The Navigator – 5 Day / 4 Night

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Status: Open

Entry — Exit July 30th
August 3rd

Rating 2C.3

Cost/Person $1,995* *Discounts Available

Overview

This 5-day, 4-night itinerary is designed for those seeking an immersive progression into advanced off-trail travel. We leave the established paths early to navigate a complex network of high alpine basins and granite plateaus. The route connects a series of isolated hanging lakes, requiring the team to read the landscape, identifying passable lines through the stone. Camping locations shift from timbered lake shores to exposed, rock-bound bowls where few others venture.

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.3

2: Sustained off-trail volume. Days 2, 3, and 4 involve significant travel without a trail.
C: Steep angles of attack. Expect to ascend and descend slopes that require careful foot placement.
.3: Scrambling required. Hands will occasionally be needed for balance on steep sections or rocky terrain.

Challenge Area

Technical Terrain & Focus. This trip spends the majority of its time off-trail. You will be walking on uneven granite slabs and steep grass ramps. There are moments where you will need to use your hands for balance. This requires not just fitness, but mental acuity and the endurance to move carefully through complex terrain.

Goals of the Trip

Landscape Literacy: Learn to look at a topographic map and match it to the real-world terrain in front of you.
Movement Efficiency: Master the art of moving fluidly over rock and uneven ground.
Remote Confidence: Experience the quiet and solitude of areas that are inaccessible by trail.

Daily Rhythm

Day 1 The climb initiates through dense fir forests, gaining nearly 3,000 ft to reach the first tier of alpine water. Trail travel ends here.

Day 2 We leave the trail to navigate cross-country. The route connects multiple alpine lakes, requiring us to find our way over ridges and through granite corridors.

Day 3 Technical movement. We push deeper into the high country, traversing angled slabs and rocky terrain to reach a remote, high-altitude lake. This day requires focus and steady balance.

Day 4 High traversing. We travel across vast granite ramps and plateaus with expansive views of the range. The descent drops nearly 3,500 ft, transitioning back into the tree line for our final camp.

Day 5 (Exit) Victory lap. A short hike out through the forest to close the loop and return to civilization.

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.