By Charlie Pankey | Sierra Rec Magazine
Backpacking might sound intimidating to someone new to the outdoors, but for James O’Neill and Kelsey Bollman of Sierra Summit Expeditions, it’s all about helping people fall in love with the backcountry—without the stress. In this week’s Sierra Rec Now podcast episode, we sat down with James and Kelsey to talk about their passion for guiding backpacking trips in the Tahoe National Forest and Emigrant Wilderness, and how their guided group trips are opening the Sierra up to a whole new generation of explorers.
Why Tahoe National Forest is the Perfect Place to Start
For many, Tahoe National Forest is simply a scenic stretch of outdoor wonder north of Lake Tahoe and Truckee encompassing the Yuba River and high Sierra Lakes. But for Sierra Summit Expeditions, this sprawling landscape is where new backpackers find their stride.
According to James and Kelsey, Tahoe National Forest is a “classroom for adventure”—a place with just the right blend of accessible terrain, beautiful lakes, quiet forests, and manageable elevation gain. Whether you’re learning how to carry your first pack, testing out new gear, or just dipping your toes into the overnight wilderness experience, Tahoe is the perfect setting.
“Our goal is to make people feel comfortable and confident,” says Kelsey, a thru-hiker who completed the PCT in 2022 and now leads many of Sierra Summit’s women’s-only trips. “Tahoe is ideal because we can adjust distances, group pace, and daily activities based on who shows up.”
Sample Trip: Carr Lake to Downey Lake (Coed Trip – June 14–15, 2025)
One of the popular beginner-friendly itineraries offered this summer is the Carr Lake to Downey Lake route, scheduled for June 14–15. This 2-day coed backpacking trip is set in the heart of Tahoe National Forest and showcases the region’s alpine beauty without requiring strenuous effort.
- Meeting Spot: Sierra Discovery Trail parking lot (Nevada City area)
- Trailhead: Carr-Feeley Lake Trailhead
- Trail Coordinates: 39.401863, -120.642131
- Highlights: Gentle terrain, lakeside camping, group camaraderie, and time to explore or just relax in hammocks.
James and Kelsey use this trip to help guests ease into backpacking. The terrain allows for a relaxed pace, while the lakes offer swimming, fishing, and perfect hammock-hanging trees.
More Than Miles: The Sierra Summit Philosophy
A big takeaway from our interview with James and Kelsey is that their trips are about connection—not just to the trail, but to yourself, your fellow hikers, and the moment you’re in.
From group wellness retreats to Bigfoot campfire stories gone wrong, Sierra Summit knows how to make backpacking fun, inclusive, and meaningful. Whether it’s sharing laughs around a campfire, yoga sessions by an alpine lake, or learning how to read a topographic map, these moments are what turn a hike into a memory.
“We’re not just guiding,” James explains. “We’re mentoring. We’re building a community of people who feel at home in the wild.”
Featured Trip: Women’s Wellness Backpacking Retreat – June 27–29, 2025
This 3-day immersive retreat led by Kelsey and wellness guide Courtney blends backpacking with personal reflection, movement, and rejuvenation in the Tahoe wilderness.
What to Expect:
- Morning yoga, guided meditations, and breathwork
- Gentle hiking with plenty of time to explore, journal, or relax
- Campfire conversations and optional photography, fishing, or swimming
- Group gear and meals provided – you just bring your clothes and curiosity
It’s more than a backpacking trip—it’s a reset.
Why Choose a Guided Group Trip?
Sierra Summit Expeditions provides all the major gear—packs, tents, sleeping bags, water filters, and meals. That means less stress for beginners and more freedom for returning hikers who want to travel light or try new gear. Their team emphasizes education and flexibility, offering support every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking for your first overnight or planning to level up with a multi-day adventure in Emigrant Wilderness, Sierra Summit’s trips are crafted to meet you where you’re at.
Get Out There in 2025
Sierra Summit Expeditions is now taking 2025 reservations for beginner, intermediate, and wellness-focused trips in the Tahoe National Forest and Emigrant Wilderness.
🌲 Upcoming Highlights Include:
- June 14–15: Tahoe Forest Backpacking (Coed – Novice)
- June 27–29: Tahoe Forest Wellness Retreat
- July & August: Women’s Trips, Intermediate Emigrant Wilderness Adventures
- September: Novice+ Options for Late Season Exploration
💡 Buddy pricing and BYOG (Bring Your Own Gear and food) options available.
Plan Your Visit to Tahoe National Forest
The Tahoe National Forest is an underrated gem with endless summer recreation opportunities, including:
- Hiking & Backpacking (including the PCT)
- Mountain Biking & Equestrian Trails
- OHV routes
- Interpretive Programs, family-friendly hikes, and ranger-led activities
- Access to pristine lakes and rivers
Whether you’re going with a guide or heading out solo, this region is a perfect basecamp for Sierra adventure.
🎒 For a full gear list and to explore trip options, visit https://www.sierrasummitexpeditions.com/trips
Listen to the Podcast
🎧 Hear the full conversation with James O’Neill and Kelsey Bollman on the Sierra Rec Now podcast—available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Get inspired. Learn the ropes. Discover what’s possible when you step off the pavement and into the wild.
