Itinerary
- Day 1
Lee Vining
You'll meet at the Mobil Gas station where Highway 395 and Highway 120 intersect near Lee Vining at 6pm for an orientation meeting. Grab dinner at Whoa Nelli Deli right there in the gas station, then transfer to your prepared campsite in the High Sierra. By evening you'll catch your first alpine sunset from camp.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at Whoa Nelli Deli located within the Mobil Gas station)
Included Activities
- Orientation meeting
- Dinner at Whoa Nelli Deli
Landmarks/POIs Mobil Gas Station at Highway 395 and Highway 120 Whoa Nelli Deli - Day 2
Lee Vining to Gem Lake
Break camp early and hike 5.3 miles with 2,680 feet of elevation gain and 750 feet of loss, switchbacking along an old push-car track toward Agnew Lake dam. The route takes you west past Gem Lake before climbing 50 feet to your campsite on Rush Creek's banks surrounded by pines. You'll have your first backcountry dinner here.
- Meals
- Dinner (First dinner in the backcountry)
Included Activities
- Backcountry hiking to Gem Lake
- Camp setup at Rush Creek
Landmarks/POIs Agnew Lake Gem Lake Rush Creek - Day 3
Gem Lake to Davis Lake
Hike 4.6 miles gaining 1,160 feet and losing 360 feet to reach lower Davis Lake at roughly 10,000 feet. You'll climb steadily alongside Rush Creek, passing Waugh Lake where you briefly connect with the Pacific Crest Trail, then continue under a mile more to Davis Lake. After setting up camp, take a walk around the lake to catch the alpenglow before dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Backcountry hiking to Davis Lake
- Camp setup and lake exploration
Landmarks/POIs Waugh Lake Davis Lake Mount Davis Ritter Range Pacific Crest Trail - Day 4
Davis Lake to Thousand Island Lakes
Hike 3.75 miles with 665 feet of elevation gain and 775 feet of loss to Thousand Island Lakes where you'll stay two nights. Descend from Davis Lake back to the Pacific Crest Trail heading south, take a mild climb over Island Pass for your first view of these lakes, then head along the southern side of the largest one. Set up camp with Banner Peak and Mount Ritter visible in the distance.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Backcountry hiking to Thousand Island Lakes
- Camp setup with scenic views
Landmarks/POIs Island Pass Thousand Island Lakes Banner Peak Mount Ritter Pacific Crest Trail - Day 5
Thousand Island Lakes Exploration
Take a lighter day after a hearty breakfast, leaving your heavy pack behind. Hike 5 miles with 1,150 feet of gain and loss along the Pacific Crest Trail to Garnet Lake, an alpine lake that rivals the one where you're camped. Spend the day exploring, have a picnic, and head back to camp by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Leisurely morning feast of breakfast), Lunch (Picnic lunch at Garnet Lake)
Included Activities
- Day hike to Garnet Lake along Pacific Crest Trail
- Picnic at Garnet Lake
Landmarks/POIs Garnet Lake Pacific Crest Trail - Day 6
Thousand Island Lakes to Lee Vining
Hike 8 miles mostly downhill with 1,000 feet of gain but 3,630 feet of loss back to the trailhead. Wake up, eat breakfast, and break camp before heading toward Clark Lakes where you can look back at Gem Lake and your route in. You'll descend through Spooky Meadow toward Agnew Lake, rejoin the railway trail from day 2, and return to your vehicle. It's a chance to reflect on the week you spent in the High Sierra.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Backcountry hiking to trailhead
- Camp breakdown
Landmarks/POIs Clark Lakes Gem Lake Spooky Meadow Agnew Lake
