High Basin Loop – 4 Day / 3 Night
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
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
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.
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 Discount: 10% off for parties of 2 or more (must enroll in one transaction).
• Youth (16 and below): 25% off.