From Canyons to Whitney: Why We’re Taking On the Highest Peak in the Lower 48

Sometimes adventure has a way of rerouting us. One minute you’re planning to trek through canyons, and the next you’re staring down the tallest peak in the lower 48. This post kicks off a three-part series on how we pivoted from our Grand Canyon plans to preparing for Mt. Whitney. From the “why” behind the decision, to the gear and chaos of packing, all the way through to the trailhead. Today, let’s start with the story of how Whitney even landed on our radar. 🏔️

Thank you Osprey, for creating the perfect oversized cozy cat carrier. 🙂

From Canyons To The Tallest Mountain In The Lower 48 States

You’re probably thinking, how the heck did we go from canyons to mountains? 🧐 As a mildly-experienced Grand Canyon-er (that’s a term coined by me), I wasn’t expecting to hit up the tallest mountain in the country this year. If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that we actually did have a Grand Canyon trip planned for July, which would have consisted of us backpacking from the North to South Rim. But as previously mentioned, we knew we weren’t prepared enough and decided to postpone…which led us to Whitney.

If you do a quick Google search, you’ll know that permits for Whitney are usually obtained between February and March. So yes, while we did know about getting this permit well before the Grand Canyon trip was canceled, it was an “up in the air” sort of trip. It would take significantly more planning than we were used to, and even more gear that we didn’t already have. But, when we decided to reschedule that July trip, we knew we’d have to make this one work. 💪

I always think it’s crazy how far out the permits need to be obtained. Sure, there’s usually daily lotteries for most of them as well, but as much as I like planning everything in my life, I’m more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants lady for trips. I’d prefer booking them randomly and just going with the flow…but friends, if you’ve backpacked or hiked anything more than just a few miles before on a trip, you’ll know that planning is hella key when getting ready for these kinds of “vacations.”

So many people I’ve talked to over the years constantly ask me how I consider beating up my mind, body and spirit through endless miles and elevation a “vacation,” but I’m here to tell you that it’s all about escape vs. experience in my opinion. The more adventure that is available, the more challenges to face on a trail, the more I feel alive, refreshed, and recharged. My favorite thing about being on these remote, longer, more difficult trails, is that I can look around me the entire way and not see a single man-made item in site.

Some peeps prefer chilling in Miami for a weekend (or 2 weeks, idk how they do it!), drink in hand, sandy toes, poolside cabanas…🌴

Yeah, we do those too! But they’re sprinkled few and far in between because we love actually living life and not just escaping it.

Preparing For Mt. Whitney

So in this series, I’d like to share with you how we managed with preparations and gear lists and route planning, etc. for our Mt. Whitney trip. (Which we are heading toward today! As you read this, we’ll likely be in our first campsite of the trip, relaxing from the plane ride with a John Muir book in hand…fittingly, I chose “My First Summer in the Sierra,” which I grabbed from the set I just purchased before heading out).

Check the set out here if you’re interested in learning more about John Muir and his travels. He is known as “The Father of the National Parks,” after all.🤷‍♀️

John Muir (1838–1914), the ‘Father of the National Parks,’ was a Scottish-American naturalist whose writings, advocacy, and leadership helped preserve America’s wilderness and inspire generations of conservationists.

PS. Actual downloadable gear lists are coming, so keep checking back!

John Muir conservationist the helped develop natural parks including Mt. Whitney — The man himself, John Muir, friends. 🥾

Mt. Whitney Isn’t Just Another Hike

Preparing for Mt. Whitney has been like no other. That’s because this is our very first trip to the northwest together (and omgosh I just got the happy chills just thinking of it!) 🥹 The only other time I’d be northwest was with my dad when I was just 16. It was one of those trips where I just knew I would forever be coming back. Even at such a young age, I was captivated by the mountains and the incredible landscape. (My favorite spot was the famous Jackson Hole, Wyoming)…which I hope to one day revisit with my husband to hike the Grand Tetons. (omgee, the chills again! Stahhhpp.) 😂

Sometimes life is weird like that. Things come full circle in a different way than you thought they may have. All I know is that I’m totally here for these new adventures and I’m so excited for the rollercoaster of emotions they take me on. I move through anticipation, nervousness, being excited, sprinkled with a bit of anxiety, fear…a good bit of fear, strength, new found courage, commitment, a sense of overcoming while also being overwhelmed, and finally a feeling of refreshment, rejuvenation…re-invention.

It’s as if the trips such as these challenge me in ways I never thought of, from the very first day we obtain the permits to the very last day of the journey. I could keep babbling for days about how beautiful this entire path of becoming more at one with nature is truly one of life’s greatest blessings, but next, let’s get into the prep work in Part 2, shall we?

The thing is, every big adventure has its starting point, and for us, this one began with a canceled trip and a leap toward something bigger. Mt. Whitney isn’t just another hike, it’s a test of preparation, patience, and perspective. In Part 2 of this series, I’ll dive into the nitty-gritty: permits, packing, and the not-so-glamorous prep work that makes or breaks a summit attempt.

Thanks for following along friend. See you soon. 🫶🥾✨

Thank You For Reading “From Canyons to Whitney: Why We’re Taking On the Highest Peak in the Lower 48”

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement as I prepare for the climb up Mt. Whitney. This journey is about more than just reaching the summit—it’s about discipline, growth, and appreciating the strength found along the way. Check back soon to learn more about the three P’s of Mt. Whitney: Packing, Permits, and Prep work.