High Basin Loop – 4 Day / 3 Night

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Status: Open

Entry — Exit July 10th
July 13th

Rating 2C.2

Cost/Person $1,596* *Discounts Available

Overview

This 4-day, 3-night route creates a true loop through the high country, allowing us to see new terrain every day without retracing our steps. The itinerary begins with a steady ascent into a chain of alpine lakes before traversing toward deep, isolated basins. A unique feature of this trip is a guided off-trail section, where we leave the beaten path to cross a granite ridge and drop into a neighboring valley. This “cross-country” travel unlocks views and areas that most visitors never see.

Rendezvous & Coordination

Exact meeting times and logistical coordination will be provided upon enrollment. This trip will enter the backcountry from the Lodgepole Visitor Center area.

The FMF Rating: 2C.2

2: Consistent daily volume. Expect multiple days of 7+ miles with full packs.
C: Significant vertical gain. Day 1 involves a sustained climb of nearly 3,000 ft.
.2: Variable Surface. Includes sections of off-trail travel, requiring balance on granite slabs without a defined path.

Challenge Area

Focus & Footing. While the path is generally stable, the off-trail section requires paying attention to where you step. You will be walking on natural granite surfaces and grassy ramps rather than a flat dirt trail. This requires a bit more mental energy than standard hiking.

Goals of the Trip

Route Confidence: Experience the freedom of travel without a trail under the guidance of a pro.
Endurance: Manage energy levels over multiple days of moderate-to-high exertion.
Navigation Awareness: Understand how ridges and drainages connect to form a route.

Daily Rhythm

Day 1 Elevation gain. We climb from the trailhead through mixed conifer forests to reach the first tier of alpine water. This is a physically active day that rewards us with a high-country campsite.

Day 2 Lake tour. The route connects multiple backcountry lake systems. We drop elevation to cross a valley floor before climbing back up to a secluded lake nestled beneath the ridge.

Day 3 Off-trail adventure. We leave the established trail to hike cross-country up a granite ridge. This allows us to loop back toward the start via a different drainage. The guides will lead the team over granite slabs and open ground to reach our final camp in a lower meadow.

Day 4 (Exit) Cool down. A short, efficient descent winding down through drainages and timber. We return to the vehicles by late morning or early afternoon.

Gear

What We Provide

The Education: Access to the FMF Backcountry Course and the Fitness Protocol immediately upon booking.
Gear Library: Loaner equipment available at no extra cost. We are here to fill the gaps in your personal system.
Complete Nutrition: Select your Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner options from our backpacker-specific menu, calculated for this trip's effort level.
Group Systems: We provide the stoves, fuel, bear canisters, and water filtration systems for the entire team.
Backcountry Permits: Hiking permits are managed by Five Miles Further.

What You Provide

Personal Clothing: You bring the layers. A detailed packing list is provided upon booking.
Sleeping Bag: Please provide a bag rated for the season. If obtaining a bag is a barrier, please let us know—we have solutions.
Supplemental Snacks: While we provide the main calories, bring your favorite specific trail treats.
Transportation: You are responsible for getting to and from the trailhead. We provide logistics assistance and help coordinate carpools.
Park Pass: Participants are responsible for park gate entry fees or to have their own National Parks pass.

ℹ️

Gear Library: Don't let gear be the barrier. We maintain a limited library of loaner equipment (tents, packs, sleep systems) available on a first-come, first-served basis. If fully allocated at the time of your enrollment, we will assist you in coordinating rentals from third-party retailers.

Who Walks With Us

"What a wonderful trip! Our guide, Lee, was so knowledgeable and helped us find the perfect backpacking trail."

– Chris S., Google Review

"Lee and Gigi were the best! They really helped the group power through the tougher parts while still being in the moment."

– Karina R., Google Review

Multi-Person Pricing Structure

• Multi-Person Discount: 10% off for parties of 2 or more (must enroll in one transaction).
• Youth (16 and below): 25% off.

Ready to Apply?

Seats are limited to ensure a low guide ratio.

Start Application

Applications Note: Application does not guarantee placement. Our top priority is a safe, excellent backcountry experience for the entire team. We review all applications to assess ability and ensure participants are matched with the most suitable itinerary.

Placement and loaner gear are secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Successive applicants will be placed on a waitlist. If loaner gear is fully allocated at the time of your enrollment, we will assist you in coordinating rentals from third-party retailers.