John Muir Wilderness, Sierra National Forest, CA

Dates

Aug 1st - Aug 7th 2010

Service Project

Campsite rehabilitation

Free Days

Peak hiking, day hiking, swimming, fishing, photography

Accommodations

Backpack camping

Trip Rating

Strenuous : 7-mile backpack, digging, bending, lifting. Pack animal supported.

Leaders

Eileen Duncan
Claudia Berman

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. In the high country, between the spectacular granite peaks, beautiful alpine landscape, rugged terrain and the altitude around 11,000', it is literally breathtaking. 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.

Our service project is campsite rehabilitation and wilderness monitoring in the Humphrey's Basin area. Located on the eastern edge of the High Sierra Ranger District, the easiest access is from the eastern slope near Bishop, CA. We'll start from the North Lake trailhead and backpack approximately 7 miles with 2000' elevation gain up through Piute Pass and down into Humphrey's Basin. We'll establish a base camp near Lower Golden Trout Lake and make short daily work excursions into the basin; breaking down unnecessary fire rings and generally rehabilitating and restoring impacts near campsites. This is a high altitude project with camp at 10,800'. Participants are encouraged to acclimate to the altitude by camping in one of many forest service campsites a night prior to our hike in. Pack support will be provided for group food and commissary as well as tools. This is a great opportunity to experience one of the more remote and more spectacular areas of the entire Sierra Nevada!