Trek Aid 105High Adventure Team San Diego-Imperial Council Boy

Home , Bishop Pass, Boy Rangers of America, Bubbs Creek, Cirque Peak (California), Donohue Pass, Glen Pass

Aid 105

High Adventure Team Trek San Diego-Imperial Council Boy Scouts of America

Page Intentionally Left Blank

Contents INTRODUCTION ...... 1 BACKGROUND ...... 2 HIGH ADVENTURE AWARDS ...... 3 General Requirements ...... 3 High Sierra Backpack Indicator Segments ...... 5 High Sierra Trek Award ...... 6 Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking ...... 6 Pacific Crest Trail 15-Mile Footprint ...... 7 Sierra North ...... 7 Sierra South ...... 8 14,495 Club - Mt. Whitney Climb ...... 8 High Sierra Trail ...... 9 Giant Forest to Mineral King ...... 9 Mineral King to Mt. Whitney ...... 9 John Muir Trail Award ...... 10 Other Related High Adventure Awards ...... 10 WILDERNESS PERMIT AND RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS ...... 11 Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest ...... 11 Inyo National Forest ...... 11 Inyo National Forest – Mt. Whitney Zone ...... 12 Sequoia National Forest ...... 12 Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park ...... 13 Yosemite National Park ...... 13 California Campfire Permits ...... 13 TREK PLANNING AND PREPARATION ...... 14 WEATHER & WINTER ACTIVITIES ...... 15 WATER ...... 16 WILDERNESS PHILOSOPHY & COURTESY...... 17 FOOD PROTECTION ...... 18 HIGH SIERRA TREK SELECTION ...... 18 REFERENCES ...... 19 TRAIL GUIDE INFORMATION ...... 21 Twin Lakes to Tuolumne Meadows ...... 22 Yosemite Valley to Red's Meadow ...... 23 Red's Meadow to Rock Creek ...... 26 Rock Creek to North Lake ...... 28 North Lake to South Lake ...... 30 South Lake to Onion Valley ...... 32 Onion Valley to Whitney Portal ...... 34 Cottonwood Lakes to Whitney Portal ...... 36 Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal ...... 38 APPENDIX A: WILDERNESS TRAIL NAMES AND QUOTAS FOR INYO NATIONAL FOREST ...... 40

Page Intentionally Left Blank

High Sierra Treks Trek Aid No. 105, Scouting High Sierra Treks, was developed to provide specific information to enjoy outdoor Scouting Activities in the High Sierra Mountains, extending from Twin Lakes to the north, Cottonwood Lakes to the south, and Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks to the west. Information is provided on award requirements, trail locations and distances, camping opportunities, general preparations, and overall training and background data. A list of references is also provided that may add to the enjoyment and safety of the outdoor experience.

Trek Aid No. 105 is a publication of the High Adventure Team of the San Diego- Imperial Council, Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Comments, corrections and suggestions are welcome. Write or email:

Chairman, High Adventure Team San Diego-Imperial Council Boy Scouts of America 1207 Upas Street San Diego, CA 92103 Website: http://highadventure.sdicbsa.org/index.html

Email: [email protected]

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 1 | Page Sierra Nevada Background The Sierra Nevada Mountains of California consist of a single, large tilted block Mountains of the earth’s crust 430 miles long and averaging 60 miles wide. This block lies tilted toward the west with its eastern edge raised to form the Sierra Nevada Crest. Hundreds of miles of trails traverse east to west and north to south, including the John Muir Trail which continues for over 200 miles from Yosemite Valley to the top of 14,496 foot high Mount Whitney. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) winds through this wilderness on its journey from Canada to Mexico and coincides in part with the John Muir Trail. The High Sierra Trail from Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park to Mount Whitney also has coincident sections with John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails.

This grand and often spectacular area of peaks and passes, valleys and streams, lakes and meadows, and fun and fishing offers beauty, adventure and inspiration for those willing and able to make the effort. On the trail you will have as a frequent companion the rushing sound of water, the deep blue of many lakes, the glisten of white snow fields and the song of the wind in the high trees. John Muir called these mountains "The Range of Light" and they are a sight to behold. It is easy, as Walt Whitman wrote, to imagine yourself a "Pioneer"

"Down the edges, thru the passes, Up the Mountains Step, Conquering, holding, daring as we go the unknown ways, Pioneer! 0 Pioneer!"

2 | Page ©2017 High Adventure Team San Diego-Imperial Council BSA High Adventure General Requirements The General Requirements are an integral part of the Requirements for all High Awards Adventure Awards obtained through the High Adventure Team. Specific requirements are included with the specific awards, i.e. distances, hiking hours, conservation hours, conditioning requirements, etc.

1. Changes or Exceptions. Requests for changes, exceptions, modifications, or waivers of requirements for High Adventure Awards shall be made in writing, in advance of the planned activity, to the High Adventure Team of the council sponsoring the award. No other organization or individual is authorized to change requirements.

2. Award Must be Earned. Awards shall only be awarded to individuals who have completed all requirements. They shall not be given for assistance rendered or as a consolation prize. It is recommended that leaders and participants review referenced Trek Aids for more current and complete information.

3. Recipients Must be Registered Members. Only currently registered members of the Boy Scouts of America, or other youth organizations, are eligible to receive High Adventure Awards.

4. One Trip, One Award. In general, only one award may be earned on one outing, unless stated in writing in the award requirements. Example: The San Diego- Imperial Council “High Sierra Indicator Segments” and the Western Los Angeles County Council “14,495 Club Mt. Whitney Climb” may be earned with other awards as part of a long-term backpack trek.

5. Scheduled Outings. Awards may be earned only on scheduled outings of registered units or district or council functions.

6. Permits Required. Permits may be required for the outing to be eligible for High Adventure Awards. These include permits such as Wilderness Area, Dispersed Area, Primitive Area, National Park, Camping, Fire Use, Overnight Use, and Bureau of Land Management Access. It is the intent that units meet and comply with the various Agency Requirements for a particular area.

7. High Adventure Trained Adult Leader Required. At least two adult leaders, one of whom must be age 21 or older, are required for all outings. To earn High Adventure Awards, there shall be at least one adult leader, currently certified by the High Adventure Team as having completed the prescribed training, in attendance throughout the outing.

8. Must Carry All Equipment, Food and Water. Scouts and Scouters shall carry all of their equipment, food and water plus their share of group equipment on the outing. The use of motorized or mechanized equipment or pack animals disqualifies all users. This also applies to riverine outings and forbids a tow by power craft. Resupply may be permitted for backpacking treks of eight days or more, and permission should be obtained in advance of the outing.

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 3 | Page 9. Scheduled Backpack Time. Scheduled backpack time is defined as “that time actually backpacking on the planned route.” It does not include side trips, day hikes, fishing, etc. Scheduled backpack time is used as a more equitable method of determining qualifying effort in the mountains or rough terrain. The general formula is two miles per hour of backpacking plus one hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. For example: A 15-mile backpack equals 7-1/2 hours of scheduled backpack time. If the trek also climbed from 9,000 to 10,000 feet in elevation, an allowance of one hour would be added, making a total of 8-1/2 hours of schedule backpack time.

10. Familiarity With Trek Aids and Hike Aids. Outing leaders, youth and adult, should be familiar with San Diego-Imperial Council Trek Aids, and Greater Los Angeles Area Council Hike Aids. For cycling activities be familiar with the Orange County Council Bike Aid.

11. High Adventure Award Form. The council High Adventure Award Form must be completed, including the names of all those qualifying for the award, before submission to the Scout Service Center. The form is used for all applicable awards, including National and other Councils. Any Council Award Form will be recognized by other Councils with High Adventure Teams. When award approval is required, the approval cannot be by the award participant.

High Sierra 1. The High Sierra Backpack Indicator Segments (High Sierra Segments) may be Backpack earned in conjunction with any High Sierra Backpack Award and indicates where the award was earned. Indicator Segments 2. The trek must be a minimum of 30 hours scheduled backpack time in at least (San Diego – Imperial Council) 6 consecutive days and 5 nights on the trail.

3. Only one High Sierra Segment may be earned on each trek and at least 16 hours of scheduled backpack time must be in the sector designated by the segment.

4. Comply with the General Requirements of Trek Aid No. 100 – High Adventure Awards.

5. The designated area of the High Sierra Segments are:

TRANS SIERRA - Any Trek which crosses the High Sierra Nevada north of an east west line through Kernville and south of an east-west line through the north boundary of the Emigrant Wilderness. YOSEMITE - Yosemite National Park.

(The following Indicator areas are designated by U. S. Geological Survey 15-minute quadrangle topographical maps).

BANNER/RITTER - Mono Craters, Merced Peak, Devils Postpile, Mt. Morrison, and Mt. Abbot. DIAMOND MESA - Mt. Pinchot, Mt. Whitney, Triple Divide Peak, Mineral King and Kern Peak. GREAT WESTERN DIVIDE - Mt. Whitney, Triple Divide Peak, Mineral King, and Kern Peak. WESTERN LAKES - Shuteye Peak, Kaiser Peak, Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, Blackcap Mountain (only that part outside Kings Canyon National Park), Patterson Mountain, Tehipite Dome, Giant Forest, Kaweah, Mineral King, Camp Nelson, and California Hot Springs. PINCHOT - Mt. Goddard, Big Pine, Marian Peak, and Mt Pinchot. GODDARD - Mt Goddard, Big Pine, and Blackcap Mountain. KERN PLATEAU - Hockett Peak, Monache Mountain, California Hot Springs, Kernville, and Lamont Peak. SEVEN GABLES - Mt Abbot, Mt. Tom, Blackcap Mountain, and Mt. Goddard.

NOTE: Multiple Indicator Segments may be earned for extended treks. Prior approval of the High Adventure Team is required.

HIGH SIERRA SEGMENTS 1” x 3”

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 5 | Page This is a restricted award and requires High Adventure Team approval before it High Sierra Trek can be purchased. Award (San Diego – Imperial Council) 1. Complete six backpacking treks which qualify for High Sierra Segments in six different areas of the ten described on page 5 (High Sierra Backpack Indicator Segments). Provide copies of approvals when requesting this award.

2. If more than one area is being backpacked in one period, the route and itinerary of the Trek must be approved in advance, in writing, by the High Adventure Team. Routes and itineraries should be submitted to the High Adventure Team at least 3 months in advance.

HIGH SIERRA TREK AWARD 8½“x 5” 3. Each Trek shall be preceded, within 2 weeks of the start of the Trek, by a shakedown backpack of the entire trek group. It shall be an overnight backpack of 7-1/2 hours scheduled backpack time in 2 consecutive days with the night's camp at or above 7,000 feet for example: Domeland Wilderness – 7,000 feet; Kern Plateau – 8,000 feet; Plummers Meadows – 8,800 feet; or San Gorgonio and San Jacinto – 9,000 feet.

4. Each individual Trek shall be a point-to-point or loop Trek of at least 50 miles or 30 hours scheduled backpack time in a minimum of 6 consecutive days and 5 nights.

5. For Treks over 8 days, food drops may be permitted on the 8th day and every 7 days thereafter.

6. All Treks shall comply with the General Requirements of Trek Aid No. 100.

1. Backpack along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) as shown in Pacific Crest current trail descriptions or U.S. Forest Service maps.

Trail NOTE: Only mileage on the PCT may be counted. Access and feeder trails, former temporary sections of the trail, and the current or former California Backpacking Riding and Hiking Trail, and the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada cannot be (San Diego – Imperial Council) counted for this award.

2. The backpack shall be an overnight trek of at least 7 ½ hours scheduled backpack time in two consecutive days, camping at least two hours from either end of the trail.

3. Each person shall, as part of a group project, perform four hours of trail construction, maintenance or repair during or within six months of the backpack, under the direction of a Trail Foreman, Ranger or approved Trail Boss. Trail work must be approved in advance and must be signed off as completed by the supervising Trail Foreman, Ranger or approved Trail Boss.

NOTE: Trail and campsite clean-up do not qualify and shall not be counted for this award.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL – TRAIL 4. Comply with the General Requirements of Trek Aid No. 100. BUILDING 3” x 3”

6 | Page ©2017 High Adventure Team San Diego-Imperial Council BSA 1. The Pacific Crest Trail 15-Mile Footprint may be earned only after earning the Pacific Crest Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking Award. Trail 15-Mile 2. Comply with Articles 1 & 2 of the Pacific Crest Trail Backpacking Award, above, Footprint as they govern the 15-Mile Footprint. (San Diego – Imperial Council) 3. Each person shall, as part of a group project, perform two hours of conservation work to improve the trail, campsite, or the general area during, or within six months of the backpack.

NOTE: Clean-up qualifies for the 15-Mile Footprint only.

4. Backpacks or fractions thereof are not accumulative. Each 15-Mile Footprint requires a separate backpack as described above (Article 2 of the PCT Backpacking Award), plus the 2 hours of conservation work. A backpack of three or more days may count mileage or hours of scheduled backpack time at not more than 10 miles or 5 hours scheduled backpack time per day in three consecutive days would qualify for two 15-Mile Footprints. 15-MILE FOOTPRINT 1” x 2” 5. Comply with the General Requirements of Trek Aid No. 100.

1. Trail must be entirely within the portion of the Sierras bounded on the north by Highway 88 (the southern boundary of El Dorado County) and on the south by an Sierra North imagined east-west line just below Lake Thomas A, Edison. This is the area covered (Greater Los Angeles Area Council) in Sierra North by Thomas Winnett, et al., an excellent resource for selecting and planning a trek.

2. Five days, four nights minimum duration; one layover day in addition is recommended.

3. Backpack time of 25 or more scheduled hours.

4. Award recipient to have earned two weekend or equivalent awards within 90 days prior to trek.

5. Participating Scouts must be 12 or older; it is recommended that they be 13 or SIERRA NORTH 3” x 2½“ older.

6. Secure Greater Los Angeles Area Council – High Adventure Team (GLAAC-HAT) approval of a High Adventure Application at least one month prior to departure. A copy of the Trail Profile/Trail Schedule, the menu, and all other relevant planning material must accompany it.

7. Each participant must have had a medical examination using BSA Annual Health and Medical Record within a year prior to trek. It is strongly recommended that each be current as to a tetanus shot.

8. One participating adult must have completed BSA-conducted Adult Leaders Backpack Training.

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 7 | Page 1. Trail must be entirely within the portion of the Sierras bounded on the north by Sierra South an imagined east-west line just above Lake Thomas A. Edison and on the south by (Greater Los Angeles Area Council) the southern boundary of Kern County. This is the area covered in Sierra South by

Thomas Winnett, et al., an excellent resource for selecting and planning a trek.

2. Five days, four nights minimum duration; one layover day in addition is recommended.

3. Backpack time of 25 or more scheduled hours.

4. Award recipient to have earned two weekend or equivalent awards within 90 days prior to trek.

5. Participating Scouts must be 12 or older; it is recommended that they be

SIERRA SOUTH 13 or older. 3” x 2½“ 6. Secure GLAAC-HAT approval of a High Adventure Application at least one month prior to departure. A copy of the Trail Profile/Trail Schedule, the menu, and all other relevant planning material must accompany it.

7. Each participant must have had a medical examination using BSA Annual Health and Medical Record within a year prior to trek. It is strongly recommended that each be current as to a tetanus shot.

8. One participating adult must have completed BSA-conducted Adult Leaders Backpack Training.

1. Meet all applicable General Requirements. 14,495 Club - 2. Each Participant must: Mt. Whitney a. Have had a physical exam within two months of climb. b. Have completed a minimum of two conditioning preparation hikes prior to Climb the Mt. Whitney trip. ONE of these must have been taken during the month (West Los Angeles Co. Council) preceding the climb, and must be at an elevation in excess of 9,000 feet. c. Hike to and from the top of Mt. Whitney, involving at least 3 days, with two nights at a trail camp. At the top, take a photograph of the participants at the hut. It is not necessary to carry a pack on the portion of trail involved in reaching the summit (Trail Crest to summit). d. Backpack carrying your own pack. Only those taking part in the entire trip from planning to completion will be eligible for the award. Pack out all your own trash and leave a clean campsite. DO A GOOD TURN AND EACH PARTICIPANT CARRY OUT APPROXIMATELY TWO POUNDS OF ADDITIONAL TRASH if possible. e. PACK OUT HUMAN WASTE FROM MT. WHITNEY ZONE USING PACK OUT KIT (WAG Bag). Dispose of pack out kits using receptacle at trailhead. 3. Outing Leader must: HIGH SIERRA TRAIL a. Submit an itinerary showing hike plan, roster, pack list, and menu to an 6” x 2” approval person from your Council's High Adventure Team Roster. b. Fill in a trip report on reverse side and affix photograph taken at top of Mt. Whitney. 4. These SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS shall supersede the General Requirements if there is an area of conflict. NOTE: This award may be earned additionally to a week-long trip award, when Mt. Whitney is climbed as part of the weeklong trip.

8 | Page ©2017 High Adventure Team San Diego-Imperial Council BSA The following specific requirements apply for earning the primary patch and High Sierra either Segment. Trail (Greater Los Angeles Area Council) 1) Award recipient to have earned two weekend or equivalent awards within 90 days prior to trek.

2) Participating Scouts must be 12 or older; it is recommended that they be 13 or older.

HIGH SIERRA TRAIL 3) Secure GLAAC-HAT approval of a High Adventure Application at least one 6” x 2” month prior to departure. A copy of the Trail Profile/Trail Schedule, the menu,

and all other relevant planning material must accompany it.

4) Each participant must have had a medical examination using BSA Annual

Health and Medical Record within a year prior to trek. It is strongly

recommended that each be current as to a tetanus shot.

5) One participating adult must have completed BSA-conducted Adult Leaders

Backpack Training.

Routes may be hiked in either direction. Please refer to the GLAAC-HAT Hike

Aid 15, “Long-Term Trekking”, for additional information.

Giant Forest to

Mineral King 1) Trailheads are at either Crescent Meadow or Wolverton and end at Mineral (Greater Los Angeles Area Council) King.

2) Six days, five nights minimum duration; one layover day in addition is recommended.

3) Backpack time of 25 or more scheduled hours (usual route is 44 miles, with

GIANT FOREST TO MINERAL KING 7,500 foot elevation gain - 30 scheduled hours). 3” x 2”

Mineral King to 1) Trailheads are at Mineral King and end at Whitney Portal, with day hike to Mt. Whitney Mt. Whitney summit. (Greater Los Angeles Area Council) 2) Seven days, six nights minimum duration; one layover day in addition is recommended.

3) Backpack time of 25 or more scheduled hours (usual route is 52 miles, with 12,000 foot elevation gain - 38 hours).

MINERAL KING TO MT. WHITNEY 3” x 2”

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 9 | Page 1. Take a backpack on the John Muir Trail, to include that section specified on John Muir Trail the Segment sought and to begin and end at the locations indicated. Award (Greater Los Angeles Area Council) 2. Seven days, six nights minimum duration; one layover day in addition is recommended.

3. Earn Backpack distances are in the range of 50 miles per Segment.

4. Participants Award recipient to have earned two weekend or equivalent awards within 90 days prior to trek. JOHN MUIR AWARD 6” x 2” 5. At Participating Scouts must be 12 or older; it is recommended that they be 13 or older.

6. Secure GLAAC-HAT approval of a High Adventure Application at least one month prior to departure. A copy of the Trail Profile/Trail Schedule, the menu, and all other relevant planning material must accompany it.

7. Each participant must have had a medical examination using BSA Annual Health and Medical Record within a year prior to trek. It is strongly recommended that each be current as to a tetanus shot. JOHN MUIR TRAIL SEGMENTS 3" X ¾" 8. One participating adult must have completed BSA-conducted Adult Leaders Backpack Training.

Routes may be hiked in either direction. Please refer to GLAAC-HAT Hike Aid 15, "Long-Term Trekking", for additional information

Other related High Adventure Awards are listed in the Orange County Council High Adventure Awards Book. http://hat.ocbsa.org/scout_awards_book.htm# Other Related See individual council publications for specific requirements. High 1. High/Low and Seven League Boot Award - Orange County Council. Adventure Awards 2. Mount Whitney Trail, Monarch Trail, Golden Trout Trail, Paiute Trail, and Kern Plateau - Southern Sierra Council.

3. Sierra Nevada Backpacker - Los Padres Council.

4. High Adventure Backpack, Silver Moccasin - Greater Los Angeles Area Council.

5. Sequoia Trail, Silver Bearpaw, Silver Cloud, Silver Knapsack, Whitsett to Whitney, Dick Jackson, and Trans Sierra Trail Western Los Angeles County Council.

6. Historic Trails, and 50 Miles Afoot or Afloat - National Council.

10 | Page ©2017 High Adventure Team San Diego-Imperial Council BSA A Wilderness Permit is required for all overnight trips in any wilderness area in Wilderness the Humboldt-Toiyabe, Inyo, and Sequoia National Forests and Sequoia-Kings Permit and Canyon and Yosemite National Parks; except portions of Sequoia National Forest. Permits are not required for day hikes except in the Mt. Whitney Zone. Reservation Permits are free but reservation fees are imposed for all areas. Reservations may be obtained by on-line, via facsimile, mail or in person and are accepted Requirements until two days before entry on the trail. Reservations will need to be picked the day before or the morning of the reservation date. See referenced sections for obtaining reservations near your point of entry into the wilderness.

In order to protect the wilderness resources and provide a quality backcountry experience, entry quotas have been imposed on all popular trails during heavy use periods. In most areas approximately over one-half of the daily quotas are available by advance reservation and the remainder are available on a first-come first-served basis; except the Inyo National Forest where all quota trails are 100 percent reservable. Any unreserved permits will be available starting the day before entry, at the ranger station.

Bridgeport Ranger Station Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Attn: Wilderness Permits HC 62 Box 1000 Permit: Hoover Wilderness Bridgeport, CA 93517 Quota Permit Period: Last Friday in June to September 15 (760) 932-7070 Reservation Allotment: Half of permits available for reservations; half are Winter: Monday through walkup during quota permit period; Robinson Creek has 30 total permits per day Friday during quota period and Virginia Lakes has 20 total permits per day during quota 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. period Summer: Seven days a week Reservation Method: Mail and in person 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reservation Acceptance: March 1 for quota season Permit Pickup: Bridgeport Ranger Station Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/htnf/ Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center Junction of Highway 395 Inyo National Forest and State Route 136 2 mi south of Lone Pine, CA Permit: Inyo National Forest (760) 876-6222/6200 Quota Permit Period: Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness May 1 to November 1; Golden Trout Wilderness last Friday in June to September 15 Open 8-5 Daily Reservation Allotment: ~60 Percent permits available for reservations; ~40

Percent are walkup during quota permit period (See quota by Trailhead) White Mountain Ranger https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5143453.pdf Station Reservation Method: On-line only and in person for cancelled permits 798 N. Main Street Reservation Acceptance: Six months in advance http://www.recreation.gov/ Bishop, CA 93514 On the Recreation.gov website, Search for: "Inyo National Forest - Wilderness (760) 873-2500 Permits" to find list of trails. Verify trail name and location. Must indicate if Open 8-5Daily (closed planning on exiting via Mt. Whitney Zone. Exit quotas apply. winter weekends /holidays) Permit Pickup: Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center, White Mountain Ranger Station, Mono Basin Ranger Station, or Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center (Alternate) Mono Basin Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/passes-permits/recreation Scenic Area Visitor Center

(Alternate) Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 11 | Page

Eastern Sierra Interagency Inyo National Forest – Mt. Whitney Zone Visitor Center Junction of Highway 395 Permit: Mt. Whitney Zone Overnight and Day Hike and State Route 136 Quota Permit Period: May 1 to November 1 2 miles south of Lone Pine, Reservation Allotment: 100 Percent permits available for reservations via CA lottery; (760) 876-6222/6200 Reservation Method: Lottery on-line only; on-line for cancelled and unfilled Open 8-5 Daily lottery dates; and in person for cancelled permits. Reservation Acceptance: Lottery applications accepted February 1 through March 15 for Quota Period http://www.recreation.gov/ On the Recreation.gov website, Search for: "Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits" to find Whitney Day and Overnight reservations. Permit Pickup: Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center (Only)

Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/passes-permits/recreation

Sequoia National Forest Sequoia National Forest Headquarters 1839 South Newcomb Street Permit: Golden Trout Wilderness only; all other areas do not require permit. Porterville, CA 93257 Overnight stays in adjoining areas (Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks, Inyo 559-784-1500 National Forest) require permits even if accessed through Sequoia National FAX 559-781-4744 Forest (See Respective Agency) Monday through Friday, Quota Permit Period: May 1 to November 1 for two Cottonwood Trailheads in 8:00am - 4:30pm Inyo National Forest Reservation Allotment: For trails entering from the east, contact Inyo National Western Divide Ranger District Forest. If you're coming from the west, contact the Sequoia. Office Reservation Method: In person, mail or fax. 32588 Highway 190 Call Ranger. Springville, CA 93265 Reservation Acceptance: 559-539-2607 Permit Pickup: Sequoia National Forest Headquarters, Western Divide Ranger FAX 559-539-2067 District, Kern River Ranger District Monday through Friday, 8:00am Website:http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/passes- - 4:30 pm permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev3_059517

Kern River Ranger District Office 105 Whitney Road P.O. Box 9 Kernville, CA 93238 760-376-3781 FAX 760-376-3795 Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm

Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park

Permit: Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park – Wilderness Permit Quota Permit Period: Last Friday in May to Last Saturday in September Reservation Allotment: 75 Percent permits available for reservations; 25 Percent are walkup during quota permit period (See quota by Trailhead) Reservation Method: Fax and mail. In person for unreservable permits and cancelled permits Reservation Acceptance: March 1 for quota season Permit Pickup: Pick up beginning 1 pm day before beginning trip at permit issuing station closest to the trailhead only. Check for the permit station for your Trailhead. Kings Canyon Visitor Center, Lodgepole Visitor Center, Road’s End Permit Station, Mineral King Ranger Station, Ash Mountain Wilderness Office. Website: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilderness_permits.htm

Yosemite National Park

Permit: Yosemite National Park – Wilderness Permit Quota Permit Period: May to October Reservation Allotment: 60 Percent permits available for reservations; 40 Percent are walkup during quota permit period (See quota by Trailhead) Reservation Method: Fax (Best Method), phone, mail. In person for unreservable permits and cancelled permits Reservation Acceptance: Reservations are available 24 weeks (168 days) in advance when the wilderness permit reservation office is open (mid-November accepting phone calls. Sending your request by fax increases your chances of success. Must indicate if planning on exiting via Donohue Pass. Exit quota of 45 per day apply. Permit Pickup: Pick up beginning 11 am day before beginning trip at any permit issuing station. Priority given for permits local to the issuing station. Yosemite Valley Wilderness Center, Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center, Big Oak Flat Information Station, Wawona Visitor Center at Hill’s Studio, Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/permitstations.htm Website: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm

California Campfire Permits

Campfire restrictions and permits change frequently. Consult the local wilderness permit agency for current fire restricts. California campfire permits are required for campfires, stoves and lanterns on the National Forest sections of trails. You can obtain one online or at any Forest Service, BLM and Cal Fire office in the state.

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 13 | Page Preparations for trekking in the High Sierra Wilderness must be thorough and include all participants. Adult High Adventure Training, an Award requirement for Trek Planning and a member of the group, is strongly recommended for all Scouters. It provides an Preparation excellent background for planning and leading wilderness treks. San Diego-Imperial Council Trek Aids No. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are also excellent sources for planning, preparing, and leading High Adventure outings. Members of the High Adventure Team are available to help you plan your trek as well as recommend equipment, food, trails, and campsites.

For most participants extended hikes and high elevation climbs are tough, physical work. Be sure that all youth and adults are in good health and excellent physical condition. Plan the trek thoroughly and then conduct sufficient training and conditioning backpacks to meet your objectives. Be convinced that the smallest and least robust members of the group can complete the trek or climb. Many problems arise from individuals trying to exceed their physical or mental capacity.

Be aware of the potential for altitude sickness. Many trekkers live near sea level and spend too little time adjusting to higher elevations before starting the trek. A day at or near the trailhead is recommended before the trek to help reduce altitude related problems.

Adequate clothing and equipment is essential to keep warm and dry in foul weather. Sudden storms, which may occur in any month of the year in the Sierra, can bring cold rain, sleet, snow, and high winds; putting all at risk of hypothermia.

A minimum of TWO adults must accompany each group and backpackers should always hike in groups of FOUR or more. Leaders should keep groups together with members in sight or voice contact. On cross-country hikes or during periods of low visibility, keep all members in sight. All members must be informed of specific routes, meeting points, destinations, and campsites. When dividing a group, provide each group a written copy of the plan indicating meeting points in order to avoid confusion and lost hikers.

In planning your treks consider going to some of the more remote areas instead of the frequently overcrowded main trails and heavily used camps. Some High Adventure Award requirements dictate which trails and camps to use, but some awards may be earned throughout the wilderness. Be sure your group has the skills necessary to enjoy a High Sierra Trek because it can become unfriendly and dangerous when mountain safety is ignored or forgotten.

14 | Page ©2017 High Adventure Team San Diego-Imperial Council BSA It is prudent to know the weather forecast before entering the wilderness, but Weather & dangerous storms, even for experienced and well-equipped backpackers, cannot Winter always be predicted. At higher elevations days are usually hot and nights are cold, however sudden storms can occur with gale force winds, rain, sleet, snow, and Activities below-freezing temperatures at any time of the year.

Leaders must take prompt action to keep all members dry because wetness can significantly multiply wind-chill effect and cause hypothermia. At times it may be necessary to drop to lower elevations or hole up in a sheltered spot. As a precaution leaders should personally check individuals clothing and gear before leaving home.

Backpacking may not be restricted to the summer months but may include snow- shoe trekking, cross-country skiing, and winter camping. These activities should be limited to the older and more physically fit and well equipped individuals who are capable of carrying the pack weight necessary for winter activities. Many in Southern California deal with snow and snow conditions so infrequently that they forget that at 9,000 feet temperatures can easily drop to -12°F, and to below -20°F above the timberline. Snow with gale winds can produce a "white-out" and bring wind-chills to below -50°F. At this temperature exposed skin may freeze within one minute. You need to know how to keep a backpacking /outdoor group safe in dangerous winter weather.

The minimum training preparations must include the following:

a. Frostbite - what it is, cause, prevention, and first aid. b. Hypothermia - what it is, cause, prevention, and first aid. c. Snow Blindness - what it is, cause, prevention, and first aid. d. Clothing layer system - how to keep warm and dry (no sweating). e. High Calorie foods - keep energy levels up. f. Snow camping - proper methods to set up tents, cook, make water, and keep dry. g. Surviving a storm - travel precautions, selecting a sheltered area, safety precautions. h. Lost Scout procedures - what to do if separated from companions.

It is even more important that personal equipment be checked for youth and adults before winter treks. Group equipment must include one rapid heating chemical stove, either propane or white gas type. A butane stove is not recommended because of problems with vaporization and burning at low temperatures.

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 15 | Page During the updating of this Trek Aid, California is in the fourth straight year of Water exceptional drought and during previous years the late summer several of the Sierra streams shown on topographic maps as permanent streams were dry. In general, there is adequate water in the Sierra but some planning may be necessary to supply your group. It is prudent to know the water sources and check with the Rangers just before the trek to confirm availability. The following is quoted from a California Fish and Game publication regarding the proper treatment of water in the wilderness:

''To protect themselves against giardia. On short trips, it may be best simply to carry water from a known source. On longer trips, how ever, this is impractical, and water must be treated where it is found. Adequate treatment techniques include boiling, chemical treatment, and filtration. Boiling is the most foolproof technique and is the one recommended by the National Park Service. Giardia cysts are well adapted for survival in cold mountain streams, but they cannot tolerate heat, dying almost immediately at temperatures as low as 175 degrees. Nevertheless, the Park Service recommends bringing the water to a full boil anyway, since that provides an adequate margin of safety and does not require the use of a thermometer. Be careful, however, not to return the sterilized water to a contaminated cup or canteen. Because the infectious dose of giardia is small, only a few drops of contaminated water may suffice to undo your treatment efforts. Chemical treatment is simpler than boiling and does not require the use of prodigious amounts of fuel. Chemical tablets are inexpensive and claim to kill most microorganisms including giardia, but the effectiveness of such tablets depends on the temperature and pH of the water. Cold water, such as is likely to be found in mountain streams, generally requires more tablets than the normal dosage, but it is not clear what dosage is appropriate. One solution is to lengthen the treatment period suggested by the manufacturer, letting the water stand overnight instead of merely for the 15 or 20 minutes recommended. Another possibility might be to let the water warm up before the treatment is started. Neither of these solutions will be feasible under all circumstances, however. Filtration may be the best form of treatment, combining simplicity and effectiveness. And unlike chemical treatment, it allows the water to retain its natural taste. Although there are several brands of filters commonly found on the market, all of them work on the same principle: A plastic tube (or in one case, the filter itself) draws water from the source, while a plunger simultaneously provides suction and forces the water through the filtration unit. Another tube or a spout allows you to direct the purified water into your chosen container. In the process, the water is forced to pass through a filter whose pore size is smaller than a giardia cyst. Giardia cysts measure about 5 - 10 microns in their shortest dimension, and manufacturers claim their filters have a small enough pore size to remove all giardia cysts, although many users tend to feel safer with filters that have large margins of safety. While giardia is a reality which must be reckoned with, there are many options for dealing with it. The Sierra cup era, however, appears to have faded into the realm of ancient history."

16 | Page ©2017 High Adventure Team San Diego-Imperial Council BSA Whatever your choice of purification it is important that all members of the group know the seriousness of giardia, what purification methods will be used, who has the equipment and when they can expect to replenish their water. Dehydration can also be serious and individuals should be encouraged to drink often and maintain adequate water levels. Frequently the first sign of dehydration is irritability. If you find your group grumpy (including adults), encourage them to drink more water. Drinking excessively sweet drinks can contribute to dehydration and should be avoided.

Avoid contaminating water sources by camping, cooking, and washing at least 200 feet from the source. Never put soap (even the biodegradable type) or food particles into streams or lakes. Use installed pit toilets or make individual 6-inch deep catholes at least 200 feet from water sources. Never dig a latrine.

The basic philosophy of wilderness such as found in the Sierra Nevada is to preserve Wilderness it in a natural condition, unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. Any Philosophy & man-made item is an intrusion on the natural scene. Certain things, such as trails and signs, are necessary for the protection of the area, but these are held to a Courtesy minimum. It is for this reason that you cannot cut standing trees or engage in construction projects such as building bridges, dam, lean-tos, or fire rings. The wilderness remaining is all we have and once destroyed it can never be replaced or brought back. As citizens we are responsible for the preservation of this priceless heritage. Use your common sense, practice outdoor good manners and above all, have fun.

Courtesy in the wilderness include but is not limited to the following:

a. Hike single file and give way on trails early. Clear the trail when stopping and remember that pack animals and equestrians have the right of way. Move off the trail on the downhill side. b. Cutting switchbacks on trails is prohibited. It is dangerous and causes trail erosion. c. Pack out everything you pack in. Take only pictures, leave only footprints. d. Camp on mineral soil, never in meadows or soft grassy areas that compact easily. Camp at least 100 feet from water or trail and pick a place where you do not have to clear vegetation or level a site. Never ditch a tent and leave the site better than you found it. Several areas in the Sierra have camping limitations so know them before your trek. e. Keep campfires to a minimum and their size small. Use existing fire rings in safe areas and observe all safety precautions. Use only downed wood and observe fire limitations based on elevations in certain areas of the Sierra. REMEMBER, you are liable for the cost of suppression and damages caused by any wildfire that starts through negligence on your part. f. Do not wash yourself, utensils, or clothing in lakes or streams. Do your washing in a basin or pot and dispose of the waste in a hole located well away (at least 100 feet) from lakes or streams. Cover the hole before you break camp. g. Human waste must be buried 6 inches deep and at least 100 feet from water, camp areas and trails. Toilet paper must be packed out. h. Solitude means freedom from the intrusion of human sights, sounds, and odors. To preserve this feature, travel in small groups and leave firearms, radios, and electronic devices at home. Respect the solitude of others by avoiding boisterous behavior and loud noises. i. Practice minimum-impact camping.

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 17 | Page The matter of trail food is covered in great detail in the various training programs and instructional books. Menu planning, quantities, where to buy, repackaging, Food weight, ease of preparation and cleanup, nutrition – all are important Protection considerations for a long-term trek. One more factor that has not gotten that much attention in the past must now be given more when preparing a menu, the matter of compatibility. This is driven by the likely requirement to put all the food into bear-proof canisters. A canister weighs in the range of three pounds, and it’s just dead weight – you do not want to carry more than absolutely necessary. Bulky, even perishable, items that are consumed at lunch and dinner on the first day are all right, but after that it’s powdered, dehydrated, freeze-dried, add hot water and serve items. As the bears have learned that there are more people, and food, near the trailheads, the first few nights on the trail are when you are most likely to be visited, and your food is most vulnerable. Bear-proof boxes in the high country are nice, it’s just that you are already carrying all those canisters.

Increased backpacking in the Sierra has introduced more unnatural food for bears. The food is attractive to bears and often easily available. As a result, the bears patrol popular campsites nightly looking for your food. The bears have become more knowledgeable and persistent, so backpackers must become more vigilant in protecting their food. Some campsites in the Sierra have "bear boxes." Federal law requires you to use proper food storage. Do not take the threat of bear raids lightly. If a bear gets your food he considers it his and will usually fight any attempts to retrieve it. Do not try! Any mess the bear creates in eating or destroying your food is your responsibility to clean up. While bears are the most serious problem in protecting your food, do not forget the chipmunks, kangaroo rats, and marmots who will eat holes in your pack just to find your snacks. Make individuals aware of the potential problems before you start your trek.

Nine treks are included in Trail Guide Section. These treks are those leading to High Sierra eligibility for the High Sierra Trek Award or cover beautiful sections of the Sierra. Each section contains trail guide information on mileage, elevation, campsites, and Trek Selection suggestions for a meaningful wilderness experience. While the information is the

best available at this writing, it is prudent to check with Rangers to confirm the availability of water, campsites, or trail changes. Trail changes occur because of avalanches, excessive erosion, or to preserve the wilderness values. In general, trail

changes do not materially affect the information in the Trail Guide sections because most trails remain in the same indicated area.

In planning your trek be aware that the John Muir Trail and its main entry and exit trailheads are crowded. Depending on the month and time of week congestion can occur on the trails and campsites, and the wilderness solitude may be hard to find. However, if you want to hike the John Muir Trail, you should. If you have more flexibility you might want to select trails less used and avoid the crowds.

Information in the Trail Guide sections has been obtained from the agency websites, latest maps, trail guides, and wilderness publications for the Sierra. However, in many areas the specific elevations and distances are approximate. Typically, three sources of information will have at least two different values and these may not agree with the trail markers and elevation signs in the Sierra. The differences are usually not significant but do allow a little latitude in your planning.

Rather than recommend specific days, distances, and campsites for your trek the Trail Guide sections show what is available. Then you may select how far and where to camp based on the capabilities of your group. It is recommended that the first day's hike take into consideration the differences in home and trailhead elevations and the need to develop an efficient trek routine.

While the Trail Guide sections provide general information for hiking, there should be an adequate number of topographic maps and compasses in the group. Copies of map sections can be made to give each individual. Training should have been completed on compass and map orientation; including contour interval, surveyed elevations, and how to find water and campsites.

Information regarding technical climbing and cross-country routes are available in References other publications and are not included in this Trek Aid. While climbing and cross- country trekking can add to fun of a wilderness backpack it should be left to the more experienced and well-trained individuals. Be aware that the cost of a rescue in the Sierra can be very expensive and conduct your trek to avoid emergencies, especially those requiring evacuation.

Information for High Sierra Trekking is plentiful so only the more useful are included herein. Many of the references are available on-line. Maps can be downloaded and printed to aid route planning. Weather-proof maps and guides are available online or at local outdoor recreation retailers.

1. The U.S. Forest Service or applicable National Park Service lists specific trail information with local restrictions along with your trailhead reservation or permit. Check the Wilderness Permit Websites for trailhead maps and seasonal restrictions.

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest: http://www.fs.usda.gov/htnf/ Inyo National Forest: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/home Sequoia National Forest: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sequoia/home Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilderness_permits.htm Yosemite National Park: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm

2. Pacific Crest Trail Association- John Muir Trail Site provides a good source with up to date references on Wilderness Permitting, Trail Guides, the JMT History, Questions, and Resupply. http://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/john-muir-trail/

3. Recreation and Trail Maps by Tom Harrison, 2 Falmouth Cove, San Rafael, CA 94901-4465. Harrison has published several maps of the Sierra Nevada high country with trails and distances. Maps are available as digital and physical products. http://www.tomharrisonmaps.com/

4. Halfmile’s PCT Maps: Pacific Crest Trail Maps, Apps, GPS Data and More. Excellent source for detailed maps of the PCT and selected feeder trails to the PCT. Free downloadable Apps, GPS data and PDF maps Halfmile’s Pacific Crest Trail Maps are free .PDF files optimized for printing on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper. Use Adobe’s free Reader program to open and print these files. The files are compressed .ZIP files that can be extracted by right clicking (on Windows) or double clicking the file in OS X. https://www.pctmap.net/google/

5. GUIDE TO THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL by Elizabeth Wenk. A Wilderness Press publication. This guidebook describes its route in detail, from both directions. It includes maps, helpful planning information and detailed trail information which supplements this Trek Aid.

6. JOHN MUIR WILDERNESS, a U.S. Department of Agriculture map set of lnyo and Sierra National Forests, and National Parks backcountry. This two map set covers the Sierra from above Twin Lakes to below Cottonwood Pass and in general shows the John Muir and connecting trails.

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 19 | Page 7. U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Forest Service) 7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangles for the various sections of the trails. See the list available in this Trek Aid under High Sierra Backpacking Indicator Segments and on the first page of each Trail Guide. These maps use 40-feet contour line intervals. The older series USGS and the current Forest Service maps have trails on them.

7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangles USGS Maps Available for Download as PDF. http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo/

7.5 Minute Topographic Quadrangles Forest Service Maps Available for Download as PDF: https://data.fs.usda.gov/geodata/rastergateway/states- regions/states.php

Note: The original USGS 7.5-minute topographic map series (1945-1992) included feature classes that are not yet shown on latest US Topo maps. Examples include recreational trails, pipelines, power lines, survey markers, many types of boundaries, and many types of buildings. The USGS no longer does field verification or other primary data collection for these feature classes, and there are no national data sources suitable for general-purpose, 1:24,000-scale maps. For many of these feature classes, USGS is working with other agencies to develop data. Over time, as these data become available and are included in The National Map, that content will be added to the US Topos.

8. High Adventure Team, San Diego-Imperial Council, BSA Trek Aids for Planning, Preparing, Leading, and Staying Healthy on High Sierra Treks. Visit the Service Center for the latest editions.

9. Google Earth with the appropriate KMZ and KML files from PCTA or Halfmile will allow visualization of planned routes and can be a useful tool in pre-planning.

Trail guides follow for the John Muir Trail; feeder trails from the north, south, east, and west to the John Muir Trail; as well as a Trans- Sierra Trek on the High Sierra Trail. The guides provide information generally from north to south, except for Cottonwood lakes which is south to north; and east to west, except for Yosemite Valley and Trans-Sierra, which are west to east. Trails may be hiked in either direction. The overall sketch below shows the area covered by the Trail Guides.

1. Twin Lakes to Tuolumne Meadows 2. Yosemite Valley to Red's Meadow 3. Red's Meadow to Rock Creek 4. Rock Creek to North Lake 5. North Lake to South Lake 6. South Lake to Onion Valley 7. Onion Valley to Whitney Portal 8. Cottonwood Lakes to Whitney Portal 9. Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal

Bridgeport Tuolumne Meadows Twin Lakes

Lee Vining Yosemite Valley John Muir Trail

Mammoth Lakes Jct. Red’s Meadow

Rock Creek Tom’s Place North Lake Bishop South Lake John Muir Trail Connector Trails Big Pine Roads Onion Valley Independence High Sierra Trail Mt. Whitney Sequoia Whitney Portal

Lone Pine

Mineral King Cottonwood Lakes

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 21 | Page Twin Lakes to Tuolumne Meadows

The Trek starts at Robinson Creek at the resort on the west end of Twin Lakes near Bridgeport. Shortly after leaving the road head you enter the Hoover Wilderness in the Toiyabe National Forest

NOTE: Access to the trailhead is through private land and unless you pay to camp at the resort campground, you cannot drive to the trailhead to drop-off hikers or gear. However, you may backpack through the resort without paying. Parking fees are charged for vehicles left at or near the resort while hiking.

1. On arrival day check into the resort campground. Check out the trailhead and maybe fish in Twin Lakes. 2. From the trailhead it is about 4 to 6 miles to Barney Lake to beautiful but overused campsites. Then about 4 miles to Crown Lake, with several good campsites. 3. At the Burro Pass/Rock Island Pass Trail junction either route may be taken. The trail through Burro Pass is longer but it gives access to Matterhorn Peak and is considered more scenic than the trail over Rock Island Pass. 4. Excellent campsites are located just south of the Matterhorn Canyon trail junction south of Burro Pass. 5. Many campsites are available near Smedberg Lake and Rodgers Canyon. Smedberg Lake can be crowded. It is advisable to not let your group string out through Rodgers Canyon because if you pass the last good water it is a long hike to the next decent campsite. The area west of Rodgers Canyon was burned badly in 1986 and the area is still recovering. 6. The camp at Pate Valley on the Tuolumne is excellent. Bears are active in the area, and older reports tell of rattlesnakes in dry years. 7. The approximate 22 miles from Pate Valley to Tuolumne Meadows, the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, is beautiful, and several good campsites are available along the river. The topo is inaccurate at times due to rock slides which has rerouted the trail en route to Tuolumne Meadows. The nearer to Glen Aulin and Tuolumne Meadows the more active the bears. 8. The alternate route through Rock Island Pass has good campsites in Rancheria Creek until you near Seavey Pass, then it is too steep. Campsites are located in and just south of Seavey Pass but usually only lake water is available in quantity.

Trailheads: Robinson Creek at Twin Lakes and Tuolumne Meadows at Yosemite NP 7.5 Minute Topo Map Coverage: Buckeye Ridge, Matterhorn Peak, Piute Mountain, Ten Lakes, Falls Ridge Trail Guide Coverage: GUIDE TO THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL by Elizabeth Wenk. A Wilderness Press publication. Additional information: GLAAC Trek Aid 15, “Long Term Trekking” Required Permit: Hoover Wilderness Permit; Robinson Creek has 30 total permits during quota period Miles/Elevation Gain: 56-62/ 9,000-10,000 Scheduled Hours: About 33-36

22 | Page ©2017 High Adventure Team San Diego-Imperial Council BSA ITINERARY ELEVATION MILES BETWEEN POINTS MILES FROM START TWIN LAKES TO TUOLUMNE MEADOWS (feet) (miles) (miles) Twin Lakes (Trailhead) 7,092 0 0 Barney Lake 8,320 4.6 4.6 Crown Lake 9,440 4 8.6 Trail Junction- Burro Pass/Rock Island Pass 9,680 0.3 8.9 Burro Pass 10,700 4.8 13.7 Matterhorn Canyon Trail Junction 8,500 7.2 20.9 Benson Pass 10,100 4.4 25.3 Smedburg Lake * 9,200 2.2 27.5 Rodgers Canyon Trail Junction 8,800 1 28.5 Southern end of Rodgers Canyon 8,100 5 33.5 Trail Junction- Pate Valley/Pleasant Valley 7,800 2 35.5 Piute Creek 4,800 3.3 38.8 Pate Valley * 4,400 2.9 41.7 Muir Gorge 5,000 4.4 46.1 Falls below Return Creek 6,180 5 51.1 Waterwheel Falls 6,720 2.1 53.2 Leconte Falls 7,040 0.5 53.7 California Falls 7,900 1 54.7 Glen Aulin High Sierra Trail Junction 7,900 1.3 56 Dingley Creek 8,400 2.6 58.6 Tuolumne Meadows (Trailhead) 8,590 3.2 61.8

Alternative Route; Trail Junction- Burro Pass/Rock Island Pass 9,680 0.3 8.9 Rock Island Pass 10,160 3 11.9 Rancheria Canyon (mid) 8,900 2.4 14.3 Seavey Pass 9,200 2.3 16.6 Rodgers Canyon Trail Junction 8,800 6.2 22.8 Pate Valley 4,400 13.2 36 Tuolumne Meadows (Trailhead) 8,590 20.1 56.1 Note: At the Rodgers Canyon Trail Junction the trail continues south up Rodgers Lake. However, in you continue west about 0.2 miles and pick up the trail south, you can save about 0.7 miles and the elevation gain to Rodgers Lake. Note: If taking the alternate route, Kerrick Meadow and Arndt Lake are very scenic.

* Good layover day site. TWIN LAKES TO TUOLUMNE MEADOWS 14,000

13,000

12,000 Burro Pass Burro/Rock Island

11,000 - Benson Pass (feet) 10,000 Tr Jct Smedburg Lake * Pate/Pleasant Valley Pate/Pleasant Crown Lake Rodgers Cyn Tr Jct - Tuolumne Meadows TH Tuolumne Meadows TH Matterhorn Canyon Tr Jct

9,000 Creek Dingley Barney Lake Barney End ofRodgers Cyn Tr Jct

Elevation 8,000

7,000 Rock Island Pass Seavey Pass Seavey Falls Falls Below Return Creek 6,000 Muir GorgeMuir Burro Pass Route Creek Piute

5,000 Pate Valley * Pate Valley Rancheria Canyon (mid) Rodgers Canyon Tr Jct

Rock Island Pass Route Glen AulinJct Tr California Falls 4,000 Leconte Falls 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Mileage from the Start (Miles)

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 23 | Page Yosemite Valley to Red's Meadow

The Trek starts near the Happy Isles Nature Center, past the upper Pines Campground. Access is by shuttle bus only.

NOTE: Camping in Yosemite Valley is crowded and advance reservations are strongly recommended. A backpacking camp is available in the Valley but available space is not assured. It is against the law to sleep in vehicles; violators are cited.

1. Get an early start if a climb Half Dome is planned. The shuttle busses run fairly early. Either the Muir or Mist trail may be taken. The Mist trail is rougher and leads back to the Muir trail. 2. From the trailhead it is about 4.8 miles to Little Yosemite Valley camp where bear boxes are provided. It is about 3 miles from Little Yosemite Valley to the top of Half Dome. 3. The climb of Half Dome may be combined with the next day's hike to Long Meadow or Cathedral Lakes. Other campsites are available along Sunrise Creek. 4. Camping is available in Tuolumne Meadows, however reservations are strongly recommended. A backpacking area is provided but space is limited. Camping is also available along Lyell Fork (canyon) en route to Donohue Pass (at Rafferty Creek, Maclure Creek, and Upper Lyell Pass Camp). Bear cables are available at some sites. 5. After topping Donohue Pass, camping is available along Rush Creek until you continue up toward Island Pass. Camping is available south of Island Pass near Thousand Island and Garnet Lakes, although some restrictions apply. Bears have been very active near Thousand Island and Garnet Lakes. 6. Camping is available north of Shadow Lake and along the trail near Rosalie, Gladys, and Johnston Lakes. 7. Several Forest Service campgrounds are available at Red 's Meadow, Soda Springs, Agnew Meadow, and Pumice Flats in the vicinity if Devil's Postpile National Monument. During the peak season all of these campgrounds may be filled and reservations are not accepted. Plan ahead. Free showers are available at the Red's Meadow campground.

Trailheads: Happy Isle Nature Center at Yosemite NP or John Muir Trail North 7.5 Minute Topo Map Coverage: Half Dome, Merced Peak, Tenaya Lake, Vogelsang Peak, Koip Peak, Mount Ritter, Mammoth Mountain, Crystal Crag Trail Guide Coverage: GUIDE TO THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL by Elizabeth Wenk. A Wilderness Press publication. Additional information: GLAAC Trek Aid 15, “Long Term Trekking” Required Permit: Yosemite NP Wilderness Permit or Inyo National Forest Miles/Elevation Gain: 60/ 8,000-9,000 Scheduled Hours: About 34-35

ITINERARY ELEVATION MILES BETWEEN POINTS MILES FROM START YOSEMITE VALLEY TO RED'S MEADOW (feet) (miles) (miles) Happy Isles-Yosemite Valley 4,035 0 0 Little Yosemite Valley 6,160 4.7 4.7 Half Dome Trail 7,000 4.5 9.2 Half Dome (optional hike) (See Note) 8,842 0 9.2 Long Meadow 9,360 7.5 16.7 Cathedral Pass 9,700 3 19.7 Tuolumne Meadow Campground 8,592 6.5 26.2 Rafferty Creek Trail 8,700 1.7 27.9 Evelyn Lake Trail 8,800 4.2 32.1 Lyell Base Camp 9,040 3 35.1 Donohue Pass 11,056 3.9 39 Rush Creek Trail 9,600 3.4 42.4 Island Pass 10,240 1.1 43.5 Thousand Island Lake * 9,834 1.2 44.7 Garnet Lake 9,760 4 48.7 Shadow Lake 8,800 2.8 51.5 Rosalie Lake 9,280 1.5 53 Johnston Lake 8,100 4.1 57.1 Devil's Postpile National Monument 7,559 2.2 59.3 Red's Meadow Campground 7,600 0.7 60

Note: Add an additional 3 miles if Half Dome is climbed. The mileage is not included in the trail figures

* Good layover day site.

YOSEMITE VALLEY TO RED'S MEADOW 14,000

13,000

12,000

11,000

(feet) 10,000

9,000 Rafferty Creek Trail Red's Meadow Campground Donohue Pass Elevation 8,000 Island Pass Shadow Lake Garnet Lake Garnet 7,000 Cathedral Pass Cathedral Little Yosemite Valley Long Meadow Rosalie Lake Rush Creek Trail 6,000 Lyell Base Camp Evelyn Lake Trail Thousand Island Lake * 5,000 Half Dome Trail Johnston Lake

4,000 Tuolumne Meadow CG 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Mileage from the Start (Miles)

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 25 | Page Red's Meadow to Rock Creek

The Trek starts just to the south of the Forest Service Campground at Red's Meadow, connecting with the trail from Devil's Postpile (past Red’s Meadow Pack Station).

1. Continue along the trail crossing Boundary and Deer Creeks. The terrain is fairly steep and the next water after Deer Creek is 5.7 miles at Crater Creek, between the Purple Cones. There is good camping here with an opportunity to climb the Cones. 2. Camping is available at Duck Lake but it adds a couple of miles to the trek. Camping is also available at Purple Lake and Lake Virginia, but the areas around the outlets are restricted. 3. Camping is available in Tully Hole but is not recommended. It is a fragile meadow with moisture and bugs. Pocket Meadow is a better camping spot. 4. Quail Meadows, just south of the trail junction leading to Mono Pass, has good camping and does not increase the hike significantly. 5. Camping is also available at Second, Third, and Fourth Recesses, how ever some require a lengthy uphill hike to get there. Third or Fourth Recess is recommended. 6. If time permits, a hike without packs to Pioneer Lakes is rewarding. If an extra day is available, camping at Pioneer Lakes is available. 7. A trail leads to Golden Lake and on the south leads back to the main trail to Mono Pass. Side camping is also available above Fourth Recess at Trail Lakes about a mile before Mono Pass. 8. After topping Mono Pass, camping is available at Heart and Marsh Lakes and at Mosquito Flats Campground. Mosquito Flats is aptly named but is a convenient walk-in backpacker’s camp.

Trailheads: John Muir Trail South and Rock Creek (Mono Pass TH) at Mosquito Flat Campground 7.5 Minute Topo Map Coverage: Mammoth Mountain, Crystal Crag, Bloody Mountain, Graveyard Peak, Mount Abbot, Mount Morgan Trail Guide Coverage: GUIDE TO THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL by Elizabeth Wenk. A Wilderness Press publication. Additional information: GLAAC Trek Aid 15, “Long Term Trekking” Required Permit: Inyo National Forest Wilderness Miles/Elevation Gain: 43/ 8,000-9,000 Scheduled Hours: About 26

ITINERARY ELEVATION MILES BETWEEN POINTS MILES FROM START RED'S MEADOW TO ROCK CREEK (feet) (miles) (miles) Red's Meadow Campground 7,600 0 0 Boundary Creek 7,840 1.5 1.5 Crater Creek near Red Cones 8,720 1.7 3.2 Deer Creek 9,200 3.1 6.3 Duck Lake Trail 10,100 5.7 12 Purple Lake * 9,960 2.5 14.5 Lake Virginia 10,314 2 16.5 McGee Pass Trail (Tully Hole) 9,520 1.5 18 Cascade Valley 9,120 1.5 19.5 Silver Pass 10,880 3 22.5 Silver Pass Lake 10,400 0.6 23.1 Pocket Meadow 8,880 3 26.1 Mono Pass Trail 8,240 1.4 27.5 Second Recess (Mono Creek) Trail (see note 1.) 8,500 4 31.5 Third Recess (Mono Creek) Trail (see note 2.) 9,600 3.4 34.9 Fourth Recess (Mono Creek) Trail (see note 3.) * 10,160 1.6 36.5 Mono Pass 12,000 3.5 40 Heart Lake 10,480 1.4 41.4 Mosquito Flats Hike-in Camp (Rock Creek) 10,400 1.2 42.6

Note: 1. Add one mile for camping at Second Recess. 2. Add one mile for camping at Third Recess. 3. Add about 1/4 mile for camping at Fourth Recess Lake and about 2 miles to Pioneer Basin. The above mileage should be added to the totals * Good layover day site. RED'S MEADOW TO ROCK CREEK 14,000

13,000

12,000

11,000 McGee PassMcGee Trail (feet) 10,000 Mono Pass Mono Crater Creek near Red Cones Red near Crater Creek

9,000 Boundary Creek Silver PassSilver Heart Lake Heart Elevation 8,000 Lake Virginia Rock Creek Silver Silver Pass Lake Purple Lake * Fourth RecessFourth Duck Lake Trail 7,000 Third Recess Deer Creek Deer

6,000 Valley Cascade Pocket Meadow Second Recess Second

5,000 Mono Pass Trail

4,000 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 Mileage from the Start (Miles)

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 27 | Page

Rock Creek to North Lake

The Trek starts at Rock Creek (Mosquito Flats Hike-in Camp) and continues up the trail to Mono Pass.

1. After Mono Pass, continue along the trail to camping at Trail Lakes, Fourth Recess, Third Recess, or Second Recess. 2. Quail Meadows has some nice campsites on both sides of the creek, but it can be a busy place. 3. The hike up over Bear Ridge can be a stiff one. Camping is very good at Bear Creek, but mosquitos can be bad in wet years. Many opportunities for camping are available along Bear Creek to the south, including Rosemarie Meadow. 4. Camping is available along Marie Lakes north of Selden Pass and around Heart and Sallie Keyes Lakes to the south of the Pass. 5. Plenty of campsites are available at Senger Creek, and camping is also available on both sides of Piute Creek at the junction with the Muir Trail. Better sites are located up Piute Creek to the east. 6. Hutchinson Meadow has campsites from about 1mile below to about 1 mile above the junction with the French Canyon Trail (to Pine Creek Pass). 7. Although camping is prohibited within 500 feet of the shoreline of Golden Trout Lakes, some camping is available in the rocky flats north of the lakes. 8. After Piute Pass, some camping is available near Piute and Loch Leven Lakes, but not within 300 feet of the shoreline.

Trailheads: Rock Creek (Mono Pass TH) at Mosquito Flat Campground and Piute Pass at North Lake Campground 7.5 Minute Topo Map Coverage: Mount Morgan, Mount Abbot, Graveyard Peak, Florence Lake, Mount Henry, Mount Hilgard, Mount Tom, Mount Darwin Trail Guide Coverage: GUIDE TO THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL by Elizabeth Wenk. A Wilderness Press publication. Additional information: GLAAC Trek Aid 15, “Long Term Trekking” Required Permit: Inyo National Forest Wilderness Miles/Elevation Gain: 60/ 8,000-9,000 Scheduled Hours: About 30-35

ITINERARY ELEVATION MILES BETWEEN POINTS MILES FROM START ROCK CREEK TO NORTH LAKE (feet) (miles) (miles) Mosquito Flats Hike-in Camp (Rock Creek) 10,400 0 0 Ruby Lake 11,040 2 2 Mono Pass 12,000 1 3 Fourth Recess-Pioneer Basin Trails (see note 1.) 10,160 5 8 Second Recess (Fish Camp) (see note 2.) 8,500 5 13 Muir Trail at Mono Creek 8,240 4 17 Quail Meadows * 7,760 1 18 Bear Ridge 10,000 3 21 Bear Creek 8,800 2.5 23.5 Lake Italy Trail 9,280 2.5 26 Rosemarie Meadow 10,000 2.5 28.5 Selden Pass 10,880 2 30.5 Heart Lake 10,560 0.7 31.2 Senger Creek 9,760 3.1 34.3 Blaney Meadows Trail 7,898 5.2 39.5 Piute Pass Trail 8,050 2 41.5 Hutchinson Meadow * 9,439 6 47.5 Golden Trout Lakes 10,800 4 51.5 Piute Pass 11,423 2 53.5 Trailhead (North Lake Campground) 9,360 6 59.5

Note: 1. At Fourth Recess, it is about 1/4 mile to camping at Fourth Recess Lake, and about 2 miles to Pioneer Basin. 2. At Second Recess, it is about 1 mile to camping.

* Good layover day site.

ROCK CREEK TO NORTH LAKE 14,000

13,000

12,000

11,000

(feet) 10,000 Mono Pass Mono Piute Pass

9,000 Ruby Lake Blaney Meadows Trail Meadows Blaney Selden Pass Heart Lake Heart

Elevation 8,000 Bear Ridge Fourth Recess Senger Creek Senger 7,000 Golden Trout Lakes Bear Creek Lake Italy Trail Italy Lake

6,000 Rosemarie Meadow Second Recess Second Hutchinson Meadow * 5,000 Piute Pass Trail Quail Meadows * 4,000

0 10 Muir TrailMono at Creek 20 30 40 50 60 Mileage from the Start (Miles)

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 29 | Page

North Lake to South Lake

The Trek starts at the trailhead just west of North Lake Campground. The campground has few spaces and should not be depended upon for camping the night before the trek. Other larger campgrounds are in the vicinity.

1. The trail climbs fairly steady past Loch Leven and Piute lakes to Piute Pass, then through an alpine meadow past Upper and Lower Golden Trout lakes. Camping is prohibited within 500 feet of the shoreline, but some flat sites are available in the rocky area north of the lakes. 2. Many good campsites are available along Piute Creek through Hutchinson Meadow. After passing East Pinnacles Creek the trail climbs away from the creek, and campsites are not decent until shortly before joining the John Muir Trail. 3. After turning south on the Muir Trail, a few poor campsites are located at Aspen Meadow; better sites are just beyond the South Fork Bridge. Hikers should be aware not to take the Goddard Canyon Trail. 4. Camping is excellent along Evolution Creek at Evolution, McClure, and Colby Meadows. The scenery is also beautiful here. A ranger station at McClure Meadow is usually manned from late June to early September. 5. The climb to Evolution Lake is steady, and several good campsites are located around the lakes. 6. After Evolution Lake, camping is marginal until Big Pete or Little Pete Meadows, both beautiful areas. Little Pete Meadow is recommended to prepare for the difficult hike from the Muir Trail over Bishop Pass. 7. Camping is available in the Dusy Basin (but not with pack stock), but better campsites are located near Saddlerock Lake. Camping is limited in the vicinity of South Lake.

Trailheads: Piute Pass at North Lake Campground and Bishop Pass at South Lake 7.5 Minute Topo Map Coverage: Mount Darwin, Mount Tom, Mount Hilgard, Mount Henry, Mount Goddard, North Palisade, Mount Thompson Trail Guide Coverage: GUIDE TO THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL by Elizabeth Wenk. A Wilderness Press publication. Additional information: GLAAC Trek Aid 15, “Long Term Trekking” Required Permit: Inyo National Forest Wilderness Miles/Elevation Gain: 60/ 8,000-9,000 Scheduled Hours: About 30-35

ITINERARY ELEVATION MILES BETWEEN POINTS MILES FROM START North Lake to South Lake (feet) (miles) (miles) Trailhead (North Lake Campground) 9,360 0 0 Piute Pass 11,423 6 6 Golden Trout Lakes 10,800 2 8 Hutchinson Meadow 9,439 4 12 Piute Pass/Muir Trail Junction 8,050 6 18 Aspen Meadow 8,240 1.1 19.1 South Fork Bridge 8,350 1.4 20.5 Goddard Canyon Trail Junction 8,450 1 21.5 Evolution Meadow 9,200 2 23.5 McClure Meadow 9,600 2 25.5 Colby Meadow 9,800 1 26.5 Evolution Lake-lower end * 10,850 3.5 30 Evolution Lake-upper end * 10,850 1.3 31.3 Muir Pass 11,955 4.5 35.8 Helen Lake 11,595 1 36.8 LeConte Canyon-Upper Lake Camp 10,800 1.3 38.1 LeConte Canyon-Lower Lake Camp 10,200 1 39.1 Little Pete Meadow 8,880 3.5 42.6 Bishop Pass Trail Junction 8,750 0.5 43.1 Dusy Lakes · 11,300 4.8 47.9 Bishop Pass 11,972 4.8 52.7 South Lake-Trailhead 9,755 7.2 59.9

* Good layover day site.

North Lake to South Lake 14,000

13,000

12,000

11,000 (feet) 10,000 Muir Pass Bishop Pass Helen Lake Helen Piute Pass 9,000 Dusy Dusy Lakes · lower end * upper end * - -

Elevation 8,000 Trailhead - Upper Lake Camp - 7,000 Golden Trout Lakes Colby Meadow Lower Lake Camp -

6,000 McClure Meadow South Lake Evolution Lake Evolution Lake Evolution Meadow Hutchinson Meadow Bishop PassBishop Tr Jct Aspen Meadow LeConte Cyn

5,000 South Fork Bridge LeConte Cyn

4,000 Goddard Canyon Tr Jct Piute Pass/Muir Tr Jct Tr Pass/Muir Piute 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Mileage from the Start (Miles)

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 31 | Page

South Lake to Onion Valley

The Trek starts at the trailhead just south along the east side of South Lake, and climbs to the lake basin for Saddlerock and Bishop Lakes.

1. The hike to Bishop Pass is steady, and it may be advisable to camp at Saddlerock Lake to adjust to the elevation. If not, camping is available in the Dusy Lakes basin, but wood fires are not permitted. 2. Camping is available in Grouse Meadows, but it may be soggy near the stream. Better camping can be located near the junction with the Middle Fork Trail and along Palisade Creek through Deer Meadow. 3. The trail from Deer Meadow up and over the "Golden Staircase" is fairly stiff and the views are beautiful. Camping is available along the eastern side of Palisade Lakes. While the trail goes higher around the lakes, good camp sites are located in the scrub above the trail near a water source. 4. Continue over Mather Pass to fine camping north of and around Lake Marjorie. 5. After Pinchot Pass, camping is available at several places along the trail from the stream outlet of Twin Lakes to just after turning south at Woods Creek up the south fork. 6. Camping is intermittent along the trail until in the vicinity of Rae Lakes, where there are numerous very good sites. No wood fires are allowed in the Rae Lakes Basin, and camping is limited to one night at all the lakes. The Rae Lakes Ranger Station is located east of the trail at the middle Rae Lake. The best campsites are east of the trail except for a few on the narrow strip between the south two lakes. 7. The hike over Glen Pass is steady and rocky, but the descent is via a good trail to the fairly new cutoff trail to Kearsarge Pass. It is not necessary to continue to the junction with the Charlotte Lake Trail. The new trail remains high above Bullfrog and Kearsarge Lakes directly to Kearsarge Pass. 8. From Kearsarge Pass, the trail is downhill to the trailhead at Onion Valley. Decent campsites are available at Flower and Gilbert Lakes. 9. Camping is limited at Onion Valley and cannot be relied upon at the end of the trek. Other camps are available (Gray's Meadow and Lower Gray's Meadow) en route Independence.

Trailheads: Bishop Pass at South Lake and Kearsarge at Onion Valley 7.5 Minute Topo Map Coverage: Mount Thompson, North Palisade, Split Mountain, Mount Pinchot, Mount Clarence King, Kearsarge Peak Trail Guide Coverage: GUIDE TO THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL by Elizabeth Wenk. A Wilderness Press publication. Additional information: GLAAC Trek Aid 15, “Long Term Trekking” Required Permit: Inyo National Forest Wilderness Miles/Elevation Gain: 72/ 9,000-10,000 Scheduled Hours: About 40-45

ITINERARY ELEVATION MILES BETWEEN POINTS MILES FROM START South Lake to Onion Valley (feet) (miles) (miles) Trailhead (south and east of South Lake) 9,755 0 0 Bishop Pass 11,972 7.2 7.2 Dusy Lakes 11,300 4.8 12 John Muir Trail Junction 8,750 4.8 16.8 Grouse Meadow 8,200 3.2 20 Palisade Creek (Middle Fork Trail) 8,000 1 21 Deer Meadow 8,750 3.5 24.5 Palisade Lake-upper (middle) 10,700 4 28.5 Mather Pass 12,080 3 31.5 Taboose Pass Trail Junction 10,160 5.4 36.9 Bench Lake Trail Junction 10,800 1.1 38 Lake Marjorie 11,200 1.5 39.5 Pinchot Pass 12,080 1.6 41.1 Sawmill Pass Trail Junction 10,346 5 46.1 Woods Creek (South Fork trail to Rae Lakes) 8,492 4.5 50.6 Baxter Pass Trail Junction 10,160 4.8 55.4 Rae Lakes (middle) * 10,538 2.9 58.3 Sixty Lakes Basin Trail Junction 10,560 0.8 59.1 Glen Pass 11,980 2 61.1 Kearsarge Pass Trail Junction 10,878 2.9 64 Kearsarge Pass 11,960 2.7 66.7 Flower Lake 10,500 3 69.7 Trailhead-Onion Valley 9,200 2.5 72.2

* Good layover day site.

South Lake to Onion Valley 14,000

13,000

12,000

11,000 (feet) 10,000 Glen Pass Bishop Pass Mather Pass Mather Pinchot Pass Dusy Lakes Kearsarge Pass Kearsarge 9,000 Palisade Crk (Middle Fork Tr) Lake Marjorie Flower Lake Elevation 8,000 upper (middle) - Bench LakeTr Jct 7,000 Kearsarge Pass Tr Jct Baxter Pass Tr JctBaxter Sawmill Pass Tr Jct Rae Lakes (middle) * Onion Valley Taboose Pass Tr Jct -

6,000 Meadow Deer Woods Creek John Muir Tr Jct Palisade Lake Palisade

5,000 Grouse Meadow Trailhead 4,000 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Mileage from the Start (Miles)

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 33 | Page Onion Valley to Whitney Portal

The Trek starts at the trailhead just north of the Onion Valley Campground. Camping is limited in the campground so it may be advisable to hike to Gilbert or Flower Lakes to start the trek.

1. The trail to Kearsarge Pass is good but frequently busy. If not camping at Gilbert or Flower Lakes, the next available sites are around Kearsarge Lakes (camping is not permitted in the vicinity of Bullfrog Lake). 2. The Kearsarge Pass Trail joins the Muir Trail west of Bullfrog Lake and turns south to meet with the Bubbs Creek Trail at Vidette Meadows. 3. Good campsites are available along Bubbs Creek from just east of the Bubbs Creek/Muir Trails junction, until just south of the junction of the Muir and Center Basin Trail. Bear activity in Vidette Meadows is usually high. 4. Camping opportunities are poor from just south of the Muir and Center Basin trail junction to Tyndall Creek Camp. In a pinch, camping on either side of Foresters Pass is possible but it is rocky, exposed, or both. 5. Many good campsites are available at Tyndall and Wallace Creeks, but they are popular camping destinations. Bear boxes are available at Wallace Creek. 6. Some campsites are located along the trail from Wallace Creek to Crabtree Meadow, such as at Sandy Meadow, but they are only so-so. 7. The trail turns sharply east just north of Crabtree Meadow, and where the trail crosses Whitney Creek good campsites can be seen south in or near the Meadow. Several campsites are located south and southwest of the Crabtree Ranger Station. Bear boxes are provided near several campsites. 8. Camping is closed or severely restricted from Crabtree Meadow to Guitar Lake en route Mount Whitney. Campsites on and around the rocky area above (north of) Guitar Lake is exposed and barren and can be crowded, but it is a good stopping point before the push for the Whitney summit. Other primitive sites are available about a quarter mile beyond Guitar Lake, but not within 200 feet of the unnamed lake. 9. Be sure to top off with water before leaving the Guitar Lake vicinity because the next available water is at the lake alongside Trail Camp. Camping is permitted on the Mount Whitney summit, but all water needed must be carried up unless snow is available. 10. PACK OUT HUMAN WASTE FROM MT. WHITNEY ZONE USING PACK OUT KIT (WAG Bag). Dispose of pack out kits using receptacle at trailhead. 11. Trail Camp is rocky and can be crowded. Better campsites are located at Outpost Camp, Consultation Lake and Lone Pine Lake. Camping is not permitted near Mirror Lake and Trailside Meadow. 12. A campground, cafe, and small store are available at Whitney Portal.

Trailheads: Kearsarge at Onion Valley and Whitney Portal 7.5 Minute Topo Map Coverage: Kearsarge Peak, Mount Clarence King, Mount Brewer, Mount Williamson, Mt. Kaweah, Mt. Whitney, Mount Langley Trail Guide Coverage: GUIDE TO THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL by Elizabeth Wenk. A Wilderness Press publication. Additional information: GLAAC Trek Aid 15, “Long Term Trekking” Required Permit: Inyo National Forest Wilderness Miles/Elevation Gain: 53/ 10,000-11,000 Scheduled Hours: About 30-32

ITINERARY ELEVATION MILES BETWEEN POINTS MILES FROM START Onion Valley to Whitney Portal (feet) (miles) (miles) Trailhead-Onion Valley 9,200 0 0 Flower Lake 10,560 2.5 2.5 Kearsarge Pass 11,960 3 5.5 Kearsarge Lakes 10,640 0.5 6 John Muir Trail Junction 10,750 1.9 7.9 Bubbs Creek Trail (Vidette Meadows) 9,600 1.4 9.3 Center Basin Trail 10,500 4.1 13.4 Foresters Pass 13,200 5.4 18.8 Tyndall Creek Trail * 10,880 5.4 24.2 Bighorn Plateau 11,360 2 26.2 Wallace Creek (High Sierra Trail Junction) 10,400 2.5 28.7 Whitney Creek (north end above Crabtree Meadow) 10,650 5.3 34 Guitar Lake * 11,600 3.8 37.8 Mount Whitney Trail 13,480 2.2 40 Summit, Mount Whitney 14,496 2.2 42.2 Trail Crest Pass 13,600 2.5 44.7 Trail Camp 12,009 2.2 46.9 Outpost Camp 10,364 2.5 49.4 Lone Pine Lake 9,420 1 50.4 Trailhead-Whitney Portal 8,361 2.5 52.9

* Good layover day site.

Onion Valley to Whitney Portal 15,000

14,000

13,000 Kearsarge Pass Kearsarge 12,000 TH -

(feet) 11,000 Bubbs Creek Trail Trail Crest Pass Foresters PassForesters 10,000 Trail Camp Summit, Mount Whitney Mount Whitney Trail Elevation Guitar * Lake Guitar 9,000 Whitney Portal Bighorn Plateau 8,000 Flower Lake Whitney Creek Creek Whitney John Muir Tr Jct Wallace Creek Kearsarge Lakes Kearsarge Center Basin Trail

7,000 Tyndall Creek Trail * Lone Pine Lake 6,000

5,000 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Mileage from the Start (Miles)

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 35 | Page Cottonwood Lakes to Whitney Portal The Trek starts west of the parking area and north of the equestrian camp in the Horseshoe Meadow Recreation Area at the end of the Cottonwood Lakes Road from Lone Pine.

1. A small hiker walk-in camp is available near the trailhead. If it is full, there is another similar camp near the Cottonwood Pass trailhead about 1/4 mile south of the first campsite. There is a one night limit at each camp. 2. The Cottonwood Lakes trailhead at 10,000 feet is one of the higher starting points in the Sierra. The trail is very good but the Cottonwood Lakes Basin can be crowded. A trail junction occurs about 3 miles from the trailhead and either trail may be taken to Cottonwood Lake No. 1. 3. Camping is available at several sites along Cottonwood Creek, but better sites are in the vicinity of Muir, Cottonwood, and Long Lakes. Long Lake is situated just below the strenuous climb to New Army Pass. 4. Camping is available at High Lake, above Long Lake, but it is exposed and fairly barren. Bears have not been a problem in the Cottonwood Lakes Basin in the past. 5. After hiking over New Army Pass, the next decent camping is after the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail and along Rock Creek. 6. Good campsites are located west of the Rock Creek Ranger Station. Bear boxes are provided at several sites. 7. After crossing Rock Creek below the Ranger Station, the trail climbs to a long plateau east of Mount Guyot, remaining level to Crabtree Meadow. A few poor campsites are available to the east just after crossing Guyot Creek, but the next available running water is from Crabtree and Whitney Creeks at Crabtree Meadow. 8. Very good campsites are located from lower Crabtree Meadows to up near the Ranger Station, with bear boxes provided at several locations. Bear activity is usually high. 9. The next available camping after the vicinity of Crabtree Meadow is at Guitar Lake. Campsites in the vicinity of Guitar Lake can be exposed and barren, but it is a good stopping point before the push for the Mount Whitney summit. Other primitive sites are available about 1/4 mile beyond Guitar Lake, but not within 200 feet of the unnamed lake. 10. Be sure to top off with water before leaving the Guitar Lake vicinity because the next available water is at the lake alongside Trail Camp. Camping is permitted on Mount Whitney summit, but all water needed must be carried up unless snow is available. 11. PACK OUT HUMAN WASTE FROM MT. WHITNEY ZONE USING PACK OUT KIT (WAG Bag). Dispose of pack out kits using receptacle at trailhead. 12. Trail Camp is rocky and can be crowded. Better campsites are located at Outpost Camp, Consultation Lake and Lone Pine Lake. Camping is not permitted near Mirror Lake and Trailside Meadow. 13. A campground, cafe, and small store are available at Whitney Portal.

Trailheads: Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead or Cottonwood Pass Trailhead and Whitney Portal at Inyo National Forest 7.5 Minute Topo Map Coverage: Mount Langley, Mt. Whitney, Johnson Peak, Cirque Peak Trail Guide Coverage: GUIDE TO THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL by Elizabeth Wenk. A Wilderness Press publication. Additional information: GLAAC Trek Aid 15, “Long Term Trekking” Required Permit: Inyo National Forest Wilderness Miles/Elevation Gain: 41-43/ 6,000-7,000 Scheduled Hours: About 24-25

ITINERARY ELEVATION MILES BETWEEN POINTS MILES FROM START Cottonwood Lakes to Whitney Portal (feet) (miles) (miles) Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead 10,040 0 0 Cottonwood Lake No. 1 11,008 4.5 4.5 Long Lake 11,143 1 5.5 New Army Pass 12,385 1.7 7.2 Junction with Pacific Crest Trail 10,880 3.9 11.1 Junction with Trail from Siberian Pass 9,960 4.2 15.3 Rock Creek Ranger Station 9,660 0.6 15.9 Guyot Creek 10,360 1.6 17.5 Crabtree Meadow-Lower * 10,330 5.2 22.7 Junction with John Muir Trail at Whitney Creek 10,650 1.3 24 Guitar Lake 11,600 3.8 27.8 Mount Whitney Trail 13,480 2.2 30 Summit, Mount Whitney 14,496 2.2 32.2 Trail Crest Pass 13,600 2.5 34.7 Trail Camp 12,009 2.2 36.9 Outpost Camp 10,364 2.5 39.4 Lone Pine Lake 9,420 1 40.4 Whitney Portal 8,361 2.5 42.9

Alternative Route; Cottonwood Pass Trailhead 9,900 0 0 Cottonwood Pass 11,200 3.5 3.5 Chicken Spring Lake 11,242 1 4.5 Rock Creek Ranger Station 9,660 9.3 13.8 Note: At the Rodgers Canyon Trail Junction the trail continues south up Rodgers Lake. However, in you continue west about 0.2 miles and pick up the trail south, you can save about 0.7 miles and the elevation gain to Rodgers Lake. Note: If taking the alternate route, Kerrick Meadow and Arndt Lake are very scenic.

* Good layover day site. Cottonwood Lakes to Whitney Portal 15,000

14,000

13,000 Pass Army New

12,000 Long Lake Long Cottonwood Lake #1 Lake Cottonwood Junction with PCT 11,000 Trail Crest Pass Cottonwood Lakes TH Lakes Cottonwood Jct Tr from Siberian Pass

10,000 RockCreek Ranger Station Trail Camp Summit, Mount Whitney Elevation (feet) Mount Whitney Trail 9,000 Lake Guitar Lower * -

8,000 Creek Guyot Cottonwood Pass Cottonwood Outpost CampOutpost 7,000 Chicken Spring Lake Lone Pine Lake 6,000 New Army Pass Whitney Portal Jct with JMT at Whitney Crk Cottonwood Pass RockCreek Ranger Stn 5,000 Meadow Crabtree 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Mileage from the Start (Miles)

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 37 | Page

Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal

The Trek starts at the trailhead east of the parking lot at Crescent Meadow in the Giant Forest area. The High Sierra Trail skirts Log Meadow and provides a great view of Moro Rock at the one-mile point.

1. There is a gradual elevation gain en route Bearpaw Meadow where there are great campsites, filtered water, and bear boxes. A few campsites are available about 1-2 miles before Bearpaw Meadow, but they are small and not well developed. 2. After Bearpaw Meadow, a couple primitive campsites are located near Lone Pine Creek, but several great sites are available at Hamilton Lakes (two nights camping limit). 3. The climb over Kaweah Gap is steady, and camping is available in the Nine Lake Basin, but it is not near the High Sierra Trail. More convenient sites are located in the wooded areas along Big Arroyo before the trail junction to Little Five Lakes. Shortly after passing the "No Open Fires" sign, some good sites are located to the west along the creek. 4. After the trail junction to Little Five Lakes, the trail climbs to the Chagoopa Plateau where several campsites, not well developed, are located along Chagoopa Creek. 5. The trail drops steeply to Upper Funston Meadow, and then continues north to Kern Hot Spring; a well-developed camp with bear boxes and a concrete tub (west of the camp) for soaking in hot water. Bear activity is high here. 6. Very good campsites are located at Junction Meadow and Wallace Creek. Bear boxes are located at Wallace Creek. 7. Very good campsites are located from lower Crabtree Meadow to up near the Ranger Station, with bear boxes provided at several locations. Bear activity is high throughout Crabtree Meadows. 8. The next available camping after the vicinity of Crabtree Meadow is at Guitar Lake. Campsites in the vicinity of Guitar Lake can be exposed and barren, but it is a good stopping point before the push for the Mount Whitney summit. Other primitive sites are available about 1/4 mile beyond Guitar Lake, but not within 200 feet of the unnamed lake. 9. Be sure to top off with water before leaving the Guitar Lake vicinity because the next available water is at the lake alongside Trail Camp. Camping is permitted on Mount Whitney summit, but all water needed must be carried up unless snow is available. 10. PACK OUT HUMAN WASTE FROM MT. WHITNEY ZONE USING PACK OUT KIT (WAG Bag). Dispose of pack out kits using receptacle at trailhead. 11. Trail Camp is rocky and can be crowded. Better campsites are located at Outpost Camp, Consultation Lake and Lone Pine Lake. Camping is not permitted near Mirror Lake and Trailside Meadow. 12. A campground, cafe, and small store are available at Whitney Portal.

Trailheads: Crescent Meadow at Sequoia NP or Whitney Portal at Inyo National Forest 7.5 Minute Topo Map Coverage: Lodgepole, Triple Divide Peak, Mt. Kaweah, Chagoopa Falls, Mount Whitney, Mount Langley Trail Guide Coverage: GUIDE TO THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL by Elizabeth Wenk. A Wilderness Press publication. Additional information: GLAAC Trek Aid 15, “Long Term Trekking” Required Permit: Inyo National Forest Wilderness or Sequoia National Park Miles/Elevation Gain: 73/ 11,000-12,000 Scheduled Hours: About 42-50

38 | Page ©2017 High Adventure Team San Diego-Imperial Council BSA ITINERARY ELEVATION MILES BETWEEN POINTS MILES FROM START Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal (feet) (miles) (miles) Crescent Meadow (Giant Forest) 6,700 0 0 Seven Mile Hill Trail Junction 7,600 6.3 6.3 Bearpaw Meadow 7,800 4.7 11 Hamilton Lakes 8,235 5 16 Kaweah Gap 10,640 3.7 19.7 Big Arroyo (Little Five Lakes Trail Junction) 9,700 2.7 22.4 Moraine Lake Trail Junction (Chagoopa Plateau) 10,200 5 27.4 Upper Funston Meadow (at Kem River Trail) 6,750 7 34.4 Kem Hot Spring Camp * 6,923 2 36.4 Junction Meadow 8,000 7.7 44.1 Wallace Creek (John Muir Trail Junction) 10,400 4.7 48.8 Whitney Creek (north of Crabtree Meadow) 10,650 5.3 54.1 Guitar Lake * 11,600 3.8 57.9 Mount Whitney Trail 13,480 2.2 60.1 Summit, Mount Whitney 14,496 2.2 62.3 Trail Crest Pass 13,600 2.5 64.8 Trail Camp 12,009 2.2 67 Outpost Camp 10,364 2.5 69.5 Lone Pine Lake 9,420 1 70.5 Whitney Portal 8,361 2.5 73

* Good layover day site.

Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal 15,000

14,000

13,000

12,000 Big Arroyo

(feet) 11,000 Trail Crest Pass 10,000 Trail Camp Summit, Mount Whitney Mount Whitney Trail Whitney Portal Elevation 9,000 * Lake Guitar Junction Meadow Kaweah Gap Kaweah Seven Seven Tr Hill Mile Jct

8,000 Meadow Bearpaw Kem Hot Spring Camp * Whitney Creek Whitney Upper Funston Meadow Wallace Creek 7,000 Lone Pine Lake Moraine Lake Tr Jct 6,000

5,000 Hamilton Lakes 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Mileage from the Start (Miles)

Trek Aid 105 Scouting High Sierra Treks 39 | Page

Appendix A: Wilderness Trail Names and Quotas for Inyo National Forest

This appendix provides the Wilderness Trail Names and Quotas for Inyo National Forest for 2017. Please check for updates on-line to plan your trek.

 This list is alphabetical  Quota is the number of people that can start at the listed location each day.  You must start on trail and entry date reserved. Permit is not valid for any other date.  (JMT) or (PCT) indicates trail connects to the John Muir Trail or Pacific Crest Trail.  Information about quotas, commercial use, wilderness permit requirements on page 3.  For help identifying what quota applies for a trip, contact our wilderness permit office.

Trail Name Trail Total Reserved Walk-in Commercial Code Quota Quota Quota Quota – Notes* Baker Lakes JM22 8 5 3 Special Approval Baxter Pass (JMT) JM29 8 5 3 Special Approval Beck Lake AA12 15 9 6 * Big Pine Creek North Fork JM23 25 15 10 15 (PO); 8 (O/G) Big Pine Creek South Fork JM24 12 7 5 * Birch Lake JM25 8 5 3 Special Approval Bishop Pass (JMT) JM21 36 22 14 15 Blackrock GT66 Non Quota--Unlimited Bloody Canyon AA03 8 5 3 Special Approval Convict Creek JM04 10 6 4 * Cottonwood Lakes JM39 60 36 24 15 Cottonwood Pass (PCT) GT60 40 24 16 Non-quota Deer Lakes JM0 10 6 4 * Duck Pass (JMT) JM01 30 18 12 15 Fern Lake AA13 10 6 4 * Fish Creek AA14 15 9 6 15 Gable Lakes JM12 8 5 3 Special Approval George Creek - Mt. Williamson JM33 8 5 3 Special Approval George Lake JM18 10 6 4 * Gibbs Lake AA02 8 5 3 * Glacier Canyon AA01 8 5 3 * Golden Trout Lakes (Onion JM30 10 6 4 Special Approval Valley) Haiwee Pass (PCT) SS64 Non Quota--Unlimited High Trail –PCT (JMT) AA09 20 12 8 15 Hilton Lakes JM06 15 9 6 15 Horton Lakes JM13 10 6 4 * Italy Pass (Pine Creek) JM10 8 5 3 Special Approval John Muir Trail North of Devils AA10 10 6 4 10 Postpile (JMT) John Muir Trail South of Devils AA15 10 6 4 * Postpile (JMT) Kearsarge Pass (JMT) JM31 60 36 24 15 Kennedy Meadows South (PCT) SS65 Non Quota--Unlimited Lakes Canyon HH02 Non Quota – Commercial services limited Trail Name Trail Total Reserved Walk-in Commercial Code Quota Quota Quota Quota - Notes Lamarck Lakes JM16 10 6 4 8 Laurel Lakes JM03 8 5 3 * Little Lakes Valley JM09 25 15 10 10 Lundy Canyon HH01 Non Quota - Commercial services limited Mt. Whitney Zone JM34- 100 100 0 Special Approval (Day Use- any route) 35 Mt. Whitney Trail (Overnight) JM35 60 60 0 Special Approval (JMT) Mt Whitney -Trail Crest Exit - 25 15 10 Special Approval (reserve with entry trail) McGee Pass JM05 15 9 6 15 Meysan Lake JM37 10 6 4 * Minaret Lake AA11 10 6 4 10 Mono Pass (JMT) (Rock Creek) JM08 20 12 8 15 North Fork Lone Pine Creek JM34 10 6 4 8 Olancha Pass (PCT) SS63 Non Quota--Unlimited Parker Lake AA04 10 6 4 * Pine Creek Pass (JMT) JM11 15 9 6 15 Piute Pass (North Lake) (JMT) JM15 30 18 12 15 Red Cones - Mammoth Pass AA16 15 9 6 * (JMT) Red Lake (Split Mt) JM26 8 5 3 Special Approval River Trail (JMT) (Agnew AA08 30 18 12 8 Meadow) Rush Creek (JMT) (Silver Lake) AA05 30 18 12 15 Sabrina Lake JM17 25 15 10 15 Saddlebag Lake HH04 Non Quota -- Commercial services limited Sawmill Pass (JMT) JM28 10 6 4 * Shadow Creek (JMT) (Agnew AA07 30 18 12 15 Meadow) Shepherd Pass (JMT) JM32 15 9 6 * Taboose Pass (JMT) JM27 10 6 4 * Tamarack Lakes JM07 10 6 4 8 Trail Pass GT62 Non Quota--Unlimited Treasure Lakes - South Lake JM20 10 6 4 8 Tuttle Creek JM38 8 5 3 Special Approval Tyee Lakes JM19 10 6 4 Special Approval Upper Buttermilk JM14 8 5 3 * Valentine Lake JM02 8 5 3 Special Approval Warren Fork HH03 Non Quota-- Commercial services limited Wildrose SS65 Non Quota--Unlimited Yost and Fern Lake (June Lake) AA06 8 5 3

Inyo National Forest wilderness permit office phone line is open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm daily in summer. Closed on weekends and holidays during winter season, Oct. 16 to May 14. (760) 873-2483 Wilderness Permit Requirements

Boundary Peak, Inyo Mountains, Owens River Headwaters, and White Mountains Wildernesses - Wilderness permit is not required. Campfire permit required for stove use.

Ansel Adams Wilderness - Permits are required year round for all overnight trips. (Trail code begins with AA) - Reservation and quota period apply May 1 through November 1.

Golden Trout Wilderness - Permits are required year round for all overnight trips. (Trail code begins with GT) - Reservation and quota period apply Last Friday in June through Sept 15th.

Hoover Wilderness - Permits are required year round for all overnight trips. (Trail code begins with HH) - Hall Natural Area is Day Use Only. Permit not required for day use. - Only Yosemite Mountain Guides are permitted to guide Hoover Wilderness. - Trails are not limited by quotas. No reservations needed.

John Muir Wilderness - Permits are required year round for all overnight trips. (Trail code begins with JM) - Permits are required year round for Day Use of the Mt. Whitney Zone. - Reservations and quota period apply May 1 through November 1.

South Sierra Wilderness - Permits are required for trips that go into Golden Trout Wilderness. (Trail code begins with SS) - Trails are not limited by quotas. No reservation needed. - Wilderness permit is recommended in South Sierra Wilderness. Quotas Quotas limit the number of people who can - Entry quotas apply on the entry day only—not for enter for each location, to help protect areas every night you spend in the wilderness. from overuse. For example, where the quota is - Exit quota for ending a trip via Trail Crest applies 15, this means 15 people can enter at this to the day that you are leaving the wilderness. location each day. 9 of those spaces can be Trips that start on the Mt. Whitney trail are reserved and the remaining space is saved to exempt from the exit quota. issue walk-in permits. Walk-in permits cannot be requested more than one day before the trip and - Day Use Quota cannot be used as part of an must be requested in person (walk in to our overnight trip. Day hike must be completed on visitor center to request a walk in permit). one calendar date.

Commercial Use Information If you are planning a trip that includes any service from a commercial guide or pack station, call the commercial operator directly to reserve the trip. For many trails, commercial operators have a separate quota. Making your own non-commercial reservation does not guarantee space will be available for a trip using commercial services. An asterisk* in the table above designates a single quota, meaning commercial use and general public share the same quota space. Where a commercial quota is listed, commercial use is limited to the commercial quota. Special Approval indicates each commercial trip to this area requires individual trip approval. Allow extra time to process a trip request for commercial use when using these locations for entry or exit points.

Inyo National Forest wilderness permit office phone line (760) 873-2483 is open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm daily in summer. During winter season (Oct. 16 to May 14) closed on weekends and holidays.