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

Hikers should be able to walk 14 miles with a 1,500’ elevation gain and up to 11 miles with as much as 3,500’ gain or loss. You should acclimate to 8,000’ to 10,000’ for 1-3 days prior to the trip. The beautiful Little Lakes Valley hike is an excellent acclimatization hike, starting from the Mosquito Flat Trailhead at 10,250 feet. The trail climbs 500’ over 3.5 miles into the glacial canyon past lakes and meadows.

Distance: 105.6 miles, 17,150’ total gain and 23,350’ loss

Elevation Profile:

Day 1: Mosquito Flat Trailhead to Third Recess
8.1 miles, 1,900’ gain, 2,550’ loss
Hikers will be driven one mile to the Mosquito Flat Trailhead. The trail climbs gently beside Rock Creek before ascending a rocky section to the Little Lakes Valley Trail junction in ½ mile. Turn right toward Mono Pass and then left in 1/10 mile at an unsigned junction. The path climbs steadily through forest, opening to beautiful views of the lakes and glaciated peaks of Little Lakes Valley. A junction at mile 1.8 offers a ¼ mile side trip to Ruby Lake, surrounded by towering granite walls. The Mono Pass Trail leaves the trees, ascending long, sandy switchbacks up the southern flank of Mt. Starr to cross 12,075’ Mono Pass at mile 3.5. The trail descends easily through the barren landscape past Summit Lake to unrestricted views of the peaks surrounding Pioneer and Hopkins Basins. The path continues past Trail Lakes, skirting meadows and dwarf forests, to an easy stream crossing at Golden Creek before dropping down through dense forest to the valley. A few more stream crossings bring us to our camp under towering Mono Rock near the confluence of Third Recess and Mono Creeks.

There are numerous water sources throughout the route, but be sure to top off your water at Ruby Lake for the ascent over Mono Pass.

Day 2: Third Recess to Silver Pass Meadow
9.0 miles, 1,750’ gain, 1,700’ loss
The trail follows rushing Mono Creek for seven miles as the conifer forest eventually gives way to quaking aspen. Be prepared for several stream crossings, which can usually be crossed on rocks. The easy descent through the steep-walled valley is eventually blocked as the creek rounds a 400’ granite knob that we must ascend to meet the John Muir Trail at mile 7.1. The path now follows the east bank of the North Fork of Mono Creek for 1.4 miles up through Pocket Meadow to the junction to Mott Lake. Crossing the creek, the trail steepens on forested switchbacks beneath tumbling falls. Camp is by a sheltered meadow with a winding creek that abruptly ends at the granite cliffs overlooking Pocket Meadow and panoramic views of the mountains to the south.

Water is readily available at numerous stream crossings throughout the day.

Day 3: Silver Pass Meadow over Silver Pass to Horse Heaven
8.8 miles, 2,100; gain, 2,050’ loss
The trail follows Silver Pass Creek for ½ mile before turning east to switchback up toward Silver Pass Lake. The trail steepens to reach 10,779’ Silver Pass at mile 3.1. Plan to spend some time at Silver Pass, as the vista is absolutely stunning. With views as far south as Bear Creek and Seldon Pass and the magnificent Ritter Range to the northwest, the Sierra shows off its beauty. The trail descends through alpine lakes surrounded by granite cirques and meadows peppered across the stone slabs, eventually dropping through thick forest to the Cascade Valley Junction at mile 4.2. The trail follows cascading Fish Creek to Tully Hole and the junction to McGee Pass. Turn right onto the McGee Pass trail, following Fish Creek one mile up to camp at the edge of the lush meadows of Horse Heaven.

Water is available at numerous lakes and stream crossings in normal water years.

Day 4: Layover Day
Relax by the stream running through this beautiful meadow or travel up the trail to Tully Lake (3.9 miles RT, 950’ gain and loss) or continue to McGee Pass (8.1 miles RT and 2,300’ gain and loss) for a view of the surrounding peaks and lake basins, including the unusual striped rocks of Red and White Mountain.

Day 5: Horse Heaven to Purple Lake
5.3 miles, 1,200’ gain, 1,200’ loss
Return to Tully Hole and then ascend 900’ in two miles up exposed switchbacks to Lake Virginia. The wonderful views south provide an excellent excuse to pause along the way. This is a short day, so plan to spend some time at this beautiful lake before ascending a low ridge and then dropping down to Purple Lake, another beautiful lake, particularly in evening light. Leave the John Muir Trail at the outlet of Purple Lake to follow the Purple Creek Trail down a quarter mile to camp along side the creek.

Water is available at Virginia and Purple Lake.

Day 6: Purple Lake to Deer Creek
8.1 miles, 900 gain, 1,500 loss
Follow the Purple Lake Trail up to the junction with the John Muir Trail. Follow the path to the left. The trail climbs 500’ out of the lake basin before dropping 400’ to the Duck Lake junction at mile 2.6. The route continues straight, climbing briefly before contouring 1,500’ above Cascade Valley and then dropping 900’ to our camp near the Deer Creek crossing.

Be sure to fill up your water bottles at Duck Creek, as there is no reliable water between Duck Creek and Deer Creek.

Day 7: Deer Creek to Johnston Lake
9.6 miles, 950’ gain, 1,900’ loss
The trail leaves Deer Creek, contouring along the hillside before descending gently to the Mammoth Pass junction at mile 2.2. Continuing north, the route drops another 1,300’ in 3.4 miles through forest, portions recovering from a 1992 lightning strike, as it approaches Reds Meadow. Follow the John Muir Trail to the fascinating basalt columns of the Devils Postpile, with a possible side trip to Rainbow Falls. Be careful at trail junctions in the Devils Postpile area, as this is where the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail separate until the merge again at Thousand Island Lake. Follow the signs to the John Muir Trail and our camp on Johnston Lake.

Be sure to leave Deer Creek with a full water bottle.

Day 8: Johnston Lake to Clarice Lake
9.5 miles, 2,900’ gain, 1,150’ loss
The next three days take you through the heart of the Minarets area, with wonderful views of the Ritter Range and dozens of beautiful lakes. The trail climbs 1,000’ in two miles to a saddle above Trinity Lakes and then continues to climb another 500’ to arrive at Gladys Lake at mile 3.8. If you are ready for a break, walk to the east side of Gladys Lake for a great view across the deep canyon of the San Joaquin River. The trail now drops 800’ past Rosalie Lake to the junction at Shadow Lake. Follow the JMT to the left to a junction in 0.9 miles. If you are full of energy, go left for a side trip to pretty Ediza Lake, otherwise follow the John Muir Trail to the right toward the saddle above Garnet Lake. Camp will be at 9,900’ Clarice Lake, a small lake about 0.2 miles to the right of the trail. If you reach the saddle above Garnet Lake, you have passed Clarice Lake by a half-mile.

Numerous lakes and creeks provide ample drinking water.

Day 9: Clarice Lake to Rush Creek
7.9 miles, 1,750’ gain, 1,450’ loss
Plan to spend time enjoying the beauty of the many lakes you will pass today with the Ritter Range always looming to the west. Return 0.2 miles to the John Muir Trail and walk a half mile to the ridge overlooking Garnet Lake. Drop down 300’ on easy switchbacks and then parallel the eastern bank, crossing the outlet at mile 1.6. Follow the north shore for 1/3 mile before working your way over the 400’ ridge to rejoin the Pacific Crest Trail at the outlet of Thousand Island Lake at mile 3.8. An easy 400’ walk up to Island Pass before dropping down to follow Rush Creek up to camp.

Frequent water crossings provide ample drinking water.

Day 10:Layover Day
The Ritter Range is known for beautiful lake basins. The Marie Lakes (~5 miles RT and 1,000’ gain and loss) and the Davis Lakes (~3.5 miles RT and 600’ gain and loss) are perfect destinations for a relaxing day by a beautiful lake.

Day 11: Rush Creek to Lyell Canyon
6.7 miles, 1,100’ gain, 2,300’ loss
The trail follows a creek through high alpine meadows before climbing more steeply to 11,056’ Donohue Pass at mile 2.7, the last pass before Tuolumne Meadow. Take one last look at the Ansel Adams Wilderness before stepping into Yosemite National Park. The trail drops 2,200’ over the next 3.6 miles through beautiful scenery of creeks, small lakes, and huge slabs of granite, crossing a number of streams, before reaching the meadows of Lyell Canyon. Follow the trail another half mile to a pleasant camp between the trail and the river.

Frequent water crossings provide ample drinking water.

Day 12: Lyell Canyon to Cathedral Lakes
14.4 miles, 1,400’ gain, 900’ loss
We have spent much of the trip climbing out of canyons up to views of stark granite mountains. Today, the trail follows the long, flat meadows of the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River for 7.4 miles, moving between meadows and forest with the meandering river to the right. There is a junction to Ireland Lake and Vogelsang High Sierra Camp at mile 2.3 and then another junction after the Rafferty Creek bridge crossing at mile 6.3. The trail soon approaches the campground, stores, visitor center, etc. of Tuolumne Meadow, but avoids much of the crowd by swinging out into the meadow. Follow the JMT/PCT to the right at mile 7.4, signed for Tuolumne Lodge, to cross the Tuolumne River on two bridges. Go left at the Gaylor Lakes junction at mile 8.0, crossing the Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River on a bridge at mile 8.1 and then immediately turn left to follow the trail along the river. Cross Highway 120, your first road since leaving Mosquito Flat, and follow the dirt road, passing through the gate at mile 9.5. The John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail once again diverge, this time for good, at mile 9.8 where you will turn left past Soda Springs and Parson’s Lodge to follow the trail back across Tuolumne Meadow, crossing Highway 120 again at mile 10.2. The trail tees into the Tuolumne-Tenaya trail in 0.1 miles where you will turn right. The JMT turns left onto the Cathedral Lakes trail in one mile. You will climb 1,000’ in three miles to camp near the junction to the Lower Cathedral Lake. The Tuolumne River is nearby for much of the route. Mbr>
Leave Tuolumne Meadow with sufficient water for the ascent to Cathedral Lake.

Day 13: Cathedral Lakes to Sunrise Creek
10.8 miles, 950’ gain, 3,200’ loss
The trail starts out in forest before opening up into the meadow surrounding the upper Cathedral Lake surrounded by Cathedral, Echo and Tresidder Peaks. A short climb to 9,700’ Cathedral Pass before dropping down to Long Meadow to pass the Echo Creek junction at mile 3.6 and the Sunrise High Sierra Camp at mile 4.4. The trail climbs 400’ over the shoulder of Sunrise Mountain before dropping steadily for 2,500’ to camp just short of the Clouds Rest trail junction.

Stream water is usually available during normal water years. Top off your water at the Sunrise High Sierra Camp.

Day 14:Layover Day - Summit Half Dome or Clouds Rest
10.8 miles, 950’ gain, 3,200’ loss
Follow the John Muir Trail north to the Clouds Rest trail junction at mile 0.1. Those electing to reach the top of Clouds Rest (~7 miles RT and 2,500’ gain and loss) will turn right at the junction to follow the trail to the top. To ascend Half Dome (~5.2 miles and 2,000’ gain and loss), continue on the John Muir Trail another 0.5 miles to the Half Dome trail junction. Follow the trail to the right to climb out of the forest to the stark granite of Half Dome. The last section of the trail is over very steep, smooth granite with cables erected for safety, but is not for those with a fear of heights.

Day 15: Sunrise Creek to Happy Isles
7.2 miles, 450’ gain, 3,700’ loss
Pass the trail junction to Clouds Rest in 0.1 miles and then the Half Dome junction in another 0.5 miles. The trail drops to Little Yosemite Valley where you will turn right at mile 2.1 and then again at mile 2.7 to follow the Merced River to Nevada Fall. Hikers should suppress the urge at mile 3.7 to take the shorter Mist Trail and stay on the John Muir Trail. Cross over the river on the wooden bridge to enjoy a break at the top of the fall before starting down the trail on a series of long switchbacks on the west side of the Merced River. The trail connects with the bottom of the Mist Trail at mile 6.4. Riders will stay on the south side of the river while the hiking trail crosses the river on a wooden bridge with great views of Vernal Fall before dropping down the last 0.7 miles where the two trails merge at the north end of the John Muir Trail at Happy Isles. Hop on the shuttle or walk the mile to Half Dome (Curry) Village to meet your ride back to the pack station outside the tent cabin check-in counter.

While you are surrounded by crashing water much of the day, be sure to leave the top of Nevada Fall with ample water as there is little access to water until you reach the water fountain at the bridge below Vernal Fall.

Click here for a pdf file of section, daily and cumulative distances.

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 Third Recess 9,600 37.443 118.807 8.1 1,900 2,550

2 Silver Pass Meadow 9,650 37.442 118.914 9 1,750 1,700
3,4 Horse Heaven 9,700 37.497 118.912 8.8 2,100 2,050

5 Purple Lake 9,700 37.524 118.952 5.3 1,200 1,200
6 Deer Creek 9,100 37.564 119.034 8.1 900 1,500

7 Johnston Lake 8,150 37.647 119.100 9.6 950 1,500

8 Clarice Lake 9,900 37.704 119.144 9.5 2,900 1,150

9,10 Upper Rush Creek 10,200 37.750 119.221 7.9 1,750 1,500

11 Lyell Fork Canyon 9,000 37.798 119.262 6.7 1,100 1,450

12 Cathedral Lakes 9,500 37.848 119.412 14.4 1,400 900

13,14 Sunrise Creek 7,250 37.742 119.503 10.8 950 3,200

15 Happy Isles/Yosemite Valley 4,035 37.730 119.558 7.4 250 3,450

Total 105.6 17,150 23,350

*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 day trip allows 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