French Canyon, John Muir Wilderness, Sierra National Forest, CA

Dates

Aug 2nd - Aug 8th 2009

Service Project

Construction of a creek crossing on the French Canyon trail

Free Days

Peak hiking, day hiking, swimming, fishing, photography

Accommodations

Backpack camping

Trip Rating

Challenging : High altitude, 9-mile backpack, digging, hauling, rock work. Pack animal supported.

Leaders

Eileen Duncan
Dave Pacheco

Equipment

The Sierra National Forest, located on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. The Sierra National Forest encompasses more than 1.3 million acres between 900 and 13,986 feet in elevation. The terrain includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes and the starkly beautiful alpine landscape of the High Sierra. Abundant fish and wildlife, varied mountain flora and fauna and numerous recreational opportunities make the Sierra National Forest an outdoor lover's paradise.

The John Muir Wilderness sits in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, sandwiched between Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. John Muir called these spectacular mountains the “Range of Light” for their sparkling white granite, glacial blue lakes, lush green meadows and earthy evergreen forests.

This project will focus on maintaining trails in the French Canyon area. Located on the eastern edge of the High Sierra Ranger district, the easiest access is from the eastern slope near Bishop, CA. We will backpack approximately 9-miles from the Pine Creek trailhead that climbs steeply up to Pine Creek Pass and down into French Canyon. Pack support will be provided for group food and commissary as well as tools. We set up a basecamp and dayhike to the project sites. This trip is a great opportunity to experience one of the more remote and more spectacular areas of the entire Sierra Nevada!