Starting from the smooth and forested Duck Pass Trail (a personal favorite!), this trek adventures a few miles to Barney Lake, with the option to climb up and over Duck pass down to Duck Lake and Pika Lake on the first or second day. For the more experienced hiker- the option to spend your second day with light daypacks and a hike following the JMT/PCT to the picturesque Purple lake (a great spot for a swim!). The last day of this trek can traverses the Mammoth Crest Trail, or hike out from Barney lake if choosing a shorter intro trip! This is a very customizable trek and a breathtaking introduction to the spectacular alpine scenery and geography of the Lakes Basin and the High Sierra!
- 2-3 Days
- 5-24 Miles (choose your difficulty!)
- Elevation gain: Beginner +/- 1200ft, Advanced: +/- 5,200ft
Difficulty Rating & Description
DIFFICULTY RATING (1-5)
1-3
This trek follows well maintained trails and has a moderate to challenging hiking distance of 2.5-9 miles per day. Weight carried will be between 25-35 lbs per person,(0-15 for children). On Day 2 (3 day trek) the hike 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!
Trip Highlights
- Duck Pass Trail/ Duck Pass
- Barney, Duck and Pika Lake
- Duck or Purple Lake 3-day option
- JMT/PCT Section
- Mammoth Crest/ Lakes Basin