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 you’ll reach the trail!
Accommodation: Hotel
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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!
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After spending a night at a hotel in Clovis, pack up and get ready for a 1 pm pick-up. Your guides will drive you to the trailhead—the goal is to reach it just before dusk. A light snack will be provided that evening at the trailhead. You’ll do a final pack-check, get to know the team, and talk safety.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast and light snack in the evening
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After breaking camp at the trailhead, your 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
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Today the trail undulates upward, with multiple crossings of pristine High Sierra creeks, and one Roaring River, as you climb to near 8,500 ft (2,590 m) for your camp below granite cliffs and spires. At camp #2, you 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)
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A stiff climb will bring you to one of the prettiest campsites in the Sierra, Colby Lake at 10,600 ft (3,230 m). You’ll get there by lunch, so use the afternoon for a refreshing swim and a chance to catch fresh trout. Go to sleep with an amazing display of stars above you.
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: Intense uphill to High Sierra lake at 10,600 ft (3,230 m)
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An early start and a 1,400-foot (425-meter) ascent will get you to Colby Pass, where you can see the Kern Canyon and the Mt. Whitney group. After a celebratory break, your Trans-Sierra trek continues with a long and sometimes steep descent that will get you 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)
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A long, gradual climb on a very good trail will get you 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)
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An early, before sun-up start will get you to the top of Mt. Whitney at 14,507 ft (4,422 m) by lunch (weather permitting). The adrenaline will be flowing as you move past Guitar Lake, up the switchbacks, and parallel the Hitchcock peaks to the highest point of your 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) you’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
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Leave your base camp and start the final segment to cars and civilization. Hike a moderate trail for about 9 miles to your 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
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An early start will get you to Chicken Spring Lake before lunch. You will cross over Cottonwood Pass and complete your Trans-Sierra hike with a descent down the eastside of the Sierra. After a cool drink and lunch, you’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
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