California John Muir Trail Southbound to Mt. Whitney Trekking
Fresno, California to Fresno, California
Embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, covering 135.5 miles of the southern half of the John Muir Trail. This incredible MT Sobek exclusive expedition will take you through the awe-inspiring and picturesque high Sierra Nevada and ensure a personalized experience with a small group size and full support team. With only a day pack, you'll traverse mountain passes, camp beside sparkling lakes, and marvel at the stunning alpine meadows. To top it off, you have the opportunity to climb Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States!
- Hike through the Sierra Nevada most scenic wilderness trails on this exclusive MT Sobek expedition
- Enjoy views of stunning mountain peaks and wildflower-dotted meadows - California's High Sierra at its finest
- Finish in style by summiting Mount Whitney, the continental United States' highest peak, at 14,505 feet
Minimum Age: 15
- Adventure and Active
Day: 1, duration: 1
Fairfield Inn & Suites Fresno Yosemite Airport
Conveniently located two blocks from Fresno Yosemite airport, the Fairfield Inn is clean and modern, and offers all the amenities necessary to rest and recharge on your MT Sobek adventure. The hotel boasts a 24-hour fitness center, heated outdoor pool, in-house restaurant for breakfast, and local restaurant delivery service for dinner. Each room features complimentary Wifi, a flat screen Smart TV for streaming services like Hulu and Netflix, comfortable bedding, electronics dock, coffee maker and microwave.
Day: 2, duration: 14MT Sobek Camp—John Muir Trail Southbound
We supply all camping and commissary gear, including tents and sleeping pads. We encourage clients to bring their own sleeping bag, rated to 15 degrees in the 2-3 pound range. We encourage this because everyone sleeps differently, some need a really warm bag, others not so much thus having your own will ensure more comfort than renting. We also provide a crazy creek chair for every trip member. Previous camping experience is required for this trip! Guides will assist clients with their tents on the first night, but then it is up to the clients to set up their tents after that.
Day: 16, duration: 1Best Western Frontier Motel
Situated in eastern California's beautiful Owens Valley, the Best Western Frontier Motel features mountain or valley views from its well-appointed guest rooms, each equipped with cable TV and Wi-Fi. An expanded complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. Other amenities include an outdoor heated swimming pool, guest laundry, and a complimentary airport shuttle.
Fred Ackerman
Fred enjoyed his first backpacking trip in college, walking 20+ miles in inappropriate footwear and spending a few cold nights in front of the fire without a sleeping bag. He caught the travel bug from there and was soon plotting and executing adventures in California’s endless wild places. In addition to being an adventure guide, Fred is also an EMT with a certification in wilderness medicine. He's hiked and climbed thousands of miles around the Sierra including a solo 200+ mile hike of the Sierra High Route. Join Fred on MT Sobek’s hiking adventures in California.
Alex Kendrall
Alex grew up in Concord, New Hampshire exploring the mountains of New England. It was here that his spirit and passion for adventure began. Alex’s love for shared wilderness experiences has culminated in a degree in Outdoor Education and certifications from the American Mountain Guiding Association (AMGA). Moving to California was the culmination of a dream come true, where he is able to combine his passion for climbing with a career in guiding. He has a tremendous amount of experience in the backcountry and great leadership qualities.
Inclusions
Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
Snacks and water between meals
Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Baggage transfers and porterage
Exclusions
Domestic or International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and packers
Travel Protection Program
Personal expenses
Reason #01
MT Sobek adventurers have claimed this trekking expedition to be the company's most challenging. It sells out every year!
Reason #02This award-winning adventure features 24-hour expertise of professional mountaineer guides who teach you about trailside lore, flora and fauna.
Reason #03Hikers traverse the Sierra with the support of a professional packer and mules that transport heavy backpacks and move camp.
ActivitiesChallenging hikes up to 13 miles per day on mountain trails with high ridges, rocky switchbacks, and spectacular scenery. Summit Mount Whitney at 14,495 feet!
LodgingWe supply all camping and commissary gear, including tents and sleeping pads. You are expected to set up your tent, filter water, etc. Well-appointed hotels bookend the trip.
ClimateAverage daytime temperatures are 65-85°F and 15-35°F at night. Like many mountainous regions, storms that bring rain and snow can hit at any time.
What do I have to carry on this trip?You only carry your daypack the entire way. Mules & guides will carry 15 pounds of each client's gear and you are responsible for carrying any weight over this.
What section on the John Muir Trail do we hike?You will hike the second "half" of the actual John Muir Trail, in what is considered the Southern Sierra. (The entire John Muir Trail runs from Yosemite down to Mt. Whitney).
What are the toilet and shower procedures?We provide everything needed for a comfortable wilderness toilet experience. Certain "Leave No Trace" practices apply, and your guide will go over this as part of the camp orientation. One 5-gallon solar shower will provide some warm water for washing/showering up.
How is water treatment handled on this trip?We supply water filters on this trip. Water in the Sierra is renowned for its cleanliness, but we still take precautions. As a trip participant you are responsible for filtering your own daily water.
What can I expect from my guide?All our professional mountain guides are trained in wilderness medicine at the professional level and are experienced backcountry folks. They are well versed in the natural and cultural history of the area, cook excellent food, and are fun, personable people to spend time with.
What are my duties while on this camping trip?You are responsible for setting up and taking down your own tent, packing your personal gear, and filtering your own water. Our guides are always available to assist. Other camp chores such as cooking, cleaning, hauling water, etc. are left to the guides.
Can I use my loyalty discount for the trip?Loyalty savings are not available for this trip.
What happens if the weather conditions are bad?MT Sobek is proud to offer trips in protected wilderness settings.
As with any backcountry adventure, unforeseen natural events can impact your trip, including extreme weather conditions, snow levels and wildfires. As your health and safety are paramount, our expert guides and office staff will respond to these natural occurrences accordingly which may result in canceling, redirecting or shortening the trip.
Day: 1, duration: 1
Fairfield Inn & Suites Fresno Yosemite Airport
Conveniently located two blocks from Fresno Yosemite airport, the Fairfield Inn is clean and modern, and offers all the amenities necessary to rest and recharge on your MT Sobek adventure. The hotel boasts a 24-hour fitness center, heated outdoor pool, in-house restaurant for breakfast, and local restaurant delivery service for dinner. Each room features complimentary Wifi, a flat screen Smart TV for streaming services like Hulu and Netflix, comfortable bedding, electronics dock, coffee maker and microwave.
Day: 2, duration: 14MT Sobek Camp—John Muir Trail Southbound
We supply all camping and commissary gear, including tents and sleeping pads. We encourage clients to bring their own sleeping bag, rated to 15 degrees in the 2-3 pound range. We encourage this because everyone sleeps differently, some need a really warm bag, others not so much thus having your own will ensure more comfort than renting. We also provide a crazy creek chair for every trip member. Previous camping experience is required for this trip! Guides will assist clients with their tents on the first night, but then it is up to the clients to set up their tents after that.
Day: 16, duration: 1Best Western Frontier Motel
Situated in eastern California's beautiful Owens Valley, the Best Western Frontier Motel features mountain or valley views from its well-appointed guest rooms, each equipped with cable TV and Wi-Fi. An expanded complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning. Other amenities include an outdoor heated swimming pool, guest laundry, and a complimentary airport shuttle.
Fred Ackerman
Fred enjoyed his first backpacking trip in college, walking 20+ miles in inappropriate footwear and spending a few cold nights in front of the fire without a sleeping bag. He caught the travel bug from there and was soon plotting and executing adventures in California’s endless wild places. In addition to being an adventure guide, Fred is also an EMT with a certification in wilderness medicine. He's hiked and climbed thousands of miles around the Sierra including a solo 200+ mile hike of the Sierra High Route. Join Fred on MT Sobek’s hiking adventures in California.
Alex Kendrall
Alex grew up in Concord, New Hampshire exploring the mountains of New England. It was here that his spirit and passion for adventure began. Alex’s love for shared wilderness experiences has culminated in a degree in Outdoor Education and certifications from the American Mountain Guiding Association (AMGA). Moving to California was the culmination of a dream come true, where he is able to combine his passion for climbing with a career in guiding. He has a tremendous amount of experience in the backcountry and great leadership qualities.
Inclusions
Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
Snacks and water between meals
Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
Baggage transfers and porterage
Exclusions
Domestic or International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and packers
Travel Protection Program
Personal expenses
Reason #01
MT Sobek adventurers have claimed this trekking expedition to be the company's most challenging. It sells out every year!
Reason #02This award-winning adventure features 24-hour expertise of professional mountaineer guides who teach you about trailside lore, flora and fauna.
Reason #03Hikers traverse the Sierra with the support of a professional packer and mules that transport heavy backpacks and move camp.
ActivitiesChallenging hikes up to 13 miles per day on mountain trails with high ridges, rocky switchbacks, and spectacular scenery. Summit Mount Whitney at 14,495 feet!
LodgingWe supply all camping and commissary gear, including tents and sleeping pads. You are expected to set up your tent, filter water, etc. Well-appointed hotels bookend the trip.
ClimateAverage daytime temperatures are 65-85°F and 15-35°F at night. Like many mountainous regions, storms that bring rain and snow can hit at any time.
What do I have to carry on this trip?You only carry your daypack the entire way. Mules & guides will carry 15 pounds of each client's gear and you are responsible for carrying any weight over this.
What section on the John Muir Trail do we hike?You will hike the second "half" of the actual John Muir Trail, in what is considered the Southern Sierra. (The entire John Muir Trail runs from Yosemite down to Mt. Whitney).
What are the toilet and shower procedures?We provide everything needed for a comfortable wilderness toilet experience. Certain "Leave No Trace" practices apply, and your guide will go over this as part of the camp orientation. One 5-gallon solar shower will provide some warm water for washing/showering up.
How is water treatment handled on this trip?We supply water filters on this trip. Water in the Sierra is renowned for its cleanliness, but we still take precautions. As a trip participant you are responsible for filtering your own daily water.
What can I expect from my guide?All our professional mountain guides are trained in wilderness medicine at the professional level and are experienced backcountry folks. They are well versed in the natural and cultural history of the area, cook excellent food, and are fun, personable people to spend time with.
What are my duties while on this camping trip?You are responsible for setting up and taking down your own tent, packing your personal gear, and filtering your own water. Our guides are always available to assist. Other camp chores such as cooking, cleaning, hauling water, etc. are left to the guides.
Can I use my loyalty discount for the trip?Loyalty savings are not available for this trip.
What happens if the weather conditions are bad?MT Sobek is proud to offer trips in protected wilderness settings.
As with any backcountry adventure, unforeseen natural events can impact your trip, including extreme weather conditions, snow levels and wildfires. As your health and safety are paramount, our expert guides and office staff will respond to these natural occurrences accordingly which may result in canceling, redirecting or shortening the trip.
About MT Sobek
To feed your spirit of adventure, Mountain Travel Sobek offers a wide range of unique and perfectly paced itineraries led by incredible local guides. We keep groups small, usually fewer than 10 people, and seek out great food and characterful accommodations everywhere we go.
Beyond the seamless logistics and careful attention to detail, our aim is to create a space for truly special moments in unforgettable places.
We are the Adventure Company—come explore with us.
About MT Sobek
To feed your spirit of adventure, Mountain Travel Sobek offers a wide range of unique and perfectly paced itineraries led by incredible local guides. We keep groups small, usually fewer than 10 people, and seek out great food and characterful accommodations everywhere we go.
Beyond the seamless logistics and careful attention to detail, our aim is to create a space for truly special moments in unforgettable places.
We are the Adventure Company—come explore with us.
