High Sierra Pack Trips; Horseback Riding; Mule Packing; John Muir Trail Packing; Horse Drives; Outfitters;Packing Schools

Hikers should be able to walk 12 miles, 3,000’ elevation gain/loss. You should acclimate to at least 8,000’ to 10,000’ for 1-3 days prior to the trip.

Day 1: Horseshoe Meadow over Cottonwood Pass to Chicken Spring Lake

4.5 miles, 1,400’ gain, 100’ loss

The day will start with a 6:00 breakfast at 245 Rocking K Road, Bishop, and then the two-hour ride to the Horseshoe Meadow trailhead. The walk begins as a gentle ascent beside the meadow for a mile before entering open forest to climb steadily to 11,160’ Cottonwood Pass by mile 3.8. We will turn north onto the Pacific Crest Trail, walking another half mile before leaving the trail to follow the creek a short distance up to Chicken Spring Lake.

There is no reliable water beyond Horseshoe Meadow until Chicken Spring Lake.

Day 2: Chicken Spring Lake to Rock Creek

9.8 miles, 600’ gain, 2,300’ loss

Returning to the Pacific Crest Trail, the path climbs briefly, gaining 300’ in the first mile and then undulates along the side of the mountain with good views of Big Whitney Meadow to the left. The trail enters Sequoia National Park in three miles, dropping steadily through open forest the rest of the day, passing the Siberian Pass junction at mile four and the Upper Rock Creek Trail junction at mile 8.5. The path will finally cross Rock Creek and then leave to follow a use path down the north side of the creek to our camp alongside a beautiful meadow edged by the creek. The creek crossing might be tricky if there has been recent rain.

Most of the seasonal streams in this area will be dry with no reliable water until we approach Rock Creek at the end of the day. Be sure to leave Chicken Spring Lake with plenty of water.

Day 3: Rock Creek to Guitar Lake

9.7 miles, 3,050’ gain, 1,050’ loss

The day starts with a steady climb out of the Rock Creek drainage to Guyot Pass, 1,400’ in 2.5 miles. Dropping down from the pass, the path traverses the hillside on a sandy trail. Twisted foxtail pines frame views of Red Spur across the Kern Canyon. There is a brief climb into the Whitney Creek drainage, before the trail drops 400’ to the Whitney junction near the creek, which is about six miles from our camp. Turn onto the trail to Whitney, following Whitney Creek and passing the ranger station before joining the John Muir Trail in 1.1 miles. Turn up the canyon toward Mount Whitney, passing out of the trees at Timberline Lake and finally stopping at our camp above Guitar Lake. Mount Whitney towers 3,000’ above us to the east.

There is fairly reliable water about a mile out of camp, with the next reliable water at Whitney Creek, 6 miles from the Rock Creek camp.

Day 4: Mount Whitney

9.2 miles, 3,100’ gain, 3,100’ loss

Mount Whitney provides several hours of shade after sunrise making the long climb to the top in the treeless landscape less daunting, so plan to leave camp at dawn. The trail starts off to the southeast for about a mile before starting to climb the steep wall on long switchbacks. Look across Hitchcock Lakes to Mount Hitchcock to gage your progress up the mountain, as Trail Junction, at 13,484 feet, is only 300’ above Mount Hitchcock. Go left at the junction to follow the fairly narrow trail cut into the rock on the west side of the pinnacles. There are several “windows” providing stunning views to the east. Another 1.9 miles and 1,000’ elevation gain takes you to the top. Enjoy your time at 14,496.81 feet before leaving the crowd at the top and returning to your wilderness camp at Guitar Lake.

There is no reliable water between Guitar Lake and the top of Mount Whitney.

Day 5: Guitar Lake to Tyndall Creek Frog Ponds

10.5 miles, 1,700’ gain, 2,200’ loss

The path returns 2.6 miles down the trail past Timberline Lake to the junction at Lower Crabtree Meadow, but this time follows the John Muir Trail to the right for 0.8 miles to merge with the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail soon skirts the east side of Sandy Meadow with views to the west of Red Spur, then climbs a low ridge before dropping down to Wallace Creek, which can usually be crossed on rocks. The creek runs through an open meadow surrounded by pines and the crossing is a pleasant lunch spot at 6.8 miles. Continue north past the Kern River junction to climb up a ridge to meadows of Wright Creek with stunning views to the east of the Sierra Crest including Mount Whitney. The 1,000’ ascent out of Wallace Creek tops out at the treeless Bighorn Plateau with views of the Kaweah Range and the Kern River Basin to the west before dropping down to our camp at the frog ponds near Tyndall Creek.

There is reliable water at Wallace Creek and Wright Creek.

Day 6: Tyndall Creek Frog Ponds over Forester Pass to Bubbs Creek

11.9 miles, 2,300’ gain, 3,350’ loss

The trail drops ½ mile down through open forest to the Tyndall Creek crossing and then starts the 2,300’ climb over 4.4 miles to the top of 13,180’ Forester Pass, the highest pass on the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails. The path begins through alternating forest and meadows. The landscape becomes more austere as the trail approaches and is cut from the headwall of the Kings Kern Divide. The last mile switchbacks up the right side of the pass before crossing over to the left side with tight switchbacks over the final grade. One is rewarded at the top with spectacular views of the Great Western Divide, the Kaweah Range, and the tall peaks north of Mount Whitney. Turning north, the trail enters Kings Canyon National Park, dropping down steep switchbacks. The rocky terrain gives way to forest with the final few miles a pleasant walk along Bubbs Creek to Vidette Meadow.

Day 7: Bubbs Creek to Charlotte Lake

4.2 miles, 1,250’ gain, 800’ loss

The trail continues to follow Bubbs Creek to the lower meadow before turning north to climb 1,200’ in almost two miles to the Charlotte Lake Junction. Turn off the John Muir Trail to drop 1.3 miles to a comfortable camp near the outlet of Charlotte Lake.

Day 8: Layover at Charlotte Lake

The layover day provides time to fish and swim in the lake, do a bit of laundry, and rest your legs after a week of hiking.

Day 9: Meadow Charlotte Lake over Glen Pass to Arrowhead Lake

7.7 miles, 1,750’ gain, 1,850’ loss

We will backtrack 1.3 miles to the John Muir Trail junction before turning north toward the narrow ridge of 11,978’ Glen Pass. The day will start in forest, but soon climbs out of the shade to rocky slopes as it approaches the pass. You will pause at the top to celebrate the climb, but you will stay to enjoy the spectacular view. Eventually drop down from the pass for lunch at the beautiful Rae Lakes and on to our camp by Arrowhead Lake.

Upper Rae Lake at mile 5.5 is the first reliable water source.

Day 10: Arrowhead Lake to Twin Lakes

9.1 miles, 2,100’ gain, 1,850’ loss

We will spend the first half of the day walking 4.6 miles down a pleasant trail through forest and occasional meadows to Woods Creek. We can keep an eye out for one of Shorty’s cabins off to the right just before we reach the creek. Crossing a suspension bridge at 8,492’, we turn right and start back up through mostly forested slopes to 10,600’ in almost four miles. This is a quiet day after the excitement of Mount Whitney, Forester Pass, and Glen Pass, but the views and sounds of cascading creeks surrounded by rocky canyon walls make this a great day of hiking.

There are several creek crossings along Woods Creek with reliable water. Day 11: Twin Lakes over Pinchot Pass to the South Fork of the Kings River

7.6 miles, 1,500’ gain, 2,100’ loss

The hike starts near tree line, so most of this day will be walking in open alpine meadows and rocky slopes surrounded by multicolored rock walls along the way to 12,130’ Pinchot Pass. The easy descent down the north side passes a series of lakes before entering the forested area above the South Fork Kings River. The Lake Marjorie shoreline, at about mile 4.6, and the stream crossing in another ¼ mile are two great lunch spots. A side trip just before the drop to the Kings River to beautiful Bench Lake is worth the 250’ drop and gain over 3.4 miles.

As the trail approaches camp, it first crosses a fast creek coming from Taboose Pass and then comes to the Kings River ¼ mile later. The camp is between the two streams and to the left, at the 10,000’ level.

There are some seasonal creeks along the trail, but Lake Marjorie is the first reliable water after leaving camp.

Day 12: South Fork of the Kings River over Mather Pass to Lower Palisade Lake

9.4 miles, 2,200’ gain, 1,550’ loss

The trail soon leaves the forest to a series of lovely alpine meadows and finally into a barren, rocky landscape with some scattered ponds at the base of the massive wall that hides Mather Pass. A series of switchbacks ascends the last of the climb to the 12,100’ pass at mile 5.5 to enjoy expansive views of the trail behind and the basin ahead. The trail drops steeply with large steps and loose rubble with views of the classic glacial walls of the Palisade drainage. The trail turns to dirt below the switchback around mile seven as it aims steadily toward the Palisade Lakes below. Be sure to stop at the creek running into the east side of the upper lake to enjoy a small waterfall, wildflowers, and a great foot soak. Camp is at the far end of the lower lake.

There are several creek crossings approaching and leaving Mather Pass for water.

Day13: Lower Palisades down the Golden Staircase to Big Pete Meadow

11.9 miles, 1,400 gain, 2,800 loss

The day starts down the much- talked- about Golden Staircase, a steep set of well-designed, tight switchbacks dropping over 1,500’ in about two miles. Southbound JMT hikers usually climb this and then Mather Pass on the same day, often in blazing sun. We go down in the morning shade. The trail remains in the forest much of the day as it follows first Palisade Creek and then turns up the Middle Fork of the Kings River. Grouse Meadow is the perfect place for a quick dip and a wonderful view of spectacular Le Conte Canyon. This is a long day, but the path from the bottom of the staircase drops only 1,100’ in 4.5 miles, before climbing 1300’ in five miles.

Day 14: Big Pete Meadow to Lower Dusy Basin

5.7 miles, 2,054’ gain, 523’ loss

Begin the morning by returning 1.5 miles along the Middle Fork of the Kings River to the Leconte ranger station and the junction of the Bishop Pass Trail. Turn left to leave the John Muir Trail and switchback up first through forest and then rocky meadows with wonderful views across Le Conte Canyon. The trail climbs steadily to gain 2,000’ in three miles before arriving at the beautiful meadows surrounding the lakes of lower Dusy Basin. Camp is off the trail and east of the string of small, unnamed lakes anchored by Lake 10742 below Knapsack Pass.

Day 15: Lower Dusy Basin to South Lake Trailhead

8.5 miles, 1,350’ gain, 2,350’ loss

This is the way to finish a stay in the Sierras. The trail climbs to Bishop Pass past lakes, rocky slopes, and alpine meadows surrounded by the magnificent peaks of Dusy Basin. The path drops down from Bishop Pass at mile 3.2 through a series of meadows and along a chain beautiful lakes to reach the trailhead near the north end of South Lake.

There is reliable water from lakes and stream crossings on the north side of Bishop Pass.

The pack station drivers will arrive by 2:30 to shuttle you back to Bishop. RCPS drivers will meet hikers at Bishop Pass Trailhead, while stock will be unloaded a couple of miles further down the road.

Location Daily
Distance Cumulative
Distance Elevation

Horseshoe Meadow 0.0 9,940

AP Junction 0.3 9,940

Golden Trout Lakes Junction 1.0 9,990

Cottonwood Pass 3.8 11,131
Chicken Spring Lake Junction 4.4 11,219

Chicken Spring Lake Campsite 4.5 4.5 11,266

Chicken Spring Lake Junction 4.7 11,219

Enter Sequoia National Park 7.8 11,365

Siberian Pass Trail Junction 8.7 11,085

Army Pass Trail Junction 13.1 9,949

Lower Rock Creek Meadows Campsite 9.8 14.3 9,535

Guyot Pass 16.8 10,942
Crabtree Meadow Junction 20.2 10,332

John Muir Trail Junction 21.4 10,708

Guitar Lake Campsite 9.7 24.0 11,484

Trail Crest 26.7 13,432

Mount Whitney 28.6 14,504

Trail Crest 30.5 13,432

Guitar Lake Campsite 9.2 33.2 11,484

Crabtree Meadow Trail Junction 35.8 10,708

Pacific Crest Trail Junction 36.6 10,774

High Sierra Trail Junction 39.9 10,410

Tyndall Creek/Frog Ponds Campsite 10.5 43.7 11,041

Tyndall Creek Junction 44.2 10,921

Upper Kern Cut-Off 44.5 11,050

Forester Pass 49.0 13,152

Upper Bubbs Creek Campsite 11.9 55.6 9,989

Lower Vidette Meadow Junction 56.9 9,554

Bullfrog Lake Junction 58.1 10,526

Charlotte Lake Junction 58.5 10,747

Charlotte Lake Campsite 4.2 59.8 10,370

Charlotte Lake Junction 61.1 10,747

Kearsarge Pass Junction 61.3 10,771

Glen Pass 63.3 11,947

Sixty Lakes Basin Junction 65.1 10,565

Rae Lakes Ranger Station 66.0 10,612

Arrowhead Lake 67.4 10,320

Baxter Pass Junction 68.1 10,219

Drift Fence 69.3 9,539

Baxter Meadow Campsite 9.8 69.6 9,450

Woods Creek Junction 73.6 8,550

Woods Basin Junction 77.1 10,366

Leave Trail to Camp 77.9 10,692

Cross Country to Twin Lakes Campsite 8.5 78.1 10,602

Cross Country to Trail 78.3 10,692

Pinchot Pass 81.3 12,106

Bench Lake Junction 84.2 10,770

Taboose Pass Junction 84.3 10,777

South Fork Kings River Trail Junction 85.5 10,051

Cross Country to Kings River Campsite 7.6 85.7 10,000

Cross Country to Trail 85.9 10,051

Taboose Pass Trail Junction 86.3 10,193

Mather Pass 91.4 12,093

Lower Palisade Lake Campsite 9.4 95.1 10,603

Simpson Meadow Junction 102.0 8,035

Ladder Camp 8.8 103.9 8,300

Dusy Basin Junction 105.5 8,746

Leave Trail 109.2 10,800

Cross Country to Lower Dusy Basin Campsite 5.8 109.7 10,800

Cross Country to Trail 110.2 10,800

Bishop Pass 112.9 11,972

Ruwau Lake Junction 115.7 10,800

Chocolate Lakes Junction 116.4 10,720

Marie Louise Lakes Junction 116.8 10,440

Treasure Lakes Junction 117.4 10,240

South Lake Trailhead 8.5 118.2 9,820

*Distances based on Guthook’s PCT Guide

Please note that this represents the planned itinerary. Weather or other factors may affect the choice of campsites and daily travel. All decisions are made by the Head Packer with attention to the safety and comfort of guests and stock.

Expected Campsite Locations

Day To Elevation Latitude N Longitude W Miles Gain Loss
1 Chicken Spring Lake 11,250 36.456 118.226 4.5 1,400 100
2 Lower Rock Creek 9,550 36.496 118.338 9.8 600 2,300
3 Guitar Lake 11,550 36.572 118.313 9.7 3,050 1,050
4 Guitar Lake 11,550 36.572 118.313 9.2 3,100 3,100
5 Tyndall Frog Ponds 11,050 36.636 118.385 10.5 1,700 2,200
6 Upper Vidette 10,000 36.753 118.393 11.9 2,300 3,350
7/8 Charlotte Lake 10,450 36.778 118.428 4.2 1,250 800
9 Baxter Meadow 9,450 36.854 118.416 9.8 1,800 2,800
10 Twin Lakes 10,600 36.910 118.394 8.5 2,100 950
11 South Fork Kings River 10,000 36.969 118.446 7.6 1,500 2,100
12 Lower Palisade Lake 10,650 37.060 118.488 9.4 2,200 1,550
13 Ladder Camp 8,300 37.073 118.596 8.8 400 2,750
14 Lower Dusy Basin 10,800 37.093 118.562 5.8 2,500 0
15 South Lake Trailhead 9,800 37.169 118.566 8.5 1,350 2,350
Total 118.2 25,250 25,400

*Mileage, gain, and loss based on Guthook’s PCT Guide.

What you need to know…for hikers on pack stock supported trips

Dunnage limit is 30 lbs. per person (this includes sleeping bags, fishing equipment, liquor, etc.)

You may bring your own tent up to 10 pounds that is in addition. The PCT 28-30 day trips allow 35 pounds of duffel.

PERSONAL CHECK LIST

Bring belongings in stout canvas or nylon duffels; side zipper recommended, ideal size approximately 14" x 32". It is a good idea to use a large plastic bag INSIDE of the duffle to protect contents from external moisture.

Sleeping bags can be in separate duffels --again, line the inside of the duffle against rain. Place all cosmetics, soaps, medications, etc into small plastic containers with close-fitting caps, THEN into sturdy resealable plastic storage bags. If anything breaks or bursts from altitude changes, the plastic bag contains the spill. When possible, it is a good idea to transfer alcoholic beverages to sturdy plastic bottles with well fitting caps - it will save weight and protect against breakage.

ESSENTIALS

Footwear. For this trips a medium-weight pair of hiking boots. We do not recommend lightweight hikers or tennies since they give little ankle support and the soles are often thin.
Camp Shoes. A lightweight pair of tennies or Tevas to wear in camp. This will reduce vegetation damage at our campsites.
A day pack. It should be large enough to take water, extra clothing, rainwear, camera, etc during the days.
Sleeping Bag. Most summer trips are warm and a bag rated to about 25°F will be plenty warm enough. We much prefer down bags, and good quality ones at that. Your bag should weigh in around 3 pounds.
Sleeping pad. A 3/4 or full length closed cell foam or Thermarest. If you bring a Thermarest also bring a repair kit to fix pesky holes!
Coffee mug (plastic for camp)

CLOTHING

2 pair synthetic liner socks.
2 pair heavier synthetic or wool blend socks.
Long underwear top. Capilene, some other synthetic or the new pure Merino wool types.
Long underwear bottom.
Warm pants. Tights or Expedition Weight Capilene.
Warm shirt. Synchilla or R2 weight works well.
Another fuzzy sweater top or pile jacket of some sort
GoreTex Jacket and Pants. A lightweight set is sufficient and heavy bulky clothing is unnecessary. Side zips on the pants should be long enough to slide over boots. Jacket must have a hood. Do not skimp on your rain gear. Nylon ponchos are not acceptable.
Shorts for on the trail
Tee shirt for on the trail
Lightweight capilene or similar gloves.
Warm hat. Synthetic or wool.
Sunhat

ETC.

Sun glasses.
Water Bottles. Two quart (1 liter) wide mouth bottles and/or a hydration system holding up to 50oz. (2 liters). Don’t bring bike bottles or any bottle that doesn’t have a wide opening.
Headlamp. --and a spare set of batteries!
Pocket knife. Swiss army style.
Personal toiletries. It is not necessary to smell like a rose each day so do not over do it.
Ear plugs are great to have in a noisy tent.
Personal Medical Kit. The guide will carry a large kit so yours will predominately consist of foot repair items, mild pain killer such as Advil and bandaids.
Sunscreen and lip screen. SPF 30+. A 1oz. bottle will be enough. Make sure the lip stuff actually contains a sunscreen.
Bug repellent.
Camera. A spare battery and card are good backups
Ski/trekking poles. These are not essential, but can be handy on the trail. It is your choice, but they do save wear on the knees.
Plastic trash bag. Handy for keeping gear in outside the tent should it rain.
Optional reading material, etc.

FOOD

We provide the all meals on scheduled trips. You can bring your favorite "on-the-trail" snacks.

OPTIONAL ITEMS

Small notepad and pencil
Collapsible plastic wash basin (optional)
Solar shower (optional)
Water filtering pump (optional)
Liquor (be sure to check in with the packers to see that your liquor is packed safely)
Fishing equipment (optional)
Rod/reel/line (a rod that breaks down into 3 or more pieces is recommended)
Compact metal rod case to carry on saddle
Canvas creel (no tackle boxes)
Leader material (1-3 lb.)
Flies: black gnat, mosquito, grey hackle, brown hackle, & royal coachman (No. 12-14 hooks)
Bait: worms & Pautzke red eggs
Egg hooks, worm hooks (No. 10-14)
Split shot
Lures (personal choice)
Pliers

You can purchase quality topo maps at TOM HARRISON MAPS.