Alger Lakes [3-4 Day w/Koip & Kuna Peak Options] Backpacking Trip

Overview

This unique hike starts in the town of June Lake. Day one is a steep hike up to Gem Lake. The views of Gem Lake are spectacular as you climb toward Gem Pass, with views of the valley and Koip Peak starting to appear as we work our way up to Alger Lakes- beautiful, deep blue lakes nestled against shale rockfall from the mountain beside it. After our camp at Alger Lakes, we make our way back down to the trailhead, or (with light daypacks) to the summit of Koip Peak. Choose your adventure! This is a great hike for those looking to train for a bigger objective as well, given the steepness of the trail in relatively short milage and the opportunity to summit the 4th highest peak in Yosemite (just a few feet shy of 13k!). The stunning 360 views are well worth the effort!

Duration & Addidtional Info

• 3-4 Days
• 17-24 Miles
• +4,500ft, -4500ft
• +6,900ft, -6900ft (summit option)
• Time: 8:00 AM

Difficulty Rating & Description

DIFFICULTY RATING (1-5)

3-4

This trek follows well maintained trails and has a moderate to challenging hiking distance of about 4-6 miles per day. Day 3 (summit option) consists of a mix of on trail and off trail hiking, rocky sections of trail with bigger step-up and step-downs. Due to the elevation gain of this trek and the section of cross country hiking it is considered a challenging Level 4 hike. (Moderate Level 3 without summit option) Weight carried will be between 30-40 lbs per person. The hike to the summit will be done in lighter daypacks to make this a more manageable "Basecamp" style trek!

What's Included

• Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack, headlamps, utensils and poles.
• High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (Laundered after every use- $15 cleaning fee) – or bring your own!
• Breakfast, lunch, and 4-course dinner prepared by your guide while in the field.
• Professional local mountain guide certified as Wilderness First Responder, Food Handling & Leave No Trace Principles with years of professional and personal wilderness experience and a passion for leading others.
• Wilderness and National park backcountry camping permits.
• Bear canisters for food storage.
• Water Filtration systems- all water filtered by your guide!
• Emergency equipment including an extensive first-aid kit and satellite communication device (InReach Explorer).
• For Yosemite National Park Treks: Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite.
• A discount of 10% off any TrekSierra trip after your first!

Fitness Requirements

Previous backpacking experience is required. The ability to carry an overnight backpack for up to 5 miles a day with 2000-2500 feet of elevation gain for multiple days in a row. Very good to excellent physical condition required.

Trip Highlights

• Koip Peak (12,962ft)
• Alger Lakes
• Gem Lake

Cancelation Policy

Due to the high costs of outfitter/guide and government permits, all deposits are non refundable. We will attempt to reschedule you with a $100 per person change of date fee. In the unlikely event that TrekSierra must cancel a program you may reschedule for no fee or have your deposit refunded. No refunds will be made due to weather or route conditions. TrekSierra is not responsible for additional expenses incurred in preparing for a trip, including but not limited to: non-refundable airline tickets, equipment purchases, medical expenses, and hotel reservations. TrekSierra strongly encourages participants to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Coverage should include trip cancellation, baggage loss, non-refundable airline tickets, accident/life coverage, and travel days. TrekSierra also encourages participants to purchase medical, disability, life, and rescue insurance. TrekSierra does not provide any such insurance coverage and participants acknowledge it is their own responsibility to acquire insurance for themselves. All fees are due 30 days prior to departure date. Full refunds less a $250.00 registration fee are available more than 30 days prior. 50% refunds are given within 20-30 days of departure. No refunds are given within 20 days of the departure date. All refund requests must be received in writing/email. Late payments may result in the cancellation of a reservation with no refund given. No refunds will be given if any participants cannot complete the trip or end the trip early.

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