Two books you might look at are both by COlin Fletcher

1000 mile summer, where he hikes the PCT from Mexico north through the desert in the first few chapters, and The Man Who Walked Through Time, which is his hike through the Grand Canyon.

Both have excellent suggestions (and experiences)
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Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/

Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963