Desolation Basin Tour [5 Day] Backpacking Trip

Overview

This incredible hike offers you the opportunity to visit not only Pine Creek Canyon, but also the heart of French and Piute Canyon in the Sierra Nevada Range. This trek is a variation of a route known as the "Sky Marathon"- with many additional miles along beautiful terrain leading to tucked away lakes, some including Pine Lakes, Honeymoon, Moon, Elba and Little Lakes, Lower golden Trout Lake and Piute Lakes. On our last night we camp at the magnificent Desolation Lake, with only low grass and flowers, but sweeping views of western ridges and Mt. Humphreys to the east. There will be 3 shorter days (4-6 miles) and 2 days of 9-10 miles. This iconic lake tour is also an incredible place to photograph wildflowers in the early summer!

Duration & Additional Info

• 5 Days
• 34 Miles
• +8,000ft, -6,000ft
• Time: 8:00 AM

Difficulty Rating & Description

DIFFICULTY RATING (1-5)

3

This trek follows well maintained trails and has a moderate to challenging hiking distance of 4-10 miles. There will be days of higher elevation gain than others and rocky sections of trail with bigger step-up and step-downs. Due to the length and elevation gain of this trek, it is considered a moderate Level 3 hike. Weight carried will be between 30-40lbs.

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 an average of 7 miles a day with 1000-2000 feet of elevation gain for multiple days in a row. Very good physical condition required.

Trip Highlights

• Pine Creek Pass
• Piute Pass
• Pine Lakes, Honeymoon, Moon, Elba and Little Lakes, Lower golden Trout Lake and Piute Lakes, Desolation 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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