Sequoia Classic Backpack

Sequoia Classic Backpack Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins at 10:00 am at the Wolverton Trailhead in Sequoia National Park at just over 7,280 feet.  We’ll conduct an orientation and gear check then begin our hike.  After a short bit of hiking, we’ll enjoy lunch on the trail, then we’ll continue on through the fir and lodgepole pine forest of Wolverton en route to our first camp at Mehrten Meadows right around 9,000 ft.  In camp we’ll enjoy a great dinner prepared by our guides. Mileage: 3.7miles; Elevation gain: 1750 feet; Elevation loss: 100 feet. Lunch and Dinner provided.

• Day 2

  After breakfast today, we’ll set out from our Menhen Meadows campsite initially with only day packs for a morning ascent of Alta peak. The ascent up a steadily graded trail is mostly easy, and the summit offers gorgeous panoramic views of the Sierra. After summiting, we’ll return to our Menhen Meadows camp for lunch. In the afternoon we’ll break camp and backpack to our next camp at Panther Creek. We’ll descend over 2300 feet as we make our way to the junction of the High Sierra Trail, from which point our hike flattens out until we reach our cozy camp nestled alongside Panther Creek. Mileage: 9.4 miles; Elevation gain: 1300 feet; Elevation loss: 2,305 feet. All meals provided.

• Day 3

  With an early start from Panther Creek we set out on the trail to Eagle View. From here the route curves away from the deep Kaweah drainage and heads into the legendary Giant Forest. Here we follow the Trail of the Giant Sequoia into the Congress group and become truly immersed in the biggest of the big trees. We’ll pass by the three tallest trees on the entire planet, ending up finally at the famous General Sherman tree – the biggest tree by volume anywhere on earth. With 52,500 cubic feet of wood and an estimated age of over 2,300 years, the General Sherman tree is 275 feet high and 103 feet around. Our weekend loop hike is completed a short distance beyond this, where we’ll be shuttled a very short distance back to our vehicles. The group is free to depart for home at their leisure. We expect to arrive back at our vehicles no later than 2:00 pm. Flights home from Fresno should be scheduled no earlier than 6:00 pm. Breakfast and lunch included. 6.25 miles; 1790 feet of gain; 1700 feet of loss.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine.

Professional instruction and guiding; meals as noted in detailed itinerary; 2-person tents; group cooking gear; group first aid kit, water filter, reservation fees; shuttle between trailheads.

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature; breakfast on Day One and dinner on the final day.

This trip is rated Vigorous (4) as we plan to hike for 6-10 hours per day most days on steep terrain, gaining and/or losing 2,000+ feet in elevations some days.  We will travel at altitudes between 7,000 and over 10,000 feet while carrying packs weighing 35-45 lbs at times.  To maximize your enjoyment of the trip we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure.  We also recommend that you stay well hydrated prior to departure to assist in mitigating altitude sickness.  Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60° - 80° F, with evening temperatures dropping into the 40s - 50s. You may encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are a distinct possibility so adequate raingear is important.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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