Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking Tour
Overview
Embark on a striking trekking expedition through America’s Sequoia National Park on this legendary 10-day guided Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking Tour. Each day, you’ll wind to otherworldly views: traverse through the unique-looking foxtail Pine Forests, camp at the scenic Rock Creek lake, hike across the Great Western Divide via Colby Pass.
The highlight of this 133-kilometre route is the stone age-like views of rocky mountains sprawled across the horizon, stabbing the air with their grey-tinged peaks. These remarkable views are visible from atop Mt. Whitney! Spend nights wild camping in remote areas dotting Sequoia National Park. This journey is challenging but so worth the effort.
Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking Tour Overview
Embark on a striking trekking expedition through America’s Sequoia National Park on this legendary 10-day guided Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking Tour. Each day, you’ll wind to otherworldly views: traverse through the unique-looking foxtail Pine Forests, camp at the scenic Rock Creek lake, hike across the Great Western Divide via Colby Pass.
The highlight of this 133-kilometre route is the stone age-like views of rocky mountains sprawled across the horizon, stabbing the air with their grey-tinged peaks. These remarkable views are visible from atop Mt. Whitney! Spend nights wild camping in remote areas dotting Sequoia National Park. This journey is challenging but so worth the effort.
Summit Mt. Whitney and marvel at the stone age-like views of grey-tinged peaks layered across the horizon as well as vistas of the eastern deserts.
Spend one night wild camping amid the scenic wonders skirting Rock Creek lake—fall asleep to the hushes and howls of nature’s lullaby.
Admire the unique scenery passing you by as you traverse Sequoia National Park, such as the foxtail Pine Forests.
Enjoy a relaxing evening in Lone Pine, a charming western town, on the second last night of this tour.
Trip map for Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking Tour
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It was a fantastic trip and Nadine was extremely responsive to all of our questions.
Itinerary for Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking Tour
Begin in Fresno, California
Spend the first night of this epic backpacking trip at a hotel. Before you head to bed for a solid night of rest, you will meet your guide at 6 pm to go over the upcoming adventure in detail. You’ll also get a chance to check over your gear. You are in charge of buying your own dinner tonight.
Hike along Ferguson Creek
Transfer via a private shuttle to Horse Corral Meadow, where your hike begins. Walk to the Kanawyer Gap and Marvin Pass. Soon, you’ll descend to Ferguson Creek. Set up camp and enjoy your first night in nature.
Go to Cloud Canyon
After packing up camp, you’ll start by meandering past the ranger station at Roaring River. This trail takes you to Cloud Canyon. Eventually, you’ll set up camp within the shadow of the Whaleback. Admire how this massive granite ridge imposes its dominance over the surrounding land.
Hike to Colby Pass
Continue along Colby Creek before reaching the pinnacle of the Great Western Divide. Follow Colby Pass to the ridge on the east and take a moment to revel in the supernatural views spanning this super remote area. Descent to Gallats Lake and relax at your campsite.
Head to Wallace Creek
Experience more intoxicating views today! Begin by hiking into the Kern-Kaweah River valley before descending into Kern Canyon. Ascent to Wallace Creek after traversing through fresh-smelling Jeffrey Pine forests. Pitch your tent at Wallace Creek. This is also where you connect with the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails.
Traverse foxtail Pine Forests
Start to catch a glimpse of Mt. Whitney today! But before you reach this masterpiece of a peak, you’ll have to travel through foxtail Pine Forests, which are only found in Sequoia National Park. Breathe in these spectacular views before dropping your bags and resting for the night at Guitar Lake, which sits below the great Mt. Whitney. Prepare for an early wake-up!
Hike Mt. Whitney
Wake up early and mentally prepare to summit Mt. Whitney. You’ll leave your gear behind, so you can hike to the top and enjoy the panoramic view of neverending stony peaks without carrying extra weight on your back. After basking in the vistas, you’ll return to Guitar Lake and pack up camp and have lunch. The round trip for Guitar Lake to Mt. Whitney and back is around 15 km. You’ll then walk to just under the treeline of Crabtree Meadows.
Go to Rock Creek Lake
Meander along a flat section of the Pacific Crest Trail before a short ascent to Rock Creek lake. Spend the rest of the afternoon revelling in the beautiful scenery flanking the lake.
Hike over Cottonwood Pass
Enjoy your last few hours in nature as you go over Cottonwood Pass. Your private shuttle will be waiting for you at the trailhead with some refreshing beverages! You’ll then travel to Lone Pine, an outlandish western town. Take a shower at the hotel before meeting up with your group for dinner! You are in charge of paying for your own meal.
Head back to Fresno
Consume a continental breakfast before heading back to Fresno. You will get dropped off at either the airport or at the Wyndham Garden Hotel. It’s suggested not to plan a flight before 3 pm!
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Dates and prices for Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking 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 Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking Tour
Meals
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners, and trail snacks along the route are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 2 nights in hotels—one night in Fresno and one night in Lone Pine. 7 nights of wilderness camping are also included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Fresno are not included.
Transportation during the Tour
Receive a free private shuttle ride from Fresno to the trailhead, from the ending trailhead to Lone Pine, and from Lone Pine back to Fresno.
Also Included
- Guide
- Personal backpacking gear (per request), such as sleeping bags, backpack, sleeping pads, tents, trekking poles
- Group gear, such as stoves, group first aid kit, cooking items, water filters, etc.
- Hot coffee and tea in the mornings
Not Included
- Flights to get to and from Fresno.
- Personal clothing and shoes
- Accommodations before and after the adventure tour in Fresno
- Personal expenses + gratuities (recommended 10-20% for excellent service)
- Evacuations
- Insurance
Optional Extras
- You can upgrade to a single occupancy in the hotel for an additional fee
- Extra night in Fresno before tour
- Extra night in Lone Pine after tour
Accommodation for Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking Tour
This backpacking adventure will have you staying in two different cozy hotels. Both hotels have modern necessities that will keep you comfy and relaxed. Keep in mind that rooms are double occupancy, but you can always upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee. Single travellers are also required to pay a supplement. You will spend the remaining 7 nights backcountry camping.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may be swapped for other similar accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $260 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 $130.
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 Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking Tour
How hard is the Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking Tour?
This tour is rated as 5 / 5, as it has you hiking moderate to challenging routes every day. You also need to be comfortable with camping in the wild for 7 nights.
Do I need a Visa to travel to America?
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 Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking Tour?
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners, and trail snacks along the route 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 Fresno to start this tour?
You can fly to Fresno Yosemite International Airport. You’ll find your hotel right across from the Airport.
Is the Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide speaks English.
Where does the Trans Sierra Trail to Mt. Whitney Backpacking Tour end?
The tour ends in Fresno, California.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to America?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for America?
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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