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Yosemite High Passes Loop

Hiking/Trekking in California with Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, Inc.

Highlights

  • Expert guides with years of experience leading hikers off-trail
  • Summit Red Peak Pass at 11,180', which is the highest pass on trail in Yosemite
  • 360 degree views of Yosemite and Sierra Nevada
  • Gourmet backcountry cooking

Full Description

The high-country lakes, peaks and passes of Yosemite are truly spectacular, and the 50-mile High Passes Loop takes hikers deep into the heart of this alpine environment.

We'll travel mostly on trail, and have the opportunity to summit several peaks over 11,000' while topping out over 4 passes, including Red Peak Pass at 11,180', the highest trail pass in Yosemite. 360 degree views of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada, in some of the least visited areas of the park make this trip yet another SYMG classic.

We will have the opportunity to summit several peaks over 11,000' while topping out over 4 passes, including Red Peak Pass at 11, 180', which is the highest pass on trail in Yosemite. From atop these peaks and passes you'll we have 360 degree views of the Sierra Nevada Range. This trip is for those with some hiking and backpacking experience who want to enjoy the beauty of the high peaks, while hiking in one the least traveled areas of Yosemite.

Accommodations: First night in the Curry Village tent cabins (shared occupancy) followed by two nights camping in tents.

Grade: Reasonably strenuous hiking up to 10 miles day at elevations of over 11,000'. Must be comfortable with some off trail hiking and carrying a loaded backpack. This trip is not for beginners and requires minimum daily mileages to complete the loop. There are no re-supplies of food, so you'll be carrying an additional approx. 15lbs of food in a bear resistant can to start (in addition to your normal pack weight).

Equipment: SYMG can supply all needed personal and group camping equipment (backpacks, sleeping bags, ground pads, tents, bear cans, etc). A detailed gear list will be sent 60 days prior to trip departure date.

Meals: All meals are provided while in the back country. We take pride in providing excellent meals even in remote surroundings.

Preparation: Increase your physical activity and exercise routine. Hike at least one long hike with a fair amount of elevation gain prior to the trip, with a weighted backpack (30-40lbs).

Group Size: 3-12 clients, 1-2 guides

Includes:

  • SYMG can supply all needed personal and group camping equipment (backpacks, sleeping bags, ground pads, tents, bear cans, etc). A detailed gear list will be sent 60 days prior to trip departure date.

Excludes:

  • Meals while in the front-country
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal items
  • Tips for guides (10-20% of trip fee)

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Check in at the Pines Resort on Bass Lake anytime after 4 PM. Meet your guides and go over a summary of the trip. Choose from several local restaurants for dinner.

Day 2

After an early breakfast on your own (there is a restaurant & bakery in the Pines village), we'll meet you at 8am to drive to the nearby trailhead( 7,600'). The drive, which takes about an hour, is your responsibility to and from the trailhead. The hike to our first camp will be roughly 8 miles to the Fernandez Lakes Basin (8,900'). That evening there is time to swim or fish while you and your guide prepare dinner beneath the high peaks. The day ends with campfire and star gazing.

Day 3

The next day is a long one at roughly 10 miles spent hiking over Fernandez Pass, and then Merced Pass the 2 lowest of the 4 passes at 10,000' and 9,600' respectively, to our final destination at Upper Merced Pass Lake (8,920').

Day 4

Today's hike is a grand one, through the Ottoway Lakes cirques up to Red Peak Pass, 11,180', before descending into the Red Devil Lakes basin( 10,000') for a night of camping. This crossing of Yosemite's Clark range will be about 8 miles.

Day 5

Today we'll start heading South-East towards Post Peak Pass( 10,750') where we will exit the Park back into the Ansel Adam's Wilderness and camp in the high alpine environment of Porphry Lake(10,300'). Day's mileage is about 8.5 miles.

Day 6

We'll descend today to the Staniford Lakes Basin about 1,100' in elevation over 8 miles or so.

Day 7

After breakfast, we'll pack up and head out the remaining 6 miles to the trailhead where we started a week earlier. This timing will give us the opportunity to be back at Bass Lake in the front country by late afternoon.

About The Operator:

Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, Inc.

Headquarters:

Bass Lake, California

Established:

January 1991

Voted by National Geographic Advenutre Magazine in 2007-2009 "Best Outfitter  Earth" and the "Best Adventure Travel Company," Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides has shown thousands of people the beauty of the mountains and wild places in Yosemite National Park, the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness, Sequoia & Kings Canyon Nat'l Parks, and the Eastern Sierra region. SYMG is a leader in the active travel and mountain guiding world, providing carefully planned and operated trips and programs in the most spectacular Wilderness areas ofCalifornia. Programs and courses include hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and fly fishing; and haven't changed much over the years.

There's a reason for this. The style of trip offered, the locations and times of the year in which the trips or courses run, the types of meals chosen, itineraries, and your guides; all contribute to the quality of your experience. Our trips are highlighted in the following pages. Visit Our Trips for daily itineraries, gear lists, and reviews. Visit Reservations for availability and registration. Or, call our office and talk with us. We look forward to speaking with you, and meeting you soon.

Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides, Inc operates under special use permits in Sierra National Forest, Inyo National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park, and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks and is a bonded and licensed fly fishing guide service with the CA Department of Fish and Game. All SYMG rock courses are instructed by certified PCGI instructors and AMGA trained guides. SYMG is also a proud member of Trout Unlimited, the Worldwide Outfitters and Guides Association, and the Sierra Club.