A hiking odyssey across the Sierra Nevada along the famed High Sierra Trail to the highest peak in the lower 48 states - Mount Whitney. An 83-mile trek through spectacular and little-seen mountain terrain across Sequoia National Park including high passes, deep canyons and even hot springs.

For backpackers and trekkers with some previous experience, this can be a trek of a lifetime. We begin our adventure on the west side of the Sierra near the Giant Sequoia's of Sequoia National Park and finish on the east side of the Sierra after a summit of Mt. Whitney (14,495 ft). We exit out the Golden Trout Wilderness and spend our last night in the Eastern Sierra town of Lone Pine.

Along the way we visit the amazing Valhalla area with the huge rock face Angel Wings towering above, make our way down the Big Arroyo and on to the Kern Canyon where we have a great soak in a natural hot spring. The second half of the trip takes up towards Crabtree Meadows and the Whitney area. We basecamp close to Whitney and then summit Whitney with lightweight packs. The last leg takes us into the Golden Trout Wilderness, over Cottonwood Pass and out the Horseshoe Meadows trail head.

A van shuttle returns us around the southern "horn" of the Sierra Nevada back to our original meeting point in Fresno. Along the way you'll enjoy delicious backcountry cuisine prepared by your guide and explore the isolated interior of the Sierra.

Come join us on our High Sierra trekking odyssey.

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Location: We meet near the Fresno airport the night of the first day and return to Fresno on the last day.

Lodging: One nights lodging is provided the first night in Fresno and the last night in Lone Pine.

Food: At California Alpine Guides we strive to provide healthy and delicious meals. Breakfast and dinner as well as hot drinks are provided by your guide / backcountry chef while in the field. Special diets can be accommodated.

Level: Very good physical conditioning is required. Some previous backpacking experience is required with the ability to hike 10 to 12 miles a day with an overnight pack.

Dates 2010: Aug 13-22

Cost: $1695 per person

Includes: Two nights lodging, breakfast and dinner while in the field, professional mountain guides, van shuttles, all group camping gear and permits.

This trip is operated under a pending special use permit by the Inyo National Forest and an incidental business permit issued by Sequoia National Park