Yosemite Backpacking Trips

Backpacking - Sierra High Route - Itinerary

  • ABOUT THE TRIP:
    Chosen by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of the Best New Trips of 2010, The Sierra High Route is packed with expedition-style adventure! Thinking about the trip, words like breathtaking, grand, exciting and awe-inspiring come to mind. But be warned: this one is not for the faint of heart. The High Route spans 195 miles along the highest and most remote regions of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and it is mostly off-trail. Backed by SYMG's seamless logistical planning, those up to the challenge will don ultralight backpacking gear and head off on what will surely be the adventure of a lifetime!

    GROUP SIZE:  
    3-6 clients, 2 guides

    GRADE:
    Strenuous: on- and off-trail backpacking on uneven terrain with steep grades. These trips are similar in character to those in the difficult category, but are longer in duration. This significantly compounds both the physical and mental challenges of the trip. Because these types of trips have a required mileage to complete each day, the level of commitment is high. These trips spend significant time at higher elevations. For the SHR specifically, participants should be comfortable rock scrambling with a backpack up to class 3. We travel between 6 and 11 miles daily and rarely drop below 9,000 feet.

    EQUIPMENT:
    All camping gear can be provided (backpacks, sleeping bags, ground pads, tents) if requested on the registration form. You provide your personal clothing, broken-in boots and other personal items.  You may print from our web page a detailed gear list, directions, and this itinerary.

    MEALS:
    All meals are provided while in the backcountry. We take pride in providing excellent meals even in remote surroundings.

    COST OF THE TRIP:
    $6495.00 per person 4-6 people (Note: Small group surcharge on groups of 3 people $995.00 in addition to smallest tier).
    Single supplements: 1 night lodging at start of trip $125.00 requested. $75.00 for forced singles.

    INCLUDED:
    Shared lodging the first night in Fresno at Piccadilly airport hotel, all meals while in the back country, all camping/backpacking gear, 4 remote food drops, any front country camping, permits, van shuttle from Fresno airport to trailhead at Road's End and Twin Lakes to Fresno airport at the end of the trip and expert guides well versed in mountaineering, cultural and natural history.

    NOT INCLUDED:
    Meals while in the front country, alcoholic beverages, personal items, tips for guides (10-20% of trip fee). Optional, but highly recommended trip cancellation insurance.

    PREPARATION:  
    Hike, hike and hike some more. The Sierra High Route is a committing trip where you have minimum mileage each day. Endurance is the key to your enjoyment. Participants should have experience on long backpacks such as the John Muir Trail, Trans Sierra Trail or on other significant undertakings. You should be aerobically and cardiovascularly fit, and should train by working out, carrying weight (up to 40 lbs), and hiking stadium bleachers up & down. Examples of getting prepared include:  Hiking on and off-trail immediately prior to the trip; participating in longer backpacks along the JMT, TST or along other high country trails. Reading “The Guide to the Sierra High Route” by Steve Roper may also be helpful.

    26 Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: We will meet at the Piccadilly Inn adjacent to the Fresno air terminal.  Dinner is on your own at the hotel. Meet your guides in the hotel lobby at 6pm for an orientation and gear check. Extra luggage can be stored with the support guide, who will be on hand.

    Days 2-6:     Cirque Country: Kings Canyon to Busy Basin . Approx 39 miles

    Days 7-11:     Whitebark Country: Dusy Basin to Lake Italy. Approx 42 miles.

    Days 12-17:     Lake Country: Lake Italy to Devils Postpile. Approx 39 miles

    Days 18-23: Headwaters Country: Devil's Postpile to Tuolumne Meadows. Approx 47 miles.

    Days 24-26:     Canyon Country: Tuolumne Meadows to Mono Village. Approx. 28 miles

    Days 26    : On our final day we will take a shuttle back to Fresno airport, arriving about noon.

  • Please call the SYMG office with any questions ~ 800 231-4575

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