This Trans-Sierra hike is a challenge, no doubt about that. We’ll travel 75 miles through the most isolated of the Sierras, all the way to Mt. Whitney—meaning that we’ll summit the highest point of the Lower 48. Still, what counts here the most is your motivation, positive attitude, and mental strength. It’s an intense journey and you should be physically fit, but we’ve had hikers from the age of 10 to over 70 completing this trail. We’ve been doing this trail since the 90s, and its beauty never fades away: we’ll cross streams and meadows, marvel at granite peaks and cliffs, and take (really) refreshing dips in alpine lakes. 20,000 ft of cumulative elevation gain is before you—seems like a lot, but we help regular folks do extraordinary things. The pain in your muscles will wear off, but the memories will stay with you forever!
Stand at the top of the highest mountain in the contiguous U.S.
The distance, elevation gain, and rugged terrain make this hike a demanding one
In the first few days, we’ll only see a couple of people, but also forget about the internet, emails, and phones for a week
A week-long intense hike through the wilderness of the Sierra Mountains is perhaps just what the doctor ordered. If you’re ready for a real challenge—for +75 miles of backpacking through some of the least-traveled and remote terrain of the Sierras with an ascent to Mt. Whitney—look no further than this week-long trip. A knowledgeable and experienced guide will be by your side the whole way through, they’ll create an encouraging and safe environment, and cook some delicious meals on trek. Equipment rental is completely free, so you don’t have to worry about buying some expensive equipment if you have none! You just focus on the inspirational landscapes of Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks!
Reach Clovis in California and check into your hotel (included in the price of the tour). Make sure you get some rest for tomorrow, as that’s when we’ll get to the trail and start our adventure!
Accommodation: Hotel
After spending a night at a hotel in Clovis, pack up and get ready for a 1 pm pick-up. We will drive together to the trailhead—the goal is to reach it just before dusk. A light snack will be provided that evening at the trailhead. We’ll do a final pack-check, get to know each other, and talk safety.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast and light snack in the evening
After breaking camp at the trailhead, our Trans-Sierra trail begins near Big Meadow at 7,800 ft (2,380 m) and heads uphill to around 9,300 ft (2,835 m), then down to camp at 7,200 ft (2,195 m) near Sugarloaf. Expect this day to be among the toughest.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: Begins at 7,800 ft (2,380 m), climbs to 9,300 ft (2,835 m), then descends to stream crossings and camp
Today the trail undulates upward, with multiple crossings of pristine High Sierra creeks, and one Roaring River, as we climb to near 8,500 ft (2,590 m) for your camp below granite cliffs and spires. At camp #2, we will almost always have curious deer wander through. Keep your ears open for the occasional bear!
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: Multiple stream crossings, trail climbs back to 8,500 ft (2,590 m)
A stiff climb will bring us to one of the prettiest campsites in the Sierra, Colby Lake at 10,600 ft (3,230 m). We’ll get there by lunch, so use the afternoon for a refreshing swim and a chance to catch fresh trout. We’ll go to sleep with an amazing display of stars above us.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: Intense uphill to High Sierra lake at 10,600 ft (3,230 m)
An early start and a 1,400-foot (425-meter) ascent will get us to Colby Pass, where we can see the Kern Canyon and the Mt. Whitney group. After a celebratory break, our Trans-Sierra trek continues with a long and sometimes steep descent that will get us to the Kern River for a crossing just before camp. This is the most challenging, but also the most breathtaking day.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: Intense up and downhill—climb to 12,000 ft (3,660 m), then long intense downhill to 8,000 ft (2,440 m)
A long, gradual climb on a very good trail will get us to the John Muir Trail followed by an undulating trail to camp near Crabtree Meadows at 10,800 ft (3,290 m). The goal is to camp at the postcard-perfect campsite with an awesome view of the west side of Mt. Whitney.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: Gradual climb to intersection with storied John Muir Trail and over 10,000 ft (3,050 m)
An early, before sun-up start will get us to the top of Mt. Whitney at 14,507 ft (4,422 m) by lunch (weather permitting). The adrenaline will be flowing as we move past Guitar Lake, up the switchbacks, and parallel the Hitchcock peaks to the highest point of our Trans-Sierra trail, and the highest point in the contiguous 48 states. After signing the book and taking pictures (you can also call home from the top), we’ll hike back to camp for dinner.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: Long day hike to summit and back with roughly 4,000 ft (1,220 m) of elevation gain & loss
We will leave our base camp and start the final segment to cars and civilization. We’ll hike a moderate trail for about 9 miles to our remote camp on the high desert above Rock Creek.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: Morning climb to near 11,000 ft (3,350 m), mid-afternoon descent, and then climb back to 11,000 ft
An early start will get you us Chicken Spring Lake before lunch. We will cross over Cottonwood Pass and complete our Trans-Sierra hike with a descent down the east side of the Sierra. After a cool drink and lunch, we’ll load the vehicles and head back to the Clovis Area. Family and friends are welcome to meet you on the backside of the Sierra as you exit the trail near Lone Pine. Expect to arrive in Clovis between 6 and 8 pm.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: Relatively flat, then a 500-foot (150-meter) climb before dropping to trail exit
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
If you’d like to join the Trans-Sierra hike to Mt. Whitney, you have to be in excellent physical condition. This week-long journey will have you traversing +75 miles (120 km) across some of the most remote and least-traveled regions of the Sierra before culminating with an ascent on Mt. Whitney (at 14,505 ft / 4,421 m). You will be backpacking along treks of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, gaining over 20,000 ft (6,100 m) all together with a cumulative elevation loss of 18,000 ft (5,490 m).
This week-long Trans-Sierra hike to Mt. Whitney is open to fit and motivated individuals of all ages and experience levels. You’ll also be carrying a loaded backpack, moving from camp to camp. Keep in mind that Mt. Whitney is the highest point in the Contiguous United States and that climbing it takes at least 7-8 hours, making it a big and difficult day.
You’ll have a fantastic guide by your side the whole way through, who will make sure you feel safe and comfortable with the whole experience. With their intimate knowledge of the trail, logistical skills, and cooking skills, they’ll create a friendly and encouraging environment, making this hike memorable and potentially life-changing!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Make sure not to bring unnecessary items which will only make your backpacks heavier, as you’ll be carrying your backpacks with you the whole way through.
Group sizes and pricing
Trans-Sierra hike & Mt Whitney adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.2
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Clovis in California, the starting point of your tour, most people fly into Fresno Airport (FAT). Make sure to fly in a day prior to the start of the tour, as pre-trek accommodation in a hotel will be organized for you.
Then on Day 1, your guides will coordinate transportation from Central California (Fresno/Clovis area). Pick-up from Central California will be at 1 pm at the Clovis Cole best Western, Clovis, CA. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your confirmed pick-up time.
Your guides will also help facilitate carpool arrangements from the San Francisco Bay Area and South California to Central California when possible. Exact time and regional meet-up locations will be confirmed on a trek-by-trek basis.
Meals are not provided when in transit, however, you’ll stop for food and to refuel before reaching the trailhead. The goal is to make it to the trailhead just before dusk. A light snack will be provided that evening at the trailhead.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.
With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
