McGee to Mammoth [3-4 Day w/Red Slate Summit Option] Backpacking Trip

McGee to Mammoth [3-4 Day w/Red Slate Summit Option] Backpacking Trip

Take this inspiring point-to-point trek from Mcgee Canyon to the town of mammoth lakes, with the option to add a summit of Red Slate Mountain! (13,140) This hike traverses the beautiful McGee Creek Valley, traveling beneath colorful peaks to the magnificent Big Mcgee Lake. From here it is over Mcgee pass we go- where those wanting an extra challenge can trek the extra 1100 ft cross country to the colorful summit of Red Slate (2nd class)- the second highest peak in the Mammoth Lakes area! After taking in the striking 360 views, it's back down to the pass and over, following a well-established trail to the impressive and quiet meadows of Fish Creek- a personal favorite of the Sierra Nevada range. This trail then joins with the JMT, passing Virginia Lake, and Purple Lake (a great swimming spot!) Duck Lake and over duck pass to a smooth, forested descent to Mammoth Lakes. From the rocky point of Red Slate Mountain to cozy meadows and sparkling alpine lakes, this trek has it all!

Duration & Additional Info

• 3-4 Days
• 29-31 Miles
• +/- 7,000ft
• +/- 8,000ft (w/Red Slate)
• Time: 8:00 AM

Difficulty Rating & Description

DIFFICULTY RATING (1-5)

4

This trek follows well-maintained trails and has a moderate to challenging hiking distance of about 10 miles per day. If a summit trip is chosen (4 days), then Day 2 will consist of a mix of on-trail and off-trail hiking, rocky sections of trail with bigger step-ups 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. Weight carried will be between 30-35 lbs per person. The hike to the summit will be done in lighter daypacks to make the hike to the summit more physically manageable!

What's Included

• Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad, 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 is 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 10 miles a day with 2000-3000 feet of elevation gain for multiple days in a row. Very good to excellent physical condition required.

Trip Highlights

• Big Mcgee Lake
• Mcgee Pass
• Red Slate Mountain (13,140)
• Fish Creek (and surrounding meadows)
• Virginia, Purple, and Duck Lakes
• Duck Pass
• JMT/PCT section

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 the 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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