Mineral King Loop, Sequoia National Park (5 Days/ 4 Nights, ~48 miles)

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/8/7/8/600_441994936.jpeg

Photo: High Sierra Trail. Source: The Big Outside (http://thebigoutside.com/heavy-lifting-backpacking-sequoia-national-park/)

One of our members got my curiosity piqued about this region and the more I read, the more I like, so let's go see it. However, we are late in the season and the Rough Fire is limiting what I would ideally like to do so this trip is scheduled for early AUGUST 2016.

Itinerary

Day one- Start at Mineral King Trailhead to Bearpaw Meadow, 12.3 miles

Highlights- We hike Timber Gap (9511 ft), the first of four mountain passes on this trip; go through a redwood forest, visit the High Sierra Camp at Bearpaw Meadow.

Day two- Layover. Day hike to Elizabeth Pass (11,370ft), ~10 miles

Highlights- This is a layover day and for those needing to stretch their legs, we will hike five miles to Elizabeth Pass and take in the views along the Kings-Kaweah Divide/Great Western Divide.

Day three- Precipice Lake, ~6.4 miles

Highlights- We intersect the High Sierra Trail on our way to Kaweah Gap. This will be a leisure day of hiking as we take in the sights on our way to camp.

Day four- Little Five Lakes, ~5.5 miles

Day five- Back to Mineral King Trailhead, 13.5 miles

Highlights- We cross the last of the four mountain passes on our way back to the trailhead. At 11,630 ft, Sawtooth Pass is the high point on our trip.

What To Expect

I am interested in seeing Sawtooth Pass but we are taking the scenic route and approaching it from the southeast side. This is a gradual approach compared to the north side which will be steep with sections of unmaintained trail.

This is a strenuous trip with several long days of hiking at elevation. Expect long climbs on the shorter mileage days.
Strong hikers and skilled backpackers only.

Other Details

Bear canisters are not required BUT we will be above tree line along the route thus hanging our food will not be an option. I plan to bring my bear canister :-(

Campfires are prohibited at certain elevations along this route. Will get more info as trip gets closer.

Water sources are available along the way and, as always, treatment is advised.

Mosquitoes may be pesky.

I expect to get a wilderness permit for eight people

RSVP

Please RSVP to the waitlist. The limit on this trip will be eight. Priority will be given to members in good standing who I know will enjoy the event with the group.

Strong hikers and strong, skilled backpackers only.

Please, no guests. No Pets.

Where to Meet

We will meet at the Mineral King Trailhead Thursday at 8:30am. More details to follow as the trip gets closer. Car camping the night before is an option.

Directions to trailhead: https://goo.gl/maps/1VHYv