Kelly Star Alvarez

Hey everyone! I am a dancer, professor and mommy to my 8-year-old... I am also a backpacking guide and coach! I started blogging for The Trek last year. This year, I will be solo fastpacking the John Muir Trail, as well as backpacking several other shorter backpacking trips, a couple of them with my daughter. I have hiked the JMT, TCT, R2R, and TR and love to bag peaks. I am a pescatarian and enjoy trying new foods on trail. You might find some of my homemade dehydrated backpacking meal recipes on my blog and Instagram. If you're so inclined, please follow me @peaksandcrossroads. Happy Trails!

Posts

Why the Heck Am I Solo Hiking the John Muir Trail… Again?

Why the Heck Am I Solo Hiking the John Muir Trail… Again?

When I think of the Sierra Nevada, I see marmots, 13,000-foot mountain passes, and waterfalls. I smell the sweet evergreen perfume only nature can

May 29, 2026 : Kelly Star Alvarez
Blogging Take Two: From Timberline to JMT

Blogging Take Two: From Timberline to JMT

Well okie dokie… I sort of failed at my first attempt blogging a multi-day hike. When I first signed on with The Trek last year I had aspirations of

May 14, 2026 : Kelly Star Alvarez
Reflecting on the Timberline Trail: Day 1

Reflecting on the Timberline Trail: Day 1

Well, it's already December, and needless to say, I am a bit behind on blogging about my epic Timberline Trail solo thru-hike I completed back in

Dec 26, 2025 : Kelly Star Alvarez
Mosquitoes Galore… Surviving Blood Donation in the Sierra

Mosquitoes Galore… Surviving Blood Donation in the Sierra

It’s become a yearly tradition to go backpacking with my daughter, boyfriend, and his mom every summer. This year we chose Treasure Lakes near

Jul 24, 2025 : Kelly Star Alvarez
Howdy! A Bit About Me

Howdy! A Bit About Me

Dancing, Monty Python, avocados, Pocahontas, and road trips. Oh yeah, and hiking. Good times.

Jul 1, 2025 : Kelly Star Alvarez
When the Going Gets Tough… Fall on Your Face

When the Going Gets Tough… Fall on Your Face

When you plan everything, but nothing goes as planned. “Plan B” always has your back.

Jun 28, 2025 : Kelly Star Alvarez