High Sierra And The Western Divide

Shuttle to trailhead: 2.5 hours Hiking Mileage: 7 miles Elevation Gain: 2305 feet Elevation Loss: 2170 feet After a short shuttle from our hotel to Sequoia-Kings National Park, we begin our California trek at the site of the historic Wolverton Ski Area in a mixed conifer forest at 7200 feet. Making our way along murmuring Wolverton Creek, we watch as the forest quickly becomes dominated by giant red firs. After a moderate ascent through the shadowy forest, we top out at Panther Gap and catch views of the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, 3500 feet below, and, our next day’s destination, the dramatic peaks of the Great Western Divide dominating the skyline to the east. After a few mile descent we will reach the famous High Sierra Trail junction and head east.  We’ll make camp at 9-Mile creek and enjoy the quiet among the fading light of dusk as your guide prepares a delicious well-deserved meal.

Hiking Mileage: 7 miles Elevation Gain: 2970 feet Elevation Loss: 2190 feet After an early rise and a hearty breakfast, we pack up camp and prepare for a long day on one of the most amazing trails in the Sierra – the High Sierra Trail! The views along the way are spectacular and ever-changing as we make our way past Castle Rocks, Little Blue Dome and Sugar Bowl Dome before we reach the historic Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp. After a quick break we will continue on into the immense cliffs and peaks of the Great Western Divide, all along enjoying what some consider to be the most scenic area of the Sierra. Tonight, we will camp at stunning Hamilton lake and enjoy another hearty meal with a lake side view.

Hiking Mileage: 9.7 miles Elevation Gain: 3880 feet Elevation Loss: 4500 feet Today is the crown jewel of this trip for many reasons! We will eat breakfast and embark on a short day hike to one of the pinnacle features of this trip: Precipice Lake.  After we take in the view in front of one of the best views in the Sierras we will retrace steps back to camp on the shores of Hamilton Lake, eat lunch and pack up camp.  Tonights destination takes us back to Bear Paw Meadow, where we will make camp and your guide will prepare dinner as the brilliant summer constellations appear overhead in the thin, fresh mountain air.