Chris Mercer

Explore a 15-mile loop through Big Sur’s Silver Peak Wilderness on a 4-day backpacking trip. From sweeping ocean views on the Buckeye Trail to tranquil creekside camping at Spruce Creek, this route delivers incredible scenery and just the right amount of challenge. Expect 4,500 feet of elevation gain, rugged trails, and plenty of solitude.

Follow my 3-day backpacking adventure through the Grand Canyon, tackling the Hermit Trail, Tonto Shelf, and Boucher Trail. With 23.4 miles of rugged terrain and over 9,000 feet of elevation change, this trip offered epic views, remote campsites, and plenty of challenges.

4-Day Backpacking Adventure in the Superstition Wilderness Boulder Canyon + Black Top Mesa + Weaver’s Needle There’s something magical about Arizona’s Superstition Wilderness. Known for its rugged beauty, eerie legends, and endless opportunities for adventure, this place is a backpacker’s dream. I recently embarked on a 4-day solo backpacking trip to explore the desert canyons,

Backpacking Yosemite’s North Rim: Stunning Views above the Valley El Capitan, Upper Yosemite Falls, and North Dome This was a 4-day backpacking trip on the North Rim of Yosemite National Park in mid-Summer. On this trip, I camped on top of El Capitan, at Upper Yosemite Falls, and on North Dome, with detours to Eagle