, an upsetting event disrupted the positive desert vibes. On the morning of Feb.

Jan 22, 2025 | sierranevadaally.org | Matt Johanson |“Yosemite Adventures”

Zion National Park boasts awesome scenery, like Yosemite Valley painted cherry red. But for climbers, sandstone doesn’t compare to Sierra Nevada granite, and the desert sun burns hot enough to melt rocks. That about summarizes my first-hand knowledge of southern Utah from a road trip years ago. I’d also read some Edward Abbey novels and Jon Krakauer’s book about the state’s stubborn polygamists.