About the Author, Susan Alcorn: Susan is an Oakland, CA resident who has lived in the Bay Area most of her life. She graduated from U.C. Berkeley, raised two sons, returned to school to get a teaching credential, and taught 3rd-5th grades for 15 years until her retirement. She began backpacking at age 48 with the goal of climbing Mt. Whitney – at 14,505 feet, the highest mountain in the lower 48. In spite of a bear raiding her backpack the first night out, the trip was a great success. Susan’s latest hiking book is Healing Miles: Gifts from the Caminos Norte and Primitivo.


Every hike has been an adventure and unique. Choosing favorites isn’t easy, but there are some that stand out:


