eastern sierra
backpacking
The Eastern Sierra boasts some of the most beautiful and rugged mountainous terrain the continental US has to offer, and also plays host to the tallest peak in the lower 48, Mount Whitney, residing at 14,495’. Nestled along scenic Highway 395, the Eastern Sierra skyline rises dramatically from the historical Owen’s Valley floor for ten-thousand feet until it tops out on the Sierra Crest, a stunning landscape of granite peaks and lichen streaked spires that run the entire length of the Sierra, north to south, for 500 miles. From granite cathedrals, to grassy alpine meadows, to emerald blue lakes, the Eastern Sierra has it all.
Our family of Guides aren’t just your run of the mill backpacking guides, we’re climbers, mountaineers, backcountry skiers, splitboarders, and outdoor educators who spend countless hours, year-round, in the Eastern Sierra backcountry with our guests, exploring all the nooks and crannies the Eastside has to offer. Whether you’re looking to top out the tallest peak in the continental US, Mount Whitney, hike a portion, or all of the John Muir Trail, or explore the picturesque landscape of Thousand Lake Basin just outside of Mammoth Lakes in the Ritter range, we’ve got something for everyone. Scroll below to view our featured backpacking offerings and let our incredible Guide team lead you on an adventure you won’t soon forget. John Muir said it best “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt”!
Looking to get off the beaten path or link together multiple trails for a custom trip? We can customize and tailor nearly any trip for any size group. The Eastern Sierra backpacking trail system is endless so we only showcase a handful of trips here. Click the button below to inquire about any backpacking trip you’re looking to do and we’d be happy to set it up! We also offer single day hikes if this is something that is of interest to any of our guests.
EASTERN SIERRA BACKPACKING TRIPS
EASTERN SIERRA CUSTOM BACKPACKING TRIPS
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There are so many incredible options in the Eastern Sierra we can’t possibly list them all here. We’re happy to customize any backpacking trip you have in mind. Click the button below to inquire about your dream backpacking trip and we’ll get to work customizing a very special outing for you and your friends and family!
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One Person $450
Two People $350
Three People $275
Four People $250
Five People $250
Six People $250
BACKPACKING RENTAL PROGRAM
The above private trip rates include commercial wilderness permits, a bear canister, and your professionally trained guide. Additional backpacking equipment may be rented for a small fee. Please see our Backpacking Rental Program for more info.
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Inyo National Forest, Sequoia/ Kings Canyon, & Yosemite National Park Commercial Wilderness Permits
Professionally trained guide(s) operating in 6:1 ratios
Shuttle service where applicable
Bear Canister
Please review our Minimum Minimum Equipment List to ensure you have the rest of the equipment needed for your trip. If rental gear is needed, please see our Backpacking Rental Program page for more info. All rentals fees are in addition to the prices listed above.
MOUNT WHITNEY VIA COTTONWOOD LAKES (8 DAYS)
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Are you ready to summit Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, residing at 14,495’? If so, then join us for this once in a lifetime opportunity to summit Mount Whitney via the beautiful Cottonwood Lakes trailhead, 11 miles southeast as the crow flies, through the beautiful Golden Trout Wilderness and into Sequoia/ Kings Canyon National Park via the historic Pacific Crest Trail. Our Cottonwood Lakes to Mount Whitney backpacking trips are 8 days in length and pass through some of the most beautiful terrain the Southern Sierra and Sequoia/ Kings has to offer. This is an out and back backpacking trip with your adventure starting in Horseshoe Meadow’s, the entry way to the beautiful Cottonwood Lakes and the Sierra high country.
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PRIVATE TRIP RATES (PER PERSON, PER DAY)
One Person $450
Two People $350
Three People $275
Four People $250
Five People $250
Six People $250
BACKPACKING RENTAL PROGRAM
The above private trip rates include commercial wilderness permits, a bear canister, and your professionally trained guide. Additional backpacking equipment may be rented for a small fee. Please see our Backpacking Rental Program for more info.
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Inyo National Forest, Sequoia/Kings National Park, & Mount Whitney Zone Commercial Wilderness Permits
Professionally trained guide(s) operating in 6:1 ratios
Shuttle service from the Mount Whitney Climbing Ranch to Cottonwoods Lakes Trailhead at the start of your trip, and from Mount Whitney Portal back to the Mount Whitney Climbing Ranch at the end of your trip
Bear Canister
Please review our Minimum Minimum Equipment List to ensure you have the rest of the equipment needed for your trip. If rental gear is needed, please see our Backpacking Rental Program page for more info. All rentals fees are in addition to the prices listed above.
***Please note we also offer private trips if the above dates don’t work with your schedule, click the button below to inquire***
MAMMOTH LAKES TO TUOLUMNE MEADOWS (5 DAYS)
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A must see in the Eastern Sierra is Thousand Island Lake just outside of the town of Mammoth Lakes, nestled underneath the Ritter Range, and Lyell Canyon in Yosemite National Park. Our Mammoth Lakes to Tuolumne Meadows 5 day backpacking trip will take you past breathtaking lakes, gorgeous meadows, and stunning canyons as you head north towards Yosemite National Park. If you’re looking for a must do backpacking trip in the Eastern Sierra, then this is the trip for you!
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PRIVATE TRIP RATES (PER PERSON, PER DAY)
One Person $450
Two People $350
Three People $275
Four People $250
Five People $250
Six People $250
BACKPACKING RENTAL PROGRAM
The above private trip rates include commercial wilderness permits, a bear canister, and your professionally trained guide. Additional backpacking equipment may be rented for a small fee. Please see our Backpacking Rental Program for more info.
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Inyo National Forest & Yosemite National Park Commercial Wilderness Permits
Professionally trained guide(s) operating in 6:1 ratios
Shuttle service from Tuolumne Meadows to Mammoth Lakes on the first day
Shuttle bus ticket to Agnew Meadows
Bear Canister
Please review our Minimum Minimum Equipment List to ensure you have the rest of the equipment needed for your trip. If rental gear is needed, please see our Backpacking Rental Program page for more info. All rentals fees are in addition to the prices listed above.
***Please note we also offer private courses if the above dates don’t work with your schedule, click the button below to inquire***
Golden State Guiding operates under permit on the Inyo National Forest.
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