Backcountry Confidence
Sleep among the Sequoias. Guided wilderness travel.
Upcoming Backcountry Experiences
Expeditions will be released in December 2026.
We're building our 2027 backcountry season in Sequoia & Kings Canyon. Trips, dates, and pricing release this winter. Signing up puts you first in line when applications open.
Get on the List
Sign up below and we'll reach out directly when applications open.
What Past Trips Have Looked Like
Five Miles Further leads guided backpacking trips through the Sequoia and Kings Canyon backcountry — multi-day travel through granite high country, alpine basins, and old-growth forest. Permits, route-finding, and safety logistics are handled by your guide, so your attention stays on the terrain and the distance you're covering.
What Guests Say
"A dream come true! I've always wanted to explore the high sierras and this trip was planned and executed very well. I not only had a wonderful experience but it also built up my confidence and backpacking skills."
– Tina Z., Google review
"When the idea of ME backpacking was broached, I said out loud, 'Me? I can do that?' Five Miles Further took me from that mindset to backpacking for three nights/four days in the forest and streams and waterfalls. I even navigated. We saw fabulous vistas and fascinating animals and abundant wildflowers. I felt confident the whole time because of the structure and knowledge that my mentors, Five Miles Further, enveloped me in. I am eagerly looking forward to my next backpacking trip. Let's go!"
– Deborah K., Google review
"Gigi and Lee Corkett are both experts in their respective fields and when they bring their expertise together, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. I don't know of any other company doing what Five Miles Further is doing. Good coaching works. Good coaching makes a difference. Spend some time with these folks. You will not only survive in the wilderness, you will thrive."
– George S., Google review
"I like the wholistic approach of Gigi and Lee. Their instruction is not just about what gear to bring, but also the physical needs and/or mental challenges you will encounter on your journey. They also prepare you to individualize and visualize your experience."
– John E., Google reviewThe FMF Rating Standard
Subjective ratings like "Easy" or "Hard" mean different things to different people. Other systems require a calculator to understand. We value clarity and preparation.
The Crux Rule: Miles and Gain come from the trip's hardest single day, ranked by Gain tier first and Miles as the tiebreaker. Terrain is rated independently — whatever the hardest terrain is anywhere in the trip, regardless of which day it falls on.
Above 8,000 ft total elevation, limit ascent to 1,500 - 2,000 ft before resting at the new altitude.
Adventure Rating
- G: Appropriate for all audiences — a fun, easy walk. No specific challenges to be aware of. Events with no rating listed are always G.
- PG: Appropriate for most people. Check the event description for specific notes on light challenges. Often pairs with a Terrain rating above .1.
- PG13: Might feel adventurous to some — uneven surfaces, light scrambling, or other challenges. Often pairs with a Terrain rating above .2.
- R: Mental challenges alongside the physical ones. Achievable safely with the right coaching and skills. Often pairs with a Terrain rating above .3, and may include some airiness or exposure, with adequate safety protection in place.
Example: Steep Conditioning Hike
Consider a standard training loop: 3 miles round-trip on a loose dirt trail with 1,800ft of elevation gain.