Matt Johanson

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Manoah Ainuu, featured in the film “Black Ice,” grew up in Compton and became a professional climber.<ins> (Courtesy photo)</ins>

Outdoor adventurers embrace diversity: ‘We’re going to change the world’

Various groups are making recreation more inclusive and welcoming

Manoah Ainuu, featured in the film “Black Ice,” grew up in Compton and became a professional climber.<ins> (Courtesy photo)</ins>
I enjoyed introducing mountaineering to two younger companions on Mount Muir. (Courtesy photo)

Ace your age

Part 5 of ‘50 lessons in 50 years,’ a series for adventurers seeking fulfillment

I enjoyed introducing mountaineering to two younger companions on Mount Muir. (Courtesy photo)
A Pacific Crest Trail segment through the San Gabriel Mountains makes a good introduction. (Matt Johanson/Special to The Examiner)

Light winter promises good hiking on Pacific Crest Trail

Even a short section on the transnational path delivers rewards

A Pacific Crest Trail segment through the San Gabriel Mountains makes a good introduction. (Matt Johanson/Special to The Examiner)
Backpackers trek past Split Mountain in Inyo National Forest. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

The bounty, beauty of backpacking

Part 4 of ‘50 lessons in 50 years,’ a series for adventurers seeking fulfillment

Backpackers trek past Split Mountain in Inyo National Forest. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Keith Doran, left, and the author celebrate a short but successful outing on El Capitan. (Courtesy photo)

Looking forward to many more years of rock climbing

Part 3 of ‘50 lessons in 50 years,’ a series for adventurers seeking fulfillment

Keith Doran, left, and the author celebrate a short but successful outing on El Capitan. (Courtesy photo)
Spring is a great time to witness the wonderful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park.<ins> (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>

Magnificent Seven: Hike to these scenic Yosemite waterfalls

Options range from a few minutes of walking to a full day of high-altitude trekking

Spring is a great time to witness the wonderful waterfalls in Yosemite National Park.<ins> (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>
Skier Andy Padlo crosses a frozen Spicer Reservoir. (Courtesy photo)

Stormy weather tests skiers’ mettle on Dardanelle traverse

Overcoming challenges makes outings more rewarding

Skier Andy Padlo crosses a frozen Spicer Reservoir. (Courtesy photo)
Castro Valley teammates reunite for a fun run about 20 years after their graduation. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Run for fun: 50 lessons in 50 years, part 2

Series offers tips for adventurers seeking fulfillment outdoors

Castro Valley teammates reunite for a fun run about 20 years after their graduation. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
A short walk leads to the base of Yosemite Falls, requiring no snow gear except in heavy winter conditions. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Snowy destinations abound in Yosemite winter

Those who journey to the mountains discover grand scenery, solitude .

A short walk leads to the base of Yosemite Falls, requiring no snow gear except in heavy winter conditions. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Snow covering the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe appeals to skiers and snowshoers. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Winter Wisdom: 50 lessons in 50 years, Part 1

Series offers tips for adventurers seeking enjoyment in nature

Snow covering the mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe appeals to skiers and snowshoers. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Members of the Johanson family submitted Mount Diablo together on a cloudy but happy day. (Courtesy photo)

Despite hardships, the outdoors has seen good news during pandemic

Adventurers climbed and rowed, firefighters bravely battled, wildlife flourished in 2020

Members of the Johanson family submitted Mount Diablo together on a cloudy but happy day. (Courtesy photo)
Dan Johanson on summit: Dan Johanson celebrates his first visit to Mount Shasta’s summit. Photo by Matt Johanson

Mount Shasta inspires and teaches generations of climbers

Challenging climb maintains a magnetic pull on mountaineers

Dan Johanson on summit: Dan Johanson celebrates his first visit to Mount Shasta’s summit. Photo by Matt Johanson
Matt Johanson retrieves gear from a section of the climb of the South Face of Washington Column in Yosemite. <ins>(Courtesy photo)</ins>

Climbing, falling and learning on Yosemite’s ‘little big wall’

South Face of Washington Column a good test for a moderately skilled mountaineer

Matt Johanson retrieves gear from a section of the climb of the South Face of Washington Column in Yosemite. <ins>(Courtesy photo)</ins>
Lee Vining and Inyo National Forest are excellent fall color tour destinations. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Gold Rush: Go now to see Sierra fall color

Maples, oaks, dogwoods, aspens glow in the next few weeks

Lee Vining and Inyo National Forest are excellent fall color tour destinations. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
The Sierra Club honored its founder John Muir with this painting but also renounced his racist writings this year. (Courtesy photo)

Bring on the map makeover

White supremacists’ names being removed from parks and monuments

The Sierra Club honored its founder John Muir with this painting but also renounced his racist writings this year. (Courtesy photo)
Pablo Sandoval of the San Francisco Giants won Most Valuable Player in the 2012 World Series. (Matt Solcum/Getty Images/Tribune News Service)

San Francisco’s Panda earned Giants fans’ favor

There’s no one quite like Pablo Sandoval

Pablo Sandoval of the San Francisco Giants won Most Valuable Player in the 2012 World Series. (Matt Solcum/Getty Images/Tribune News Service)
Above: Four California cyclists pedaled 52 days to cross the Brooklyn Bridge and reach the Atlantic Ocean.

SF teens get new perspective on country on cross-country bike excursion

Riders traveled 3,614 miles, climbed 155,706 feet uphill, averaged 69.5 miles a day and repaired 65 flat tires

Above: Four California cyclists pedaled 52 days to cross the Brooklyn Bridge and reach the Atlantic Ocean.
“Pedal Towards the Future” cyclists catch their breath and celebrate cresting the Rocky Mountains. (Courtesy photo)

Bay Area cyclists discover kindness in middle America

S.F.’s School of the Arts students enjoy cross-country ride-of-a-lifetime

“Pedal Towards the Future” cyclists catch their breath and celebrate cresting the Rocky Mountains. (Courtesy photo)
A short and scenic hike leads to the base of Horsetail Falls from Highway 50. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Sierra Nevada outings beat blues of vicious virus

Hikes offer chance to stretch legs without rubbing elbows

A short and scenic hike leads to the base of Horsetail Falls from Highway 50. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Living under quarantine has provided the opportunity for some teens to spend time writing and playing music. (Courtesy photo)

Pandemic steals youth but imparts life lessons

Class of 2020’s resilience, optimism and concern for others inspires

Living under quarantine has provided the opportunity for some teens to spend time writing and playing music. (Courtesy photo)