HIGH SIERRA TRAIL TO MOUNT WHITNEY HIKE OVERVIEW

A hiking odyssey across the Sierra Nevada along the famed High Sierra Trail to the highest peak in the lower 48 states - Mount Whitney. An 83-mile trek through spectacular and little-seen mountain terrain across Sequoia National Park including high passes, deep canyons and beautiful alpine lakes. Along the way we travel along the entire High Sierra Trail and portions of the John Muir and Pacific Crest trails through the largest road-less area in the United States outside Alaska.

For backpackers and trekkers with some previous experience, the High Sierra Trail is one of our most spectacular Sierra hikes. We begin our adventure on the west side of the Sierra near the Giant Sequoia's of Sequoia National Park and finish on the east side of the Sierra after a summit of Mt. Whitney (14,495 ft). We exit out the Golden Trout Wilderness and spend our last night in the Eastern Sierra town of Lone Pine.

Along the way we visit the amazing Valhalla area with the huge rock face Angel Wings towering above, make our way down the Big Arroyo and on to the Kern Canyon where we have a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring. The second half of the trip takes up towards Crabtree Meadows and the Whitney area. We basecamp close to Whitney and then summit Whitney with lightweight packs. The last leg takes us into the Golden Trout Wilderness, over Cottonwood Pass and out the Horseshoe Meadows trail head.

A van shuttle returns us around the southern Sierra Nevada back to our original meeting point on the West side of Sequoia National Park. Along the way you'll enjoy delicious backcountry cuisine prepared by your guide and explore the isolated interior of Sequoia National Park.

Our itinerary is purposefully relaxed with a good mix of light trail days and some longer days to give you more time to immerse yourself into the grandeur of the Sierra Nevada.

Food, Equipment & Lodging

We provide breakfast lunch, dinner and snacks prepared by your guide and backcountry chef from the time we meet till we part ways. We like to call our food "backcountry gourmet" which includes vegetables as well as freshly baked goods.

To make your trip easier for you we provide most of the gear you will need at no extra cost. We provide high quality backpacks, sleeping bags and pad, trekking poles, headlamp and eating utensils if needed. We also provide tents, all group cooking gear, first aid kit and water purification for the group. Our guides carry emergency two-way satellite communications devices at all times.

 
 
 
 
 
 

EXPERIENCE & PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

  • Previous recent wilderness backpacking experience in tents is required on trips of at least 3 nights in length.

  • The ability to carry an overnight backpack for up to 12 miles a day with 2000-3000 feet of elevation gain for multiple days in a row. (We hike slow, but steady!)

  • Excellent physical condition required.

The Trans Sierra to Whitney backpacking trip is a committing and strenuous wilderness trip …you must train accordingly! Please feel free to contact us for any training recommendations.

Curious how to rate your physical ability? Check out our Physical Ability Page. 

DATES 2023:

August 18-28

COST: $3900

INCLUDES

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by your guide while in the field

  • Professional local mountain guides certified in emergency wilderness medicine, food handling & Leave No Trace Principles & trained in local natural history.

  • Backpacks, sleeping bag and pad, trekking poles and eating utensils if needed ($25 cleaning fee for using our sleeping bags)

  • Tents, all group camping gear and permits

  • 1-night hotel accommodations (double occupancy) in the town of Lone Pine

  • Private shuttle back to the starting point