High Sierra Odyssey

Arrive in Fresno, California

Arrive in Fresno, California, to check in at the DoubleTree by Hilton near the Fresno air terminal any time after 4pm. At 6pm, meet the guides and the group for a welcome dinner and orientation talk; do the final gear check and discuss the details of the trip.

Explore Trails in King’s Canyon National Park

After breakfast, meet the private shuttle for the drive on mostly winding mountain roads to the Road's End trailhead (5,500') in King's Canyon National Park. Adjacent to Sequoia National Park, it is known for its huge sequoia trees and towering granite canyon walls. Lace up your boots and hit the Bubbs Creek Trail, showcasing great hiking through an elevated valley with streams, swimming holes, forests, and dazzling vistas. This evening, camp at the confluence of Charlotte Creek (7,300').

Follow Bubbs Creek Upstream to the John Muir Trail

This morning after breakfast, continue following Bubbs Creek upstream all the way to where it meets the legendary John Muir Trail in Vidette Meadow. At the meeting point with this classic trail, one of the world's most famous, turn northward and uphill for a memorable climb beneath the Kearsarge Pinnacles. Arrive to camp at Charlotte Lake (10,390') by mid-afternoon and enjoy free time for swimming and relaxing by the lake.

Hike to Glen Pass & Descend Into Rae Lake Basin

Wake early today for a challenging but remarkable day that's certain to remain engraved in your memory. The highlight of the day is crossing one of John Muir Trail's famous high passes — Glen Pass, at 11,978'. The views from the top are the most spectacular reward for the workout. Absorb the dazzling scenery before descending into the wildly scenic Rae Lake Basin, the namesake of the famous high-country route. This evening, make camp at Rae Lakes (10,500').

Hike to the Remote Sixty Lake Basin

Today enjoy a side hike from Rae Lakes to the remote Sixty Lake Basin, a gorgeous wonderland of alpine lakes and creeks strewn among low granite ridges. Take in the majestic views of the surrounding peaks and then return to the Rae Lakes campsite to enjoy another free afternoon to unwind and enjoy nature.

Reach the Golden Gate of the Sierra & Return to Paradise Valley

Rise early this morning to see the sunrise — a marvelous sight in these parts. After another hearty breakfast and packing up camp, continue through the lakes basin, eventually joining with Woods Creek at the "Golden Gate of the Sierra," a suspension bridge that spans the creek. Bid farewell to the John Muir Trail here, turning towards Paradise Valley (8,460'). Make camp this evening at one of the camps along the creek.

Traverse Paradise Valley

This morning, we'll pack up and make our way down the Woods Creek drainage. On our way, we'll pass Castle Domes and Castle Domes Meadow as we follow Woods Creek to one of the largest drainages of the Sierra, the mighty South Fork of the King's River. Enjoy the last night of camping, taking in the vibrant sounds of nature in Paradise Valley.

Final Stretch to King's Canyon

Today pack your daypack one final time, setting sights on the cold drink that awaits back in King's Canyon. This final stretch of the hike continues to astound: the river intensifies as you pass cascading falls before exiting the trailhead to meet the shuttle sometime in the early afternoon. Enjoy a packed lunch before heading back to Fresno, your final destination.