Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Tour
Overview
For adventurers looking for a beginner-friendly but highly rewarding trekking tour, this journey through the Sierra Nevada is for you. Spend the first night in a lakeside resort at nature’s doorstep, then venture into the wilderness for the rest of the 4-day tour. Pack your backpack and follow your guide through trails replete with pine trees, streams, waterfalls, and alpine meadows until reaching your high-mountain lakeside campsite where you’ll stay for two nights. Hiking options are available on Day 3: relax by the lake, take a short walk, or choose to summit the nearby 3,200-metre Madera Peak. Treat yourself to a long-weekend getaway in the absolutely breathtaking Ansel Adams Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada.
Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Tour Overview
For adventurers looking for a beginner-friendly but highly rewarding trekking tour, this journey through the Sierra Nevada is for you. Spend the first night in a lakeside resort at nature’s doorstep, then venture into the wilderness for the rest of the 4-day tour. Pack your backpack and follow your guide through trails replete with pine trees, streams, waterfalls, and alpine meadows until reaching your high-mountain lakeside campsite where you’ll stay for two nights. Hiking options are available on Day 3: relax by the lake, take a short walk, or choose to summit the nearby 3,200-metre Madera Peak. Treat yourself to a long-weekend getaway in the absolutely breathtaking Ansel Adams Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada.
Immerse in nature: stargaze at night and wake up to sunrise over the lake.
Summit Madera Peak (3,203 m / 10,509 ft) for insane views of the lakes below.
Set up base camp for two nights next to Upper Jackass Lake, a glassy alpine pool.
Follow your guide off-trail for some unique vantage points.
Trip map for Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Tour
Barbara C.
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We went through 10Adventures not familiar with them at all, and it was the best decision we ever made!
Allyson K.
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Just an amazing experience. Absolutely lifechanging!
Amy D.
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It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Tour
Arrival in Bass Lake
Welcome to California! Make your own way to Bass Lake to check-in to the hotel any time between 4pm and 6pm. Meet your guide in the lobby at 6pm for a quick discussion about the days ahead. Pick from one of many local restaurants for a hearty dinner, then get some sleep to prepare for hiking tomorrow.
Hike to Jackass Lakes
After finding a yummy breakfast in the village, make your way to the trailhead about an hour away by car. The hike begins in the gorgeous area of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, and leads you to Upper Jackass Lake. Set up camp here and spend the afternoon and evening exploring, swimming, or relaxing until it’s time for dinner served up by your guide. This base camp is a fantastic spot for stargazing, so don’t forget to look up before crawling into your tent for the night.
Explore Area + Optional Peak Summit
Your guides will prepare breakfast along with hot tea or coffee and discuss the hiking options for the day. Several routes start from this lakeside campsite; it depends how far you want to venture. Options include Burro Notch, Madera Peak, or touring around the lake basin. Or you can relax for the day. Return to camp for dinner and another night under the stars.
Return to Bass Lake + Farewell
Wake up early and catch the sunrise before having breakfast and packing up camp. Hike out the way you came in and arrive at Bass Lake in the early afternoon. Say goodbye to your hiking crew and make your way onto the next leg of your adventure in the Sierra Nevada.
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
Dates and prices for Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Tour
This guided tour in the Sierra Nevada is always run as a fixed-departure tour where you would be joining a group, therefore the price is fixed and only depends on the number of people sharing the room or a tent.
The prices below are per person:
What’s included for Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Tour
Meals
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 3 nights (1 night at Pines Resort and 2 nights of wilderness camping) is included in the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
You are responsible for your own transportation to the hotel, and to and from the trailhead.
Also Included
- English-speaking guide services
- Group gear: stove, cookware, water filters, first aid kit
- Personal gear available: backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, trekking poles
- Tent
- Backcountry camping permits
- Trail snacks
Not Included
- Transportation to and from trailhead and hotel
- Personal expenses + gratuities (recommended 10-20% for excellent service)
- Trip insurance
- Flights
- Voluntary or involuntary evacuations
- Anything not mentioned as “Included”
Optional Extras
- Extra nights in Bass Lake
Accommodation for Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Tour
The hotel on this trip is 3-star. You will also camp in the wilderness for 2 nights in a high-quality tent with gear like sleeping bags and pads provided. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $240 to have a private room in a hotel while traveling with a group. We can match the single travellers up, however, in case there aren’t any matches, you’ll have to pay a supplement of $120.
Non-Standard Cancellation
- 64 days or more prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 50% of the total trip cost.
- Between 34 and 62 days prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 75% of the total trip cost.
- 33 days or less prior to departure: the cancellation fee will be 100% of the total trip cost.
Frequently asked questions for Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Tour
How hard is the Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Tour?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. This tour is beginner-friendly; however, you should be comfortable hiking on moderate elevation gain and up to 10 km.
Do I need a visa to travel to the United States?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Tour?
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Bass Lake to start this tour?
You can reach Bass Lake by car from Fresno Airport (1.25 hours), San Francisco Airport (3.5 hours), or Los Angeles Airport (4.5 hours).
How big is the group for this tour?
The group consists of max 12 people.
Is the 4-Day Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Backpacking in the Sierra Nevada Tour end?
The tour ends where it starts, in Bass Lake, California.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to the United States?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for the United States?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to California for this tour?
The best time to travel to California for trekking is during the summer. This tour is available in August.
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