Sample Itinerary -
subject to changes
Please note that this represents the planned itinerary. Weather or other factors may affect the choice of campsites and daily travel. All decisions are made by the Head Packer with attention to the safety and comfort of guests and stock.
* For the 15 Days Horseshoe Meadow to Bishop Pass itinerary
click here.
** Note about the 9 Days Onion Valley to Bishop Pass itinerary: On Day 7 of the
15 Days Horseshoe Meadow to Bishop Pass itinerary you will travel from Onion Valley to Charlotte Lake to join up with the other travelers.
Day 1: Horseshoe Meadow over Cottonwood Pass to Chicken Spring Lake
The day will start with a 6:00am breakfast in Bishop, followed by a 2-hour drive to the Horseshoe Meadows trailhead. The journey begins as a gentle ascent beside the meadow for a mile before entering the open forest to climb steadily to 11,160’ Cottonwood Pass by mile 3.8. We will turn north onto the Pacific Crest Trail, going for another half mile before leaving the trail to follow the creek a short distance up to Chicken Spring Lake.
Walking 4.5 miles (1,400’ gain, 100’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Chicken Spring Lake
Day 2: Chicken Spring Lake to Rock Creek
Returning to the Pacific Crest Trail, the path climbs briefly, gaining 300’ in the first mile and then undulates along the side of the mountain with good views of Big Whitney Meadow to the left. The trail enters Sequoia National Park in three miles, dropping steadily through open forest the rest of the day, passing the Siberian Pass junction at mile four and the Upper Rock Creek Trail junction at mile 8.5. The trail will finally cross Rock Creek and then we will follow a use path down the north side of the creek to our camp alongside a beautiful meadow edged by the creek. The creek crossing might be tricky if there has been recent rain.
Most of the seasonal streams in this area will be dry with no reliable water until we approach Rock Creek at the end of the day. Be sure to leave Chicken Spring Lake with plenty of water.
Walking 9.9 miles (600’ gain, 2,300’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Rock Creek
Day 3: Rock Creek to Guitar Lake
The day starts with a steady climb out of the Rock Creek drainage to Guyot Pass, 1,400’ in 2.5 miles. Views to the south are of Forgotten Canyon. Dropping down from the pass, the trail traverses the hillside on a sandy trail. Twisted foxtail pines frame views of Red Spur across the Kern Canyon. A brief climb into the Whitney Creek drainage, before we drop 400’ to the Whitney junction near the creek, which is about six miles from our camp. Turn onto the trail to Whitney, following Whitney Creek and passing the ranger station before joining the John Muir Trail in 1.1 miles. Turn up canyon toward Mount Whitney, passing out of the trees at Timberline Lake and finally stopping at our camp above Guitar Lake. Mount Whitney towers 3,000’ above us to the east.
There is fairly reliable water about a mile out of camp, with the next reliable water at Whitney Creek, 6 miles from the Rock Creek camp.
Walking 9.8 miles (3,050’ gain, 1,050’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Guitar Lake
Day 4: Mount Whitney
Mount Whitney provides several hours of shade after sunrise making the long climb to the top in the treeless landscape less daunting, so plan to leave camp at dawn. The trail starts off to the southeast for about a mile before starting to climb the steep wall on long switchbacks. Look across Hitchcock Lakes to Mount Hitchcock to gage your progress up the mountain, as Trail Junction, at 13,484 feet, is only 300’ above Mount Hitchcock. Go left at the junction to follow the fairly narrow trail cut into the rock on the west side of the pinnacles. There are several “windows” providing stunning views to the east. Another 1.9 miles and 1,000’ elevation gain takes you to the top. Enjoy your time at 14,496.811 feet before leaving the crowd at the top and returning to your wilderness camp at Guitar Lake.
There is no reliable water between Guitar Lake and the top of Mount Whitney.
Walking 9.2 miles (3,100’ gain, 3,100’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Guitar Lake
Day 5: Guitar Lake to Tyndall Creek Frog Ponds
We retrace our path 2.6 miles down the trail past Timberline Lake to the junction at Lower Crabtree Meadow, but this time we follow the John Muir Trail to the right for 0.8 miles to merge with the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail soon skirts the east side of Sandy Meadow with views to the west of Red Spur. The trail climbs a low ridge before dropping down to Wallace Creek which can usually be crossed on rocks. The creek runs through an open meadow surrounded by pines and the crossing is a pleasant lunch spot at 6.8 miles. Continue north past the Kern River junction to climb up a ridge to meadows of Wright Creek with stunning views to the east of the Sierra crest including Mount Whitney. The 1,000’ ascent out of Wallace Creek tops out at the treeless Bighorn Plateau with views of the Kaweah Range and the Kern River Basin to the west before dropping down to our camp at the frog ponds near Tyndall Creek.
There is reliable water at Wallace Creek and Wright Creek.
Walking 10.6 miles (1,750’ gain, 2,250’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Tyndall Creek Frog Ponds
Day 6: Tyndall Creek Frog Ponds over Forester Pass to Bubbs Creek (Vidette Meadow)
We drop ½ mile down through open forest to the Tyndall Creek crossing and then start the 2,300’ climb over 4.4 miles to the top of 13,180’ Forester Pass, the highest pass on the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails. The trail begins through alternating forest and meadows. The landscape becomes more austere as the trail approaches and is cut from the headwall of the Kings Kern Divide. The last mile switchbacks up the right side of the pass before crossing over to the left side with tight switchbacks over the final grade. One is rewarded at the top with spectacular views of the Great Western Divide, the Kaweah Range, and the tall peaks north of Mount Whitney. Turning north, the trail enters Kings Canyon National Park, dropping down steep switchbacks. The rocky terrain gives way to forest with the final few miles a pleasant walk along Bubbs Creek to Vidette Meadow.
Walking 11.9 miles (2,250’ gain, 3,300’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Vidette Meadow
Day 7: Bubbs Creek to Charlotte Lake
The trail continues to follow Bubbs Creek to the lower meadow before turning north to climb 1,200’ in almost two miles to the Charlotte Lake Junction. Turn off the John Muir Trail to drop 1.3 miles to a comfortable camp near the outlet of Charlotte Lake.
Walking 4.2 miles (1,300’ gain, 850’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Charlotte Lake
Day 8: Layover at Charlotte Lake
A day to recover from some long, high-altitude hikes with large elevation gains.
All meals included
Camping at Charlotte Lake
Day 9: Charlotte Lake over Glen Pass to Baxter Meadow Charlotte Lake over Glen Pass to Arrowhead Lake
We will backtrack 1.3 miles to the John Muir Trail junction before turning north toward the narrow ridge of 11,978’ Glen Pass. The day will start in forest, but soon climbs out of the shade to rocky slopes as it approaches the pass. You will pause at the top to celebrate the climb, but you will stay to enjoy the spectacular view. Eventually drop down from the pass for lunch at the beautiful Rae Lakes and on to our camp by Arrowhead Lake.
Upper Rae Lake at mile 5.5 is the first reliable water source.
Walking 7.7 miles (1,750’ gain, 1,850’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Arrowhead Lake
Day 10: Baxter Meadow to Twin Lakes Arrowhead Lake to Twin Lakes
We will spend the first half of the day covering 4.6 miles down a pleasant trail through forest and occasional meadows to Woods Creek. We can keep an eye out for one of Shorty’s cabins off to the right just before we reach the creek. Crossing a suspension bridge at 8,492’, we turn right and start back up through mostly forested slopes to 10,600’ in almost four miles. This is a quiet day after the excitement of Mount Whitney, Forester Pass, and Glen Pass, but the views and sounds of cascading creeks surrounded by rocky canyon walls make this a great day of exploring.
There are several creek crossings along Woods Creek with reliable water.
Walking 9.1 miles (2,100’ gain, 1,850’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Twin Lakes
Day 11: Twin Lakes over Pinchot Pass to the South Fork of the Kings River
The hike starts near tree line, so most of this day will be hiking in open alpine meadows and rocky slopes surrounded by multicolored rock walls along the way to 12,130’ Pinchot Pass. The easy descent down the north side has a series of lakes before entering the forested area above the South Fork Kings River. The Lake Marjorie shoreline, at about mile 4.6, and the stream crossing in another ¼ mile are two great lunch spots. A side trip just before the drop to the Kings River to beautiful Bench Lake is worth the 250’ drop and gain over 3.4 miles.
As the trail approaches camp, it first crosses a fast creek coming from Taboose Pass and then comes to the Kings River ¼ mile later. The camp is between the two streams and to the left, at the 10,000’ level.
There are some seasonal creeks along the trail, but Lake Marjorie is the first reliable water after leaving camp.
Walking 7.5 miles (1,550’ gain, 2,150’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at the South Fork of the Kings River
Day 12: South Fork of the Kings River over Mather Pass to Lower Palisade Lake
The trail soon leaves the forest to a series of lovely alpine meadows and finally into a barren rocky landscape with some scattered ponds at the base of the massive wall that hides Mather Pass. A series of switchbacks take us up the last of the climb to the 12,100’ pass at mile 5.5 to enjoy expansive views of the trail behind and the basin ahead. The trail drops steeply with large steps and lose rubble forcing us to tear our eyes away from the classic glacial walls of the Palisade drainage. The trail turns to dirt below the switchback around mile seven as it aims steadily toward the Palisade Lakes below you. Be sure to stop at the creek running into the east side of the upper lake to enjoy a small waterfall, wildflowers, and a great foot soak. Camp is at the far end of the lower lake.
There are several creek crossings approaching and leaving Mather Pass for water.
Walking 9.3 miles (2,200’ gain, 1,550’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Lower Palisade Lake
Day 13: Lower Palisades Lake down the Golden Staircase to Big Pete Meadow
The day starts down the much- talked- about Golden Staircase, a steep set of well-designed, tight switchbacks dropping over 1,500’ in about two miles. We go down in the morning shade. The trail remains in the forest much of the day as it follows first Palisade Creek and then turns up the Middle Fork of the Kings River. Grouse Meadow is the perfect place for a quick dip and a wonderful view of spectacular Le Conte Canyon. This is a long day, but the path from the bottom of the staircase drops only 1,100’ in 4.5 miles, before climbing 1300’ in five miles.
Walking 11.9 miles (1,400 gain, 2,800 loss)
All meals included
Camping at Big Pete Meadow
Day 14: Layover Day at Big Pete Meadow
This is a comfortable camp along the Middle Fork of the Kings River. The river's many pools are deep enough for a good dunking and there are plenty of bushes to dry your laundry. It’s worth exploring around camp to observe the meadow's peat layer and carnivorous plant.
All meals included
Camping at Big Pete Meadow
Day 15: Big Pete Meadow over Muir Pass to Evolution Lake
The trail follows the Kings River past meadows and cascades before leaving the trees after ascending 1,600’ in 3.4 miles. The barren, daunting landscape ahead can only be described as majestic, with the Black Divide to the west and the Goddard Divide to the north. We climb another 1,200’ in 2.7 miles to Muir Pass, passing several lakes, including large Helen Lake. The top of 11,976’ Muir Pass has the only structure on the John Muir Trail between Tuolumne Meadow and Mount Whitney, a small stone hut. The views from the pass are simply tremendous. The trail drops down into Evolution Basin with glacial cut walls and shelves with tarns and lakes. We will camp near the outlet of Evolution Lake, enjoying the view up-canyon as the afternoon light turns the rocky peaks golden.
Walking 12 miles (3,000’ gain, 1,400’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Evolution Lake
Day 16: Evolution Lake to Evolution Meadow
This is as close as one can get to easy day hiking in the Sierras. We will leave our perch on the edge of Evolution Basin, to drop 900’ in 1.4 miles on a loamy trail to a series of meadows, first Colby, then McClure, and finally, our destination, Evolution Meadow. The meadows and trees seem greener in comparison to the rocky, barren landscape of Muir Pass.
Walking 6.1 miles (100’ gain, 1,700’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Evolution Meadow
Day 17: Evolution Meadow to Senger Creek
This is a day to enjoy the sight and sound of rushing water as the trail follows Evolution Creek and then the San Joaquin River. The day starts by crossing Evolution Creek and then follows its south bank before veering away to switchback down through forest to a bridge crossing of the South Fork of the San Joaquin River at mile 1.9, crossing on another bridge at mile 2.8. The trail continues to follow the energetic San Joaquin River to a bridged crossing of Piute Creek as the John Muir Trail leaves Kings Canyon Nation Park and enters the John Muir Wilderness of the Sierra National Forest. Our second day of downhill journey ends at mile 7.2 as the trail begins the climb to Seldon Pass, first through forest and then through mixed forest and manzanita before reentering the forest. We will ascend 1,900 feet in 3.8 miles to the meadow above the Senger Creek crossing.
Water is abundant.
Walking 11 miles (2,150’ gain, 1,650’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Senger Creek
Day 18: Senger Creek over Seldon Pass to Bear Creek
Our climb to Senger Creek the previous day gave us a head start on the pass. The trail climbs 600’ in two miles to the beautiful Sallie Keyes Lakes, around pretty Heart Lake, and finally topping out at 10,910’ Seldon Pass in four miles. The view Marie Lake from the pass is breathtaking. This is an easy pass compared to those behind us with an easy way of only ½ mile and less than 400’ to the shores of Marie Lake. Our path today takes us past Rosemarie Meadow to our camp at Upper Bear Creek Meadow.
Walking 7.6 miles (1,350’ gain, 1,450’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Upper Bear Creek Meadow
Day 19: Layover at Bear Creek
There are excellent day hikes out of the Bear Creek camp including: Ruby Lake, Seven Gables Lake, Orchid Lake & Sandpiper, Medly, and Three Island Lakes via Lou Beverly Lake.
All meals included
Camping at Upper Bear Creek Meadow
Day 20: Bear Creek to Quail Meadow
The trail follows Bear Creek for three miles through forest. After dropping about 600’, the trail leaves Bear Creek and starts to climb toward Bear Ridge, climbing 1,000’ in 2.5 miles, mostly forested with some lovely views. The trail then drops over 2,100’ down the forested north side of Bear Ridge, finally crossing over Mono Creek on a bridge to meet the trail to Edison Lake in four miles. Follow the sign to Edison Lake, walking ¼ mile to our campsite at Quail Meadow.
There is reliable water along Bear Creek and then at Mono Creek.
Walking 9.8 miles (1,100’ gain, 2,900’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Quail Meadow
Day 21: Quail Meadow to Silver Pass Lake
This is a day of rushing water and granite slabs. Cover the ¼ mile back to the John Muir Trail and turn north toward Silver Pass. The trail soon crosses the North Fork of Mono Creek and climbs 400’ to the Mono Pass Trail junction. The trail follows the east bank of the creek for 1.4 miles to Pocket Meadow and the junction to Mott Lake. Crossing the creek, the trail steepens on forested switchbacks, passing Silver Pass Meadow before climbing to Silver Pass Lake at mile 5.7
Walking 5.7 miles (2,600’ gain, 50’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Silver Pass Lake
Day 22: Silver Pass Lake over Silver Pass to Virginia Lake
It is only a short way (0.7 miles) to 10,779’ Silver Pass. Plan to spend some time at Silver Pass as the views are absolutely stunning. You can see the Minarets, Ritter, and Banner in the distance; peaks you will pass in a few days. The trail descends through alpine lakes surrounded by granite cirques and meadows peppered across the stone slabs, eventually dropping through thick forest to the Cascade Valley Junction at mile 4.2. The trail follows cascading Fish Creek to Tully Hole before climbing up exposed switchbacks to beautiful Lake Virginia. The wonderful views south provide an excellent excuse to catch your breath.
Be prepared for numerous stream crossings.
Walking 7.6 miles (1,850’ gain, 1,900’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Virginia Lake
Day 23: Virginia Lake to Deer Creek
The trail climbs briefly over a low ridge before dropping to Purple Lake at mile 1.7. After a brief climb, the trail contours along south facing hillsides, crossing the outlet from Duck Lake, before finally descending on a dusty trail to Deer Creek at mile 9.3.
Be sure to fill up your water bottles at Duck Creek, as there is no reliable water between Duck Creek and Deer Creek.
Walking 9.3 miles (1,150’ gain, 2,400’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Deer Creek
Day 24: Deer Creek to Johnston Lake
The trail leaves Deer Creek, contouring along the hillside before descending slowly to the Mammoth Pass junction at mile 2.2. Continuing north, the trail drops another 1,300’ in 3.4 miles through forest, portions recovering from a 1992 lightning strike, as it approaches Reds Meadow. Follow the John Muir Trail to the fascinating basalt columns of the Devils Postpile, with a possible side trip to Rainbow Falls. Be careful at trail junctions in the Devils Postpile area as this is where the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail separate for a day. Be sure to follow the signs to the John Muir Trail and our camp on Johnston Lake.
Be sure to leave Deer Creek with a full water bottle.
Walking 9.2 miles (950’ gain, 1,900’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Johnston Lake
Day 25: Johnston Lake to Clarice Lake
The next three days take you through the heart of the Minarets area, with wonderful views of the Ritter Range and dozens of beautiful lakes. The trail climbs 1,000’ in two miles to a saddle above Trinity Lakes and then continues to climb another 500’ to arrive at Gladys Lake at mile 3.8. If you are ready for a break, go around to the east side of Gladys Lake for a great view across the deep canyon of the San Joaquin River. The trail now drops 800’ past Rosalie Lake to the junction at Shadow Lake. If you are full of energy, go left for a side trip to pretty Ediza Lake at mile 6.9, otherwise follow the John Muir Trail up toward the saddle above Garnet Lake. Camp will be at 9,903’ Clarice Lake, a small lake about 0.2 miles to the right of the trail.
Numerous lakes and creeks provide ample drinking water.
Walking 8.4 miles (2,900’ gain, 1,150’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Clarice Lake
Day 26: Clarice Lake to Rush Creek
Plan to spend time enjoying the beauty of the many lakes you will pass today with the Ritter Range always looming to the west. Return to the 0.2 miles to the John Muir Trail and walk a half mile to the ridge overlooking Garnet Lake. Drop down 300’ on easy switchbacks and then parallel the eastern bank, crossing the outlet at mile 1.6. Follow the north shore for 1/3 mile before working your way over the 400’ ridge to rejoin the Pacific Crest Trail at the outlet of Thousand Island Lake at mile 3.8. An easy 400’ way up to Island Pass before dropping down to follow Rush Creek up to camp.
Frequent water crossings provide ample drinking water.
Walking 7.6 miles (1,650’ gain, 1,450’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Rush Creek
Day 27: Rush Creek to Lyle Fork
The trail follows a creek through high alpine meadows before climbing more steeply to 11,056’ Donohue Pass at mile 2.7, the last pass before Tuolumne Meadow. Take one last look at the Ansel Adams Wilderness before stepping into Yosemite National Park. The trail drops 2,200’ over the next 3.6 miles through beautiful scenery of creeks, small lakes, and huge slabs of granite, crossing a number of streams, before reaching the meadows of Lyell Canyon. Follow the trail another half mile to a pleasant camp between the trail and the river.
Frequent water crossings provide ample drinking water.
Walking 6.9 miles (1,100’ gain, 2,250’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Lyle Fork
Day 28: Lyle Canyon to Cathedral Lakes
The first 11 miles are fairly easy, going along the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River, moving in and out of the forest with the meandering river to our right. There is a junction to Ireland Lake and Vogelsang High Sierra Camp at mile 2.3 and then another junction after the bridge crossing of Rafferty Creek at mile 6.3. The trail is approaching the campground, stores, visitor center, etc. of Tuolumne Meadow. The trail avoids much of the crowd by swinging out into the meadow. Don’t let the shock of the crowds keep you from spending time enjoying the spectacular views from the meadow.
Follow the JMT/PCT to the right, signed for Tuolumne Lodge, to cross the Tuolumne River on two bridges. Go left at the Gaylor Lakes junction at mile 7.6, crossing the Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River on a bridge at mile 7.7 and then immediately turn left to follow the trail along the river. Cross Highway 120, your first road in 215 miles of Sierra trails, and follow the dirt road passing through the gate at mile 9.1. The John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail once again diverge, this time for good, at mile 9.4 where you will go left past Soda Springs and Parson’s Lodge to follow the trail back across Tuolumne Meadow, crossing Highway 120 again at mile 9.8. The trail tees into the Tuolumne-Tenaya trail in 0.1 miles where you will turn right. The JMT turns left onto the Cathedral Lakes trail in one mile. You will climb 1,000’ in three miles to camp to the left of the junction to the Lower Cathedral Lake.
Walking 14 miles (1,450’ gain, 900’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Lower Cathedral Lake
Day 29: Cathedral Lakes to Sunrise Creek
The trail starts out in forest before opening up into the meadow surrounding the upper Cathedral Lake surrounded by Cathedral, Echo and Tresidder Peaks. A short climb to 9,700’ Cathedral Pass before dropping down to Long Meadow to pass the Echo Creek junction at mile 3.6 and the Sunrise High Sierra Camp at mile 4.4. The trail climbs 400’ over the shoulder of Sunrise Mountain before dropping steadily for 2,500’ to camp just short of the Clouds Rest trail junction.
Walking 10.8 miles (950’ gain, 3,250’ loss)
All meals included
Camping at Sunrise Creek
Day 30: Sunrise Creek to Half Dome to Happy Isles
The Half Dome trail is 0.5 miles past the Clouds Rest trail junction. While Half Dome is not part of the John Muir Trail, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views from the top. The last part of the two-mile ascent is over very steep, smooth granite with cables erected for safety, but is not for those with a fear of heights. Returning to the JMT, the trail drops to Little Yosemite Valley where we turn right at mile 6.1 to follow the Merced River down to Yosemite Valley.
The crowds will start as you approach Nevada Fall at mile 7.5. Suppress the urge to take the shorter Mist Trail and stay on the John Muir Trail. Cross over the river on the wooden bridge to enjoy a break at the top of the fall before starting down the trail on a series of long switchbacks on the west side of the Merced River. The trail connects with the bottom of the Mist Trail at mile 10.2 and then crosses the river on a wooden bridge with great views of Vernal Fall before dropping down the last 0.7 miles to the northern end of the John Muir Trail at Happy Isles.
Hop on the shuttle or walk the mile to Half Dome (Curry) Village to meet your transfer vehicle outside the tent cabin check-in counter.
Walking 11.2 miles (2,050’ gain, 5,200’ loss)
Breakfast & Lunch included
Note: This tour is operating under permit with the USDA Forest Service through Special Use Permit on the Inyo National Forest.