COST INCLUDES

7 guided days of backpacking in Sequoia/ Kings Canyon National Park, Inyo National Forest, and the Mount Whitney Zone

Pre-trip camping on July 23rd at the Mount Whitney Climbing Ranch in Lone Pine

Commercial wilderness camping permits for the above mentioned zones

***Please note, all guests must bring their own backpacking equipment. Ladies Weekend Out can provide a bear canister if needed. Click here to view a detailed list of all the necessary backpacking equipment that will be needed for this trip.***

SUNDAY

Pre-Trek Meetup - We’ll begin our Mount Whitney adventure with an afternoon meeting in the town of Lone Pine at the Mount Whitney Climbing Ranch. Here we’ll sort all of our gear to ensure you’ve got everything you need for the trip, do introductions, and hand out your Tera Kaia tops. We’ll be camping at the Mount Whitney Climbign Ranch this first night and will head into town for one last meal before beginning our trip the following day.

MONDAY

Day 1- We’ll hit the road early and make our way from Lone Pine up to Horseshoe Meadow. Once at Horseshoe Meadow we’ll park our cars and begin our journey! Our first nigh we’ll be camping in the beautiful Cottonwood Lakes zone.

TUESDAY

Day 2 - Early rises will be the norm for the trip so be prepared! We’ll shove off after after breakfast and make our way over New Army Pass which puts us entering Sequoia/ Kings Canyon National Park. Upon cresting the pass you’ll have immaculate views of the Sierra Nevada backcountry as well as Mount Langley (14,032’). We’ll make our way down towards Rock Creek Campground and the Wilderness Ranger Station and camp here for the night.

WEDNESDAY

Day 3 - After breakfast we’ll hit the trail and eventually connect with the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) on our way to the outer reaches of the western slopes of the Mount Whitney Zone. We’ll set up camp just north/ west of the trail out to Crabtree Lakes which has stunning views of the backside of Mount Whitney, as well as Mount Hitchcock, and in the distance we’ll be able to see Mount Russell (14,094’).

THURSDAY

Day 4 - Summit day! Here’s what we’ve all been waiting for, our summit bid attempt on Mount Whitney! We’ll rise earlier than normal to ensure we reach the summit at a good time. We’ll be leaving all of our gear in camp with the exception of our food, snacks, water, and clothing layers for the day which we’ll bring in our packs. We’ll ascend the John Muir Trail up the backside of Mount Whitney to the meeting point of the Mount Whitney Trail, at Trail Crest junction, then traverse our way north behind Mount Muir and the infamous rock spires that guard the summit to Mount Whitney (S’Brutal Tower, Aiguille Junior, Aiguille du Paquoir, Aiguille Extra, Third Needle, Crooks Peak, and Keeler Needle). Once we’ve passed these granite spectacles, the Mount Whitney summit hut will be in view and before you know it, you’ll be standing on the tallest peak in the continental US! After some group photos and summit selfies, we’ll make our way back to camp to enjoy the rest of the evening and reminisce on the beautiful, and challenging day we just had.

FRIDAY

Day 5 - Time to start our trek back towards Cottonwood Lakes. We’ll reverse our steps back on to the Pacific Crest Trail and head back towards Rock Creek Campground and camp here for the night.

SATURDAY

Day 6 - After breakfast we’ll make our way back up the large hillside we descended just a few days prior, making our way towards New Army Pass. A short descent down from New Army Pass will find us back in the Cottonwood Lakes zone where we’ll camp for the night.

SUNDAY

Day 7 - Our final day on the trail. We’ll pack up camp in Cottonwood Lakes and head back towards Horseshoe Meadow’s. Upon our arrival back to the cars we’ll debrief the trip with the group, exchange contact info, and hit the road, ensuring you get to your destination for the night at a decent time.

Trip Elevation Profile Graph

Topographical Map

Mileage - roughly 60 miles

Overall elevation gain - 13,000+

National Park Service Difficulty Rating:

Very Strenuous

All guests will be responsible for their own breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks each day during the trip. Guests will also be responsible for bringing their own backpacking equipment. Click here to view a detailed list of all the necessary backpacking equipment that will be needed for this trip. We can also provide a bear canister for any guest in need of this item.

We also want to point out that this backpacking trip is only intended to be booked by experienced backpackers who have done at least 1-2 long distance trekking trips (20 miles or more). We will be averaging 7-8 miles per day with heavy packs and will be at altitude the entire time. Some days will be longer in mileage than others, some will be shorter. It’s in the best interest of the entire group that you come prepared to this adventure and are in peak physical shape to ensure you have a great time. We’re happy to recommend a training plan for anyone debating if they have the ability to do this trek with us. It’s going to be one memorable adventure!

If you enjoyed your trip, we encourage you to show your appreciation to our guides with a tip : )