Epic 4-Day Backpacking: High Sierra Trail, Crescent Meadows to Hamilton Lakes

The Trip:
I somehow scored 5 highly coveted quota permits for the High Sierra Trail in Sequoia National Park, and I'm looking for a solid, chill group to fill out the crew. We will be hiking from Crescent Meadow to the spectacular Hamilton Lakes and back.
This is a premier Sierra route with massive canyon views, towering granite walls, and alpine lakes.

The Stats:

• Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
• Total Mileage: ~30 miles (Out and back)
• Elevation Gain: ~6,000+ ft total
• Pace: Relaxed but steady. We aren't trail running this. The goal is to take our time, take frequent breaks, and enjoy the scenery, but you must have the endurance to be on your feet with a 30-35lb pack for 7-10 hours a day. (If you are a runner, cyclist, or have done Half Dome, you'll be fine).
• Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/high-sierra-trail-crescent-meadow-to-hamilton-lakes

The Itinerary:

• Day 0: (June 17): Drive to Sequoia NP and camp the night. I will personally be coming from the Bay Area, CA
• Day 1 (June 18): Crescent Meadow to Nine Mile Creek (~9 miles). Rolling terrain to get our legs warmed up.
• Day 2 (June 19): Nine Mile Creek to Hamilton Lakes (~6.5 miles). The crux day. We drop into a gorge and climb a massive 1,500-foot granite staircase to the lakes.
• Day 3 (June 20): Hamilton Lakes to Mehrten Creek (~9.5 miles). A long, heavy day climbing back out of the gorge, but rewarded with an epic cliffside sunset.
• Day 4 (June 21): Mehrten Creek to the cars (~6 miles). An easy morning downhill cruise. Head home.

The Conditions (Please Read):

• Weather: Warm days (70s) and chilly nights (40s). Because of the June heat, we will be doing "alpine starts" (hiking by 7:30 AM) to knock out the massive climbs before the afternoon sun turns the granite walls into an oven.
• The Catch: Mid-June is peak mosquito season in the Sierra. They will be swarming at camp. 100% DEET and a physical head net are absolutely mandatory for your sanity.

Next Steps / How to Join: Since this is a multi-day backcountry trip, I want to make sure everyone is a good fit and has the right gear. If you RSVP "Yes", please shoot me a direct message with:

1. A quick intro and your general backpacking/fitness experience.
2. Confirmation that you have your own backpacking gear.

We will try to grab a coffee or a beer in the South Bay beforehand so everyone can meet and coordinate carpooling!
What to Bring:

• Standard 3-season backpacking gear (Tent, sleeping bag rated for 30F-40F, sleeping pad, 45L+ pack)
• Water filter system
• Bear canister (required by NPS)
• Mosquito head net & DEET (Do not skip this!)
• Sun protection (Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)