Trip Overview:

Enjoy traveling along 90 miles of the John Muir Trail without carrying a backpack or eating freeze-dried food. Experience the beauty of countless granite peaks, streams, lakes, forests, and flower-strewn meadows. This 15-day trip accesses the trail via Mono Pass, following the picturesque canyon of Mono Creek to the John Muir Trail junction. You will pass through the magnificent Ansel Adams Wilderness and the extraordinary high country of Yosemite National Park as you travel to the northern end of this renowned trail.

Arrive at Rock Creek Pack Station by 7:00 AM where your gear will be weighed and you will be served breakfast. Your personal vehicles will be left in the pack station parking area.

Begin at Rock Creek Pack Station, ending in Yosemite Valley.

A RCPS driver will transport hikers from the pack station to the Mosquito Flat Trailhead and then pick up all guests in Yosemite Valley, returning them to the pack station.

Hikers should be able to walk 14 miles with a 1,500 elevation gain and up to 11 miles with as much as 3,500 gain or loss. You should acclimate to 8,000 to 10,000 for 1-3 days prior to the trip. The beautiful Little Lakes Valley hike is an excellent acclimatization hike, starting from the Mosquito Flat Trailhead at 10,250 feet. The trail climbs 500 over 3.5 miles into the glacial canyon past lakes and meadows.

Day 1: Mosquito Flat Trailhead to Third Recess
8.1 miles, 1,900 gain, 2,550 loss
Hikers will be driven one mile to the Mosquito Flat Trailhead. The trail climbs gently beside Rock Creek before ascending a rocky section to the Little Lakes Valley Trail junction in mile. Turn right toward Mono Pass and then left in 1/10 mile at an unsigned junction. The path climbs steadily through forest, opening to beautiful views of the lakes and glaciated peaks of Little Lakes Valley. A junction at mile 1.8 offers a mile side trip to Ruby Lake, surrounded by towering granite walls. The Mono Pass Trail leaves the trees, ascending long, sandy switchbacks up the southern flank of Mt. Starr to cross 12,075 Mono Pass at mile 3.5. The trail descends easily through the barren landscape past Summit Lake to unrestricted views of the peaks surrounding Pioneer and Hopkins Basins. The path continues past Trail Lakes, skirting meadows and dwarf forests, to an easy stream crossing at Golden Creek before dropping down through dense forest to the valley. A few more stream crossings bring us to our camp under towering Mono Rock near the confluence of Third Recess and Mono Creeks.

There are numerous water sources throughout the route, but be sure to top off your water at Ruby Lake for the ascent over Mono Pass.

Day 2: Third Recess to Silver Pass Meadow
9.0 miles, 1,750 gain, 1,700 loss
The trail follows rushing Mono Creek for seven miles as the conifer forest eventually gives way to quaking aspen. Be prepared for several stream crossings, which can usually be crossed on rocks. The easy descent through the steep-walled valley is eventually blocked as the creek rounds a 400 granite knob that we must ascend to meet the John Muir Trail at mile 7.1. The path now follows the east bank of the North Fork of Mono Creek for 1.4 miles up through Pocket Meadow to the junction to Mott Lake. Crossing the creek, the trail steepens on forested switchbacks beneath tumbling falls. Camp is by a sheltered meadow with a winding creek that abruptly ends at the granite cliffs overlooking Pocket Meadow and panoramic views of the mountains to the south.

Water is readily available at numerous stream crossings throughout the day.

Day 3: Silver Pass Meadow over Silver Pass to Horse Heaven
8.8 miles, 2,100; gain, 2,050 loss
The trail follows Silver Pass Creek for mile before turning east to switchback up toward Silver Pass Lake. The trail steepens to reach 10,779 Silver Pass at mile 3.1. Plan to spend some time at Silver Pass, as the vista is absolutely stunning. With views as far south as Bear Creek and Seldon Pass and the magnificent Ritter Range to the northwest, the Sierra shows off its beauty. The trail descends through alpine lakes surrounded by granite cirques and meadows peppered across the stone slabs, eventually dropping through thick forest to the Cascade Valley Junction at mile 4.2. The trail follows cascading Fish Creek to Tully Hole and the junction to McGee Pass. Turn right onto the McGee Pass trail, following Fish Creek one mile up to camp at the edge of the lush meadows of Horse Heaven.

Water is available at numerous lakes and stream crossings in normal water years.

Day 4: Layover Day
Relax by the stream running through this beautiful meadow or travel up the trail to Tully Lake (3.9 miles RT, 950 gain and loss) or continue to McGee Pass (8.1 miles RT and 2,300 gain and loss) for a view of the surrounding peaks and lake basins, including the unusual striped rocks of Red and White Mountain.

Day 5: Horse Heaven to Purple Lake
5.3 miles, 1,200 gain, 1,200 loss
Return to Tully Hole and then ascend 900 in two miles up exposed switchbacks to Lake Virginia. The wonderful views south provide an excellent excuse to pause along the way. This is a short day, so plan to spend some time at this beautiful lake before ascending a low ridge and then dropping down to Purple Lake, another beautiful lake, particularly in evening light. Leave the John Muir Trail at the outlet of Purple Lake to follow the Purple Creek Trail down a quarter mile to camp along side the creek.

Water is available at Virginia and Purple Lake.

Day 6: Purple Lake to Deer Creek
8.1 miles, 900 gain, 1,500 loss
Follow the Purple Lake Trail up to the junction with the John Muir Trail. Follow the path to the left. The trail climbs 500 out of the lake basin before dropping 400 to the Duck Lake junction at mile 2.6. The route continues straight, climbing briefly before contouring 1,500 above Cascade Valley and then dropping 900 to our camp near the Deer Creek crossing.

Be sure to fill up your water bottles at Duck Creek, as there is no reliable water between Duck Creek and Deer Creek.

Day 7: Deer Creek to Reds Meadow
approx 6.0 miles, 950 gain, 1,900 loss
The trail leaves Deer Creek, contouring along the hillside before descending gently to the Mammoth Pass junction at mile 2.2. Continuing north, the route drops another 1,300 in 3.4 miles through forest, portions recovering from a 1992 lightning strike, as it approaches Reds Meadow. Follow the John Muir Trail to the fascinating basalt columns of the Devils Postpile, with a possible side trip to Rainbow Falls. Be careful at trail junctions in the Devils Postpile area, as this is where the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail separate until the merge again at Thousand Island Lake. Follow the signs to the Reds Meadow.

Guests will be met by shuttle to transport them to their vehicles at Rock Creek Pack Station.

PHOTOS...

What you need to know for hikers on pack stock supported trips

Dunnage limit is 30 lbs. per person (this includes sleeping bags, fishing equipment, liquor, etc.)

You may bring your own tent up to 10 pounds that is in addition. The PCT 28 day trip allows 35 pounds of duffel.

PERSONAL CHECK LIST

Bring belongings in stout canvas or nylon duffels; side zipper recommended, ideal size approximately 14" x 32". It is a good idea to use a large plastic bag INSIDE of the duffle to protect contents from external moisture.

Sleeping bags can be in separate duffels --again, line the inside of the duffle against rain. Place all cosmetics, soaps, medications, etc into small plastic containers with close-fitting caps, THEN into sturdy resealable plastic storage bags. If anything breaks or bursts from altitude changes, the plastic bag contains the spill. When possible, it is a good idea to transfer alcoholic beverages to sturdy plastic bottles with well fitting caps - it will save weight and protect against breakage.

ESSENTIALS

• Footwear. For this trips a medium-weight pair of hiking boots. We do not recommend lightweight hikers or tennies since they give little ankle support and the soles are often thin.
• Camp Shoes. A lightweight pair of tennies or Tevas to wear in camp. This will reduce vegetation damage at our campsites.
• A day pack. It should be large enough to take water, extra clothing, rainwear, camera, etc during the days.
• Sleeping Bag. Most summer trips are warm and a bag rated to about 25°F will be plenty warm enough. We much prefer down bags, and good quality ones at that. Your bag should weigh in around 3 pounds.
• Sleeping pad. A 3/4 or full length closed cell foam or Thermarest. If you bring a Thermarest also bring a repair kit to fix pesky holes!
• Coffee mug (plastic for camp)

CLOTHING

• 2 pair synthetic liner socks.
• 2 pair heavier synthetic or wool blend socks.
• Long underwear top. Capilene, some other synthetic or the new pure Merino wool types.
• Long underwear bottom.
• Warm pants. Tights or Expedition Weight Capilene.
• Warm shirt. Synchilla or R2 weight works well.
• Another fuzzy sweater top or pile jacket of some sort
• GoreTex Jacket and Pants. A lightweight set is sufficient and heavy bulky clothing is unnecessary. Side zips on the pants should be long enough to slide over boots. Jacket must have a hood. Do not skimp on your rain gear. Nylon ponchos are not acceptable.
• Shorts for on the trail
• Tee shirt for on the trail
• Lightweight capilene or similar gloves.
• Warm hat. Synthetic or wool.
• Sunhat

ETC.

• Sun glasses.
• Water Bottles. Two quart (1 liter) wide mouth bottles and/or a hydration system holding up to 50oz. (2 liters). Don t bring bike bottles or any bottle that doesn t have a wide opening.
• Headlamp. --and a spare set of batteries!
• Pocket knife. Swiss army style.
• Personal toiletries. It is not necessary to smell like a rose each day so do not over do it.
• Ear plugs are great to have in a noisy tent.
• Personal Medical Kit. The guide will carry a large kit so yours will predominately consist of foot repair items, mild pain killer such as Advil and bandaids.
• Sunscreen and lip screen. SPF 30+. A 1oz. bottle will be enough. Make sure the lip stuff actually contains a sunscreen.
• Bug repellent.
• Camera. A spare battery and card are good backups
• Ski/trekking poles. These are not essential, but can be handy on the trail. It is your choice, but they do save wear on the knees.
• Plastic trash bag. Handy for keeping gear in outside the tent should it rain.
• Optional reading material, etc.

FOOD

We provide the all meals on scheduled trips. You can bring your favorite "on-the-trail" snacks.

OPTIONAL ITEMS

• Small notepad and pencil
• Collapsible plastic wash basin (optional)
• Solar shower (optional)
• Water filtering pump (optional)
• Liquor (be sure to check in with the packers to see that your liquor is packed safely)
• Fishing equipment (optional)
• Rod/reel/line (a rod that breaks down into 3 or more pieces is recommended)
• Compact metal rod case to carry on saddle
• Canvas creel (no tackle boxes)
• Leader material (1-3 lb.)
• Flies: black gnat, mosquito, grey hackle, brown hackle, & royal coachman (No. 12-14 hooks)
• Bait: worms & Pautzke red eggs
• Egg hooks, worm hooks (No. 10-14)
• Split shot
• Lures (personal choice)
• Pliers

TOM HARRISON MAPS.
Map, paper or download onto phone/tablet.

• Mono Divide High Country, Mammoth High Country, and Yosemite High Country or
• John Muir Trail and Mono Divide High Country

National Geographic 308 Yosemite NE: Tuolumne Meadows and Hoover Wilderness Trail Map.

Apps for Smartphone/Tablet, download applicable areas prior to departure:

• Gaia GPS
• Topo Maps
• Guthook s Hiking Guides, PCT Hiker for sections along the PCT

SECTION 1

SECTION 2

SECTION 3