High Sierra Odyssey 8 Days High Sierra Odyssey Journey across California's spellbinding High Sierra, known as one of the world's greatest treks. Meander along mountain routes to the Road's End trailhead, lace up your boots and hit Bubbs Creek Trail. Cross some of John Muir Trail's famed high passes — Glen Pass, at 11,978 feet, and Rae Lake Basin, the namesake of the high-country route. Reach the famed "Golden Gate of the Sierra" bridge and continue on to Paradise Valley. Camp surrounded by spectacular scenery and rise early for the final stretch — with cascading falls bidding you farewell. Details Testimonials Arrive: Fresno, California "A prominent reason we have chosen MT Sobek as our favorite adventure Depart: Fresno, California travel company has been the excellent travel guides." Duration: 8 Days Carol Group Size: 4–12 Guests "I have traveled extensively around the Minimum Age: 16 Years Old world. The experience with MT Sobek was by far the best I have ever had. Activity Level: Level 3 Thank you for such excellence." . Marianne W. REASON #01 REASON #02 REASON #03 On this MT Sobek adventure, hikers Experienced, professional guides We first guided the John will have the luxury of seeing this crafted this adventure exclusively for Muir Trail in 1991 and have remote wilderness without the MT Sobek. It is fully supported with been leading adventures in burden of carrying a heavy pack. pack stock to do the heavy lifting. the High Sierra for 50 years. ACTIVITIES LODGING CLIMATE Moderately challenging hikes A full-service hotel in Fresno Temperatures range from through California's High Sierra, to kick off the adventure and 65-75°F in the days with evenings dining and camping outdoors, camps in pristine wilderness getting down to 35-45°F. swimming in lakes, and time settings along the way. Thundershowers are a possibility to unwind and take it all in. however heavy storms are unlikely. Fred enjoyed his first backpacking trip in college, walking 20+ Sierra was born and raised on the entrance road to Joshua Tree miles in inappropriate footwear and spent a few cold nights National Park and spent her early years hiking, rock climbing, in front of the fire without a sleeping bag, and caught the bug and horseback riding in the park and the nearby high Sierra. from there. Soon, he was spending most of his free time and She went on to graduate from UC Santa Cruz with a degree some not-so-free time plotting and executing adventures to in Ecology and Plant Biology. During this period, she worked the endless wild places of California. Fred is now an EMT with UC Santa Cruz's Adventure Outings Department where she a certification in wilderness medicine. He's hiked and climbed led climbing, backpacking, and river trips. She now spends thousands of miles around the Sierra including a solo 200+ her summers in the High Sierra leading trips and exploring mile hike of the Sierra High Route. Fred's familiarity of the the beautiful landscape. In her free time you can find her rock High Sierra and deep passion for the backcountry consistently climbing, botanizing, or birdwatching in the mountains. endears him to MT Sobek hikers. Sierra Zacks Fred Ackerman Itinerary DAY 1 ARRIVE IN FRESNO, CALIFORNIA Arrive in Fresno, California, to check in at the Piccadilly Inn Airport Hotel adjacent to the Fresno air terminal any time after 4pm. At 6pm, meet the guides and the group for a welcome dinner and orientation talk; do the final gear check and discuss the details of the trip. Meals: (D) DAY 2 EXPLORE TRAILS IN KING’S CANYON NATIONAL PARK After breakfast, meet the private shuttle for the drive on mostly winding mountain roads to the Road's End trailhead (5,500') in King's Canyon National Park. Adjacent to Sequoia National Park, it is known for its huge sequoia trees and towering granite canyon walls. Lace up your boots and hit the Bubbs Creek Trail, showcasing great hiking through an elevated valley with streams, swimming holes, forests, and dazzling vistas. This evening, camp at the confluence of Charlotte Creek (7,300'). Activity: 4-5 hours/7 miles with 2,415' elevation gain & 134’ loss Meals: (B) / (L) /(D) DAY 3 FOLLOW BUBBS CREEK UPSTREAM TO THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL This morning after breakfast, continue following Bubbs Creek upstream all the way to where it meets the legendary John Muir Trail in Vidette Meadow. At the meeting point with this classic trail, one of the world's most famous, turn northward and uphill for a memorable climb beneath the Kearsarge Pinnacles. Arrive to camp at Charlotte Lake (10,390') by mid-afternoon and enjoy free time for swimming and relaxing by the lake. Activity: 5-6 hours/8 miles hiking with 3,515' elevation gain & 453' loss Meals: (B) / (L) /(D) DAY 4 HIKE TO GLEN PASS & DESCEND INTO RAE LAKE BASIN Wake early today for a challenging but remarkable day that's certain to remain engraved in your memory. The highlight of the day is crossing one of John Muir Trail's famous high passes — Glen Pass, at 11,978'. The views from the top are the most spectacular reward for the workout. Absorb the dazzling scenery before descending into the wildly scenic Rae Lake Basin, the namesake of the famous high-country route. This evening, make camp at Rae Lakes (10,500'). Activity: 5-6 hours/6 miles hiking with 1,761' elevation gain & 1,606' loss Meals: (B) / (L) /(D) DAY 5 HIKE TO THE REMOTE SIXTY LAKE BASIN Today enjoy a side hike from Rae Lakes to the remote Sixty Lake Basin, a gorgeous wonderland of alpine lakes and creeks strewn among low granite ridges. Take in the majestic views of the surrounding peaks and then return to the Rae Lakes campsite to enjoy another free afternoon to unwind and enjoy nature. Activity: 5-6 hours/6-10 miles hiking with 975' elevation gain & 935' loss Meals: (B) / (L) /(D) DAY 6 REACH THE GOLDEN GATE OF THE SIERRA & RETURN TO PARADISE VALLEY Rise early this morning to see the sunrise — a marvelous sight in these parts. After another hearty breakfast and packing up camp, continue through the lakes basin, eventually joining with Woods Creek at the "Golden Gate of the Sierra," a suspension bridge that spans the creek. Bid farewell to the John Muir Trail here, turning towards Paradise Valley (8,460'). Make camp this evening at one of the camps along the creek. Activity: 4-5 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 266' elevation gain & 2,363' loss Meals: (B) / (L) /(D) DAY 7 TRAVERSE PARADISE VALLEY This morning, we'll pack up and make our way down the Woods Creek drainage. On our way, we'll pass Castle Domes and Castle Domes Meadow as we follow Woods Creek to one of the largest drainages of the Sierra, the mighty South Fork of the King's River. Enjoy the last night of camping, taking in the vibrant sounds of nature in Paradise Valley. Activity: 4 hours/7 miles hiking with 394' elevation gain & 2,197' loss Meals: (B) / (L) /(D) DAY 8 FINAL STRETCH TO KING'S CANYON Today pack your daypack one final time, setting sights on the cold drink that awaits back in King's Canyon. This final stretch of the hike continues to astound: the river intensifies as you pass cascading falls before exiting the trailhead to meet the shuttle sometime in the early afternoon. Enjoy a packed lunch before heading back to Fresno, your final destination. Activity: 4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 350' elevation gain & 1,964' loss Meals: (B) / (L) Sep 14 - 21, 2019 2019 $ 4,295 per person Additional Cost $ 250 Single Supplement PRICE INCLUDES PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE Expert leadership from experienced adventure International airfare, any airport taxes, or excess guides baggage charges Accommodations as noted in the itinerary Alcoholic drinks at meals Meals as noted in the daily itinerary Optional tips to your lead adventure guides Potable water and snacks throughout Personal expenses such as medical immunizations, phone calls, laundry, or souvenirs All tips and gratuities for support staff with the exception of your lead adventure guide(s) Airport transfers All necessary camping gear Optional travel protection All group entrance fees, activities, and ground transportation .