The Eastern Sierra is EPIC! (Backpacking the Thousand Island Lake Loop)

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

☕ Want to support our adventures? Check out our A+K merch and eBooks! adventuresofaplusk.com/shop/ 📅 This video was filmed in early July 2024 💸 Save 30% off AllTrails+ with our code aplusk30 or by clicking this link: alltrails.pxf.io/nLvMvX 🥾See ALL of our gear here: adventuresofaplusk.com/gear/ ✨ Keep California beautiful and PLEASE follow Leave No Trace principles: lnt.org/why/7-principles/

[@Jung1967]

Hello Kathryn and Adam, It was absolutely pleasure to meet both of you in person on my way to Thousand Island Lake. Thank you for taking a picture with me. I will enjoy watching your amazing, beautiful and inspiring video. I hope to see you again somewhere in the future.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It was a pleasure meeting you too! I hope you had a wonderful trip! See you out there!

[@djjd8520]

I know I leave my little silly comments sprinkled throughout the videos, some I don't comment on but I always watch and leave a like, but I do want to say I am so thankful I found this channel, I have been on many trips and I never left the comfort of my living room, thank you for all that you do behind the scenes to bring us all these amazing adventures and the time lapses are just pristine

[@rwelmer]

Will be watching this later this evening but wanted to chime in and say how much we've enjoyed watching you both visit our beloved Eastern Sierras. Been my favorite area since I was a young child. Have enjoyed your travels ever since you visited our town of Redding and haven't missed an episode since. We continue to be impressed by the videos you produce. Cheers!

[@rwelmer]

PS We were thinking of you as we enjoyed our Scott's Tott's at Yaks on the 5 in Dunsmuir yesterday.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks, y'all!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Yuuuummmm! Color us green with envy!

[@dianegraves6449]

Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. It is truly a pleasure to see the world through ya'll eyes...

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@RomisHikingJourney]

It was such a pleasure meeting you on the hike to Thousand Island! I've become a huge fan of your amazing channel!!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hey! Pleasure meeting you as well. Thank you so much! We hope you had an awesome summer!

[@denaegan7891]

You guys are honestly the BEST!!! I'm a little behind on your videos since I'm prepping for a 2-12 month trip to Europe so all my focus has been on that. Love seeing you surpassed 200k subscribers. I knew you would! Well deserved. Looking forward to getting caught up on your videos. The quality and content just keep getting better and better!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks and thanks for watching! We're very jealous of your upcoming trip!

[@faithful1memories309]

Oh my goodness, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED the SIERRA Series! River crossings, mosquitos and hiking through snow patches does happen often in Sierra backpacking trips, especially in the first half of the season. I can't wait to see your Tahoe Series!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you!

[@just_joc]

Your Eastern Sierras adventures are the best! I can't wait to see your Lake Tahoe adventures! Thanks for sharing.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching!

[@michaels8342]

Wonderful scenery! Worlds greatest campsites! Thanks for the trip!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@mcnater]

Haha..."no smellavision". Too funny. What a beautiful trip! I'd love to recreate that one someday.

[@thezapata80]

It’s hard to beat California when it comes to nature! We backpacked to Little Lakes Valley last year and it was magical. The Eastern Sierra is definitely one of my favorite areas in California. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us, they’re so breathtaking ❤

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Little Lakes Valley is awesome too! We only day hiked there, but would love to backpack one day! Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@glendasharp5057]

What a gorgeous part of the country! Thank you for taking us along with you.

[@mindiwilhelm4322]

Beautiful waterfall photography.

[@AnthonyMarioni]

Wow not one but two! star timelapses. Gorgeous! Gotta be one of the best parts of camping is being able to see the stars like that

[@nancyeacker2185]

OMG ENJOYED your Eastern Sierra adventures. So magnifiently beautiful. Thank you !!!!! Waiting for your next adventure, I am one of your big fans !!! 😊❤

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks, Nancy!

[@SurferGirlHB_aloha]

Love watching your adventures! We just happened to eat at The Barn last week when we were traveling through Bridgeport based on your recommendation! Was so so good! The Eastern Sierras are the BEST! Looking forward to seeing your video highlighting Tahoe next week! Lake Tahoe is one of our favorite places as well!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Oh that’s awesome! We’re excited to share the video!

[@suzanneaydelotte801]

What a gorgeous way to finish your Sierra adventures! So so so beautiful!

[@janefromthecountry1820]

My dentist loves the Sierras. He also likes Ansul Adam’s photography. It’s on my bucket list. Thanks for taking us along. Such beautiful views in the Sierras! Safe travels.

[@DavidBlansit]

Hello guys! I have recently discovered your channel. You are so easy to watch and always are positive. Love that! Thanks for great videos. Keep it up. Inspiring for sure! Be safe!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hi! Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@coachjohn]

Just finished an amazing adventure in AK. Followed your adventures and kept to one region. Denali, Glacier View (glacier climbing with MICA where they show your video in the registration area) then Seward. Got Wild Scoops and Mooses Tooth Pizza. You made our Honeymoon better then we could have expected. Thank You

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

That's so awesome to hear! We're glad we could help and you had a great honeymoon!

[@alrichardson7027]

WOW!! This is AWESOME! Look at all these MOUNTAINS !

[@ontheroadwithRalph]

Absolutely an amazing, beautiful, and inspiring video. And brings back wonderful backpacking memories for us (decades ago, when we were your age). Actually headed out to California next month, but unlike 1980 (with our Dodge van, tent, campstove, and canoe) it's now a Ford truck and an Airstream. But we still carry our old campstove. Like the old quote says: "Do what you can, with what you've got, where you are."

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Awesome! Have a blast! Love Teddy!

[@karenenglish4900]

Absolutely beautiful!! Thanks for taking us on a breathtaking journey. I heard birds chirping and wondered if they were added. All the scenery was where I would have loved to be when we were able to hike. God bless you as always.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

The bird chirping is all captured on our camera! Beautiful sounds! Thanks for watching!

[@steveh.5055]

Amazing scenery! It has been a very long time since I was in the Ansel Adams Wilderness; I really miss it. Thanks for sharing your wonderful adventure!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks for watching!

[@CristineSugar-ih1hv]

So,so amazingly beautiful! What a hike you had ! Glad you persevered through it

[@TheGlamorousLifeofNae]

Such beautiful views, I was mesmerized the whole time & I *loved* seeing the Milky Way! Very peaceful, I’m watching on a rainy night. ☺️💖💕

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Perfect weather for KZbin watching! Thanks, Nae!

[@Star-u3t1l]

Yahoo, I look for your videos every Sunday morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for sharing the good life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cottagefulloflove4090]

I’ve lived in California my whole life and have never been to these amazing places you guys have been checking out! These destinations are going on my “must-go” list 😆! Thank you for such great content!

[@kathylusardi44]

Thank you for showing us this beautiful area of the Sierras! I haven"t been in the area since my 20"s and it was more car camping at that time. Just beautiful!

[@chrism1164]

Long ago we hiked to Thousand Islands Lake - paddled out - and spent the inght on one of the little islands. Neat!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Oooooo that would be a epic! Way to go carrying a watercraft all the way out there!

[@jenniferfisher530]

You are so fortunate that you both love backpacking. I just had to give up permits for cottonwood lakes because my crew had to drop out and my husband isn't into backpacking. The Sierra is one of my favorite places on earth. Thanks for sharing your adventure. I've never actually done this particular hike so it was fun to watch. I have hiked a chunk of the rush creek trailhead. Love the waterfall on the rocks. Hiking later in the season, you won't have the mosquito problem.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Oh that's a bummer! Sorry that happened. We are very lucky to have each otehr

[@eveningfalls]

Just…wow. Thank you for this video! I backpacked from Mammoth ski area up to Thousand Island Lake in 1985, and it was picture postcard perfect back then as well. Also remember a one mile section on the trail going up being attacked by about 10,000 mosquitos at once! And yes, could see the Milky Way galaxy at night:) truly One of my favorite hikes….

[@MarlonAndGabriela]

Beautiful, definitely adding this to our list. As natives to SoCal we had no idea this hike existed. Such fantastic peaceful views out on that trail.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks, y'all! Y'all need to get out there!

[@LindaSolis-b9s]

Wow- I LOVE this area!! I can't do these hikes any longer (physical limitations) and I really appreciate you taking the journey for us so we can hike along virtually! Such gorgeous scenery. And I must say, Kona looks GREAT! I wish I had her energy and could hike as easily as she can. Watching the videos of your climb with her happily wagging her tail the whole time is epic!! 😅

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

She's our little mountain goat! We're glad we could she these adventures with you

[@TheTravelingVan]

Beautiful photography! Thanks for sharing!

[@funzeevanzee]

Beautiful. Looks like Kona had lots of fun.

[@shadowchaser59]

Love the night Timelapse but it was cut just as I got a glimpse of the Milky Way. Love all your videos and Kona playing in the snow😊

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks for watching!

[@fidausa6636]

Wowww agreeing with you! Breathtaking place! Love this video. Thanks for sharing. 1st time seeing Eastern Sierra.

[@winsondeng]

this is something i wanted to do but haven't done...thank you for sharing the experience. what a great video!

[@valeandview]

What amazing views!! Can't blame you for loving this region. 😍

[@mariamjehn7071]

I cannot express the love !! Take me away .. to that special place.. take me away!! ❤❤😮😮😊😊

[@anikindall]

Loving your travels in the beautiful eastern Sierra Nevada!

[@whistlerhazy7619]

😮 just WOW…so beautiful!!

[@bigbaddms]

awesome, absolutely loved it! thanks for keeping it real

[@kebeaux6546]

Hey Adam, Kathryn & Kona!!! Amazing views around every corner. So glad you were able to take Kona with you. Thank you for bringing those views to us. You guys are the best!! Sorry the fly fishing didn’t work out very well. With that cold water and high sun can sometimes put the fish down.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Views every where you look! Kona had a blast as always Was a tough day fishing, but any day fishing is a good day

[@kebeaux6546]

@@AdventuresofAplusK I still have to say … trout are impeccable taste in real estate

[@gregoryeastman6804]

A great adventure and beautifully filmed.💗

[@marieb4]

I have the Tahoe Rim Trail on my short list so I'm REALLY looking forward to your next video!! ❤️

[@mariamjehn7071]

Professional fantastic video !! 😮What a country !! What a trek !! Thankful 🙏 to you for sharing!! 😮😮😊😊❤❤❤

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@mizermaffy]

The videos just get better each time.

[@tunggarcia9721]

Thanks for this video. We did this about 13 years ago. It brings back such great memories. During our backpacking trip, we decided to name our dog after one of those lakes in the area. Top choices were Shadow, Ruby and Iceberg. Our dog is named Iceberg. She turned 11 years old yesterday. We have a picture of Banner Peak in our living room. It was fascinating seeing the peak on TV next to the picture.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Oh how cute! Love the name! Kona is coming up on 11 in November Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@WhislinGary]

Love my aeropress. I wish it was just a little higher capacity... I enjoy your perspective

[@steveblankenship5474]

I’ve been in Ansel Adams Wilderness before. They could rename it Jaw Dropping Wilderness since there is no place quite like it, really a special place. One of my trips to Yosemite I met Ansel Adam’s daughter right in the visitor’s center and I got to talk to her about her dad going to those places to get his epic photographs. It was a neat experience talking to her.

[@lilofrenchbulldog1744]

Awesome hike beautiful view lake its worth it love your dog ❤

[@NATEG01]

Looks awesome! We did a day-hike to Ediza and Iceberg lakes last year. Ediza was one of my favorite lakes, and Iceberg lake still had icebergs in it September last year. I've also always wanted to see Thousand Island lake, but it would have been too long to see all those lakes in a day. We will have to do a back-packing trip like this next time. We ran into some back-packers at Iceberg lake who were headed up to Cecile and Minaret Lakes which are also supposed to be amazing. If you do all these lakes in one loop, it's around 30 miles roundtrip.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It's so wonderful out there! Already can't wait for another trip one day!

[@ChauNguyen-rn9oj]

The boys love watching your backpacking videos

[@JimBobele]

I just finished my hike on the JMT from Agnew Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows and I can only agree with your video. The views are gorgeous. Waking up at Garnet Lake with the views to Banner Peak is out of this world. But I can tell you Donahue Pass with over 11000ft was a total beast. Even the descent was a killer. But Lyell canon was a nice reward afterwards. Happy hiking

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It's so epic out there! Glad you had a wonderful time!

[@seemawati4376]

We really njoy the journey with you both was amazing really njoyble hope to watch more ❤️thanks

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for watching!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

More like this please!

[@MajorAddiction]

Wow you guys got the night photography going on now. Very nice work

[@lucymartyn8205]

Another beautiful video, 🇨🇦👍❤️

[@kristymoore7052]

DO hike the JMT while still young. Not a huge time commitment like the PCT. I hiked it in august at 60 years old. I did it, but wish I would have when I was your age. Love, love love the Sierra. Thanks for sharing.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We'd love to do it! Thanks for watching!

[@mariamjehn7071]

Precious peeps !! Love where you take me!! 😂❤❤❤😊😊😊😮😮

[@mitchgord]

Those backpacking hikes you two did in the eastern Sierras were all stunning and amazing. What a place! We're Californians and didn't know that that's where the good stuff in the Sierras lies. Although we have been watching some PCT and John Muir Trail hiking videos, so we know that the JMT looks like that also. As long as you can handle multiple thousand foot elevation gains, which we can't so we watch on video. But anyway, your comment about you two doing the PCT or at least JMT. Well, if you really want to do it, the JMT only takes about 3 weeks (I think) for backpackers in good shape. The PCT is several months. My thought is the PCT in particular doesn't really fit with your travel lifestyle, and you can do the more interesting bits in shorter chunks. Plus as a video channel, plenty of other people are doing it. Whatever calls to you, though...we'll follow along and enjoy it.

[@windybrown733]

We had the Crème Brule and instead of adding the sugar crystals we added bourbon from our flask. It was delish!!!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Oh wow! That’ll take it up a notch or three!

[@marlo7218]

Great video- thanks! I was wondering if there had been talk of a long thru hike- the seed has been planted already based on Adam’s comment 😁

[@mariamjehn7071]

Fantastic!!

[@JazzBanjo]

That grits looked hella good! The only problem with staying longer in one area is that it's so hard to leave when it's time!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Those grits are ridiculous. We need to backpack more so we can eat them more often 😂

[@wendysuperfan1014]

thanks A+K

[@RocksOff72]

"EE-Die-Zuh." This area was one my favorite areas to backpack growing up. Too bad you couldn't start at Red's Meadow, the hike in is much less of a butt-kicker. If you guys get to go back then for sure don't miss Iceberg Lake or Shadow Lake. And, Ritter and Banner offer some of the greatest views in the Sierra. Being on top of Banner was also closest I've ever come to being struck by lightning, though. I would encourage you two to do the JMT if you can. I'm too old and broken physically now to do it and it will be one of my life's biggest regrets. Don't let that opportunity pass while you're still young and fit.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Ya we learned how to pronounce it once we started talking to people out there. That’s why we pronounced it the way you spelled out in our voiceovers. We do hours of research on pronunciations beforehand but couldn’t find anyone pronouncing that one online We’d love to do more out there! Can’t wait to go back! Thanks!

[@sniper51956]

You guys do such cool videos!! Question: Are you using a "cozy" when you make freeze dried? If not, you might want to look into making or buying 1 or 2. HUGE game changer, especially in cold weather. No cooling off during wait time.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thanks! We don't use one no. If it were below freezing I think they would come in handy, but it wasn't thaaat cold out there so the food was perfect temp for us! If we do some frigid adventures we'll look into it!

[@shellycoffman9624]

Wow I’m so enjoying your journeys do you have a list of all your favorites like your coffee maker for campsites, tents, sleeping bags ect ?

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hi! Yes of course! You can see all of our gear at adventuresofaplusk.com/gear/ Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@BSerrell4]

If you are still in the area, be sure to visit the Eastern California Museum in Independence and see the exhibit about mountaineering legend and local curmudgeon, Norman Clyde, including photos and his ice axe. Clyde was the first to ascend many of the mountain peaks of the eastern Sierras.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We're long gone, but we'll add to the list for next time! Thanks!

[@LodiLeoandLuke]

Very nice.Appreciate you.Posting this.... where is the trailhead

[@matejtravels]

Another awesome video and hike. Waw. Well done! There is just one thing I am missing: can you write in a discription info about the distance and especially elevation gain, which is most important fact when hiking. So I can convert into km and meters. Best regards from Slovenia, Europe. Next year you should come hiking in the Alps.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hey! Thank you for watching! We have an AllTrails link in the description of the route we did which includes distance and elevation 😃 let us know if you can’t find it Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@jaimesimmons3331]

Yes!!! Hike the pct or jmt so I can live vicariously through yall! ❤

[@sheafan1971]

Thanks for another great video. So Nice.

[@eddiesedventures...3106]

Excellent as always! Question, primary source of video? Equipment wise, thanks!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hey thanks! You can find all of our gear at adventuresofaplusk.com/gear/

[@martinforrester8249]

That was a glorious trip guys. You are so lucky to live in the US with so much space to wonder in. I live in the UK where the space we have is being eroded by a HUGE influx of migrants.

[@mariamjehn7071]

Grammy said so in Maine!! 😂❤❤❤❤😮😊😊😊

[@danle8636]

4:51 she should of done the LBJ shoulder shrug move 😂, love your videos

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

😂 thanks for watching!

[@mountainmanwannabe9495]

How I wish I could have been a fly and hitched a ride on one of your packs, if only to have seen what you saw.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

It was incredibly epic!

[@snowbirdexpeditions]

Pro-tip! Hot water in the creme brûlée is way better!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Ooooo we'll try that next time!

[@PatrickRU1992]

easily one of the best parts of a strenuous hike is not feeling guilty about downing a massive bacon cheeseburger when you're done!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

You got that right! That's one of the biggest reasons we do tough stuff! 😂

[@RodWithAnH]

A+K, what footwear do you use for these hikes? How do you avoid blisters?

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hey! You can find all of our gear at adventuresofaplusk.com/gear/ We don't do anything really to avoid blisters. Just don't get them Thank for watching!

[@johnlyngdal8601]

If you decide to hike the PCT in Oregon, sign me up for your support crew with food drops and other necessities.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Wahoo! Thanks!

[@joyouslily2982]

Can you explain the gray of the rocks? Shale? Iron? Volcanic from the deep past?

[@mountainmanwannabe9495]

It looks like Granite to my untrained eyes.

[@jratcliff63367]

Guys, this video was simply amazing. I really want to recreate your backpacking trip. When I go to the reservations page it wants to know the 'entry point'. Which one did you use?

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We entered on the Rush Creek trailhead. Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@jratcliff63367]

@@AdventuresofAplusK Mahalo! If you ever come back to the big island of Hawaii again, give us a shout. We would be happy to offer you a free place to stay if you are on the Hilo side.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Thank you!

[@jratcliff63367]

@@AdventuresofAplusK I just made my wilderness permit reservations for October 8th. I'm so excited about recreating your trip! What you filmed in this video was simply amazing. I imagine it will be just as beautiful, and even a bit cooler, in early October!! I'm flying all of the way from Hawaii just to do this hike!

[@johncraig7823]

To bad you have not been Virginia Lakes/Trumbull Lake Campground at the top of Conway Summit along Hwy 395

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

So many places to see...so little time 😅

[@davidgrisco1939]

What breed of dog is Kona? Thanks for sharing!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

She's a pit, Jack Russell, Dachshund (we think)! Thanks for watching!

[@LodiLeoandLuke]

Great video thank you... What town is the trailhead near

[@ermankarli]

Bravoooo🎉🎉

[@jettybetty6]

Of course, now we need to go to the Eastern Sierra. If you didn't have the van where would you stay?

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

A trip to the Eastern Sierra is always needed! Well, we could tent camp at the same spots we camp in the van. Or we might get airbnbs or a hotel We have a road trip guide to Highway 395 on our website that lists some places to stay: adventuresofaplusk.com/eastern-sierra-highway-395-california

[@jettybetty6]

@@AdventuresofAplusK Thank you! Checking your link out! Enjoy your time off!

[@jefferyscott2026]

Such a great backpacking adventure and look forward to adding this trail to my list of upcoming adventures. Curious, does the national park allow dogs in the wilderness area on the Thousand Island Lake Loop? I've backpacked several trails in Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite but have not been able to find any wilderness trails that allow dogs.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Yes we were able to take our dog, Kona on the Thousand Island Lake Loop. Wilderness areas usually are dog friendly. It's National Parks that don't allow dogs for the most part Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@jackburns804]

Have you thought about some type of Patreon account? I love to support YT creators such as you two, just don’t need any merchandise. Would love to just donate. Your videos are amazing.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hey Jack! We appreciate your support! We used to have Patreon, but we were never comfortable with the concept. We sell ebooks on our website which are digital items if people want to support that way. Thanks for watching!

[@mrhedgey11]

Hey A&K - we’ve seen you eat those “just add hot water” meal pouches. Do you recommend any particular brand or meals? Thank you!

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Bowl & Kettle 💯 our absolute favorite bowlandkettle.com Use code TAKE10 to get 10% off

[@brucelester6918]

Do you filter/treat your drinking water?

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Yes we do. We use a Sawyer water filter or a Katahdin. And sometimes if we’re going to boil it we won’t filter it You can see all of our gear at adventuresofaplusk.com/gear/

[@shelbysinkler3732]

Amazing video! I’m supposed to do this loop the second weekend of October. Do you think it’ll be too cold then? I’m worried about getting cold and not being able to have a fire.

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Hi! We've never done this trip in October so we don't have any experience. I would give the ranger office in Bishop a call. They'd know more than us 😃

[@jlittle007]

Would u recommend wearing a half size bigger boot then normal shoe size on hikes like this?

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

We don’t personally do or have ever done that, but it may benefit some people. Sorry, that doesn’t help much!

[@meganlohrna]

Hey what’s the name of the book that you guys mentioned you were reading in previous video?

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter. Highly recommend!

[@meganlohrna]

@@AdventuresofAplusK thanks!