Ella Suring, an avid hiker and ultra runner, has conquered distances of over 30 miles in a day, including a memorable trek from Curry Village to Cloud’s Rest in Yosemite Valley. Balancing her adventures between solo hikes and group excursions, Ella cherishes the headspace solo hiking provides and the camaraderie of group outings. Her hiking journey, influenced by early adventures with her dad, includes a notable 16-mile flip-flop hike in Haleakala Crater, Maui. Using tools like Strava and Alltrails, and drawing inspiration from the hiking community, Ella has explored international terrains such as the Himalayas and has future plans for Patagonia. Motivated by determination and resilience, she enjoys hiking year-round, advocates for inclusivity in the outdoors, and emphasizes preparation for safety in remote areas.
What’s the longest distance you’ve hiked in one day?
So far I’ve done 30+ miles in one day on a hike – but as an ultra runner there’s a few more ambitions I have coming up with greater mileage. That hike was in Yosemite Valley, starting in Curry Village and making it to the Diving Board and then Cloud’s Rest for sunset.
Do you prefer hiking alone or with a group?
I think both are enjoyable for different reasons. It’s great to bond with friends in a group setting or meet entirely new people on a trip, but I also love getting to hike or backpack (and trail run) on my own because you get into a great headspace and it’s just you out there in the mountains.
What’s your most memorable hiking experience?
I was raised hiking and camping and just being outside quite a bit, especially with my dad. He has a track record for getting us lost and I’ve been on many adventures with him that turned out to be much longer than initially planned. One that is highly memorable was on a trip to Maui where we hiked the Haleakala Crater. What was supposed to be a short, easy, less than 5 mile hike, turned into an all day affair as we covered 16 miles in the brutal heat. I think we were both in flip flops with minimal water as well.
Do you use any apps or tools to plan your hikes?
I like to use Strava or Alltrails to plan routes for training, especially when I’m traveling and in a new area. There’s also so many great routes on Alltrails where I’ll look for inspiration, then I like using iOverlander to find spots to park close to those areas. Also word of mouth, hearing recommendations from friends or others in this community. I’ve found some great places that way.
Have you ever done any international hiking?
Yes, the biggest international trip I’ve done that centered around trekking was going to the Himalayas in north India, in an area called Leh. I was there for nearly a month and I got to summit some passes ranging from 13,000ft to 18,000ft.
What’s a hiking destination on your bucket list?
I’m going back to the Himalayas for a multi stage trail race this spring, and I’m really looking forward to that. Patagonia in Chile is also on my list and I’ll hopefully be going there for a marathon next fall.
How do you stay motivated during tough hikes?
I tend to be a pretty determined person, so when I put my mind to something I’ll do my best to complete it, whether it’s a challenging thru hike or fighting to stay in a race. That’s my biggest motivation really, just the will to accomplish something.
What’s your favorite season for hiking and why?
Growing up and living in California, I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors all year because there’s just so much to do in the different seasons. I wouldn’t say I prefer one, but I do love all the adventure opportunities in the summer and the many races that happen during that season. The community is just great and I think it’s fun to connect with others and run with them too.
Do you have any tips for beginners?
I would stay stick with it even when it feels challenging. It can be a hard field to enter a field filled with people who are seemingly professionals and know everything about it, especially as a solo woman or a community that hasn’t historically had access to the outdoors. I find some places to be very welcoming and there’s lots of opportunities to share knowledge by getting involved with local groups or organizations.
How do you handle unexpected weather changes on the trail?
Always be prepared and open to the possibilities. Carry what you can to avoid weather damages and stay safe, but also recognize that you’re in the wilderness with changing climates, and things can happen. So I’d say having that openness is an important mentality to develop.
What’s the best trail town you’ve visited?
They’re all so great! I haven’t done much thru hiking where I’m stopping to resupply in towns along the way, but areas I’ve explored that are adjacent to places like that would include Breckenridge in Colorado, then Bear Valley and Truckee in California, the latter is where I hope to relocate to at some point.
How do you stay safe while hiking in remote areas?
When I’m in the wilderness, especially solo, I always make sure to carry a satellite phone or some means of communication. As a wilderness first responder I also believe in the importance of preparedness with first aid so I’ll carry at least a small kit with me.
Ella Suring exemplifies the spirit of adventure and resilience, tackling some of the world’s most challenging trails with determination and grace. We are proud that Ella has chosen to use Sierra Stick to keep her skin healthy on her journeys. As she continues to push her limits and inspire others, Sierra Stick is honored to be a part of her essential gear, ensuring she stays protected and ready for whatever the wilderness brings. Here’s to many more miles, summits, and unforgettable experiences with Ella leading the way!
You can follow Ella Suring’s adventures on Instagram @ellasuring, read her writings at Adventure Sports Journal here, and visit her website at ellasuring.com.