Compare Mammoth Crest Backpack by Wildland Trekking vs USA Road Trip- The Best of Cali by G Adventures
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 9 days |
| Price From | $ 1,345 | $ 2,252 |
| Price Per Day | $ 224 | $ 250 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Camping | Camping |
| Physical Level |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners |
| Description |
Explore the grandeur and solitary reaches of the Eastern Sierra on this 5-day backpacking trip. Escape the crowds, climb into an amazing alpine world, and explore the soaring granite peaks that loom over the endless desert basins to the east of the Sierras. This trek begins and ends at the beautiful Lake Mary, which is a worthy destination in and of itself. We climb up and over Duck Pass to reach Duck Lake which will be our camp for our first and last nights in the backcountry. When we reach the end of the official trail, we follow the less obvious trails of local animals (game trails) to the lesser known and absolutely stunning Ram Lake. At 10,000 feet the air is thin, but it is the view that makes our minds spin. These views are truly amazing. Descending back to whence we came, we follow the famous John Muir Trail as it traverses the scenic Mammoth Crest, the namesake of this trip, which offers more world-class views and unforgettable hiking. |
California is the land of dreamers and schemers and we schemed up quite the adventure for you. Start in LA and travel north to San Francisco along Highway 1 on this short nine-day trip. Then, head inland to see mighty Yosemite National Park and all of the beautiful hikes and views that landscape has to offer before driving back to southern California for an included surf lesson. Sounds like a win in our book! |
Day 1
Day 1 begins with a rendezvous at the iconic Mobil Gas station at the corner of Highway 395 and Highway 120, just before the small village of Lee Vining. We will meet at 6pm, conduct an orientation meeting and have dinner together at the famous “Whoa Nelli Deli” located within the Mobil. After a surprisingly delicious meal at what may very well be the most gourmet gas station cuisine on earth, we hop into the company vehicle and cruise up the hill to our ready-made camp site. Finally settled, we enjoy our first alpine sunset amidst the excited chatter of a group embarking on an amazing adventure in the High Sierra.
Day 2
Hiking Mileage: 5.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 1677 feet
Elevation Loss: 495 feet
After a hearty breakfast with plenty of tea and/or coffee, we hop into the company vehicle and make our way along the eastern flank of the Sierra to the Lake Mary trailhead. The high peaks of the Sierra beckon us as we drive, and the anticipation of our hike builds quickly. At our trailhead, with our packs fully loaded, we will begin our ascent toward Duck Pass. The hike is arduous but replete with beautiful mountain vistas, lakes and towering granite monoliths. Finally pushing over Duck Pass, we descend to Duck Lake and make camp at its outlet stream. This camp is one of the most beautiful you will ever see. We settle in and and the guide will begin preparing dinner. Our first feast in the backcountry is welcome and made sweeter by the unbelievable setting we are in - truly God's country!
Day 3
Hiking Mileage: 6.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1215 feet
Elevation Loss: 867 feet
An early rise and a quick breakfast make for a peaceful morning hike downhill to the aptly named Purple lake. From here, we follow an unmaintained trail that takes us 720 feet higher into alpine country where the views explode around us. These are the views that make it onto postcards! We pass Glen Lake before reaching our camp near the deep blue waters of Ram lake. We will have some time to relax, wet a line if you like to fish, or meander around the lake, soaking up the scenery. Your guide will prepare another fantastic backcountry meal to cap off the day.
Day 4 (6-Day Itinerary Only)
Mileage/Elevation: varies
Today, after a tasty breakfast, we will pack up from Ram Lake and reverse what we did the day before, descending from the alpine back to the junction of the John Muir Trail. From here we hike back uphill toward Duck Pass where we then descend to camp at Pika Lake. This detour makes the trip a wonderful loop hike, which provides new scenery every day.
Second to Last Day
Hiking Mileage: 6.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 867 feet
Elevation Loss: 1215 feet
Today, after a tasty breakfast, we will pack up from Ram Lake and reverse what we did the day before, descending from the alpine back to the junction of the John Muir Trail. From here we hike back uphill toward Duck Pass then descend to camp at Duck Lake. This detour makes the trip a wonderful loop hike, which provides new scenery every day.
Final Day
Hiking Mileage: 8.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 695 feet
Elevation Loss: 1495 feet
Today we traverse the namesake of this trip (the Mammoth Crest), and is one of the highlights that blow our guests away. After breakfast we pack up our camp and hike toward Duck Pass one final time. From the pass we hike west toward Deer Lakes and the Mammoth Crest. Along the way we pass Blue Crag and Crystal Crag- giant granite monoliths. Once we reach the crest at roughly 10,500 ft we will enjoy 360 degree views of Mammoth Mountain, Mammoth Lakes, and the Minaret Range. We'll take our time up here, snap photos, enjoy this final treat, and eventually finish the hike to the trailhead. Safe and sound at the Lake Mary trailhead, we enjoy lunch and reflect on our amazing 5-day trek into the eastern Sierra Nevada high country.
Day 1 Los Angeles/Santa Margarita
Group will depart Los Angeles in the morning and drive to Santa Monica. Walk the iconic Santa Monica pier this morning or spend some time cruising the shoreline. Not in the mood for the beach? That's cool, maybe consider visiting the Santa Monica farmers market to stock up on all sorts of local goodies. Grab a quick bite to eat for lunch in Santa Monica and travel northwest to San Luis Obispo for a quick detour to see the chewing gum alley and to grab any last minute provisions before heading to our campsite for the night.
Day 2 Santa Margarita/Santa Cruz
Today is all about Highway 1. Devote the entire day to seeing the best of the best along this famous route. Stop to see Elephant Seals, walk through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, and make stops in Carmel and Monterey en route to the next destination. Later in the day set up camp in Santa Cruz.
Day 3 Santa Cruz/San Francisco
Head out from camp in the morning and continue up Highway 1 towards Half Moon Bay. Your CEO will take you on a brief orientation of the city. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Join your CEO for a driving tour through some of San Francisco's most iconic highlights then hit the town on your own or join a sunset sail under the Golden Gate Bridge.
Day 4 San Francisco/Yosemite National Park
Leave San Francisco behind this morning as you drive to Yosemite National Park. Along the way stop for some fresh produce at a farmer’s market in the central valley. Once in the park hike to Tuolumne Grove to see massive Giant Sequoias. Finish the day with a stop to see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall en route to your camp for the night.
Day 5 Yosemite National Park
Enjoy free time to navigate the majestic Yosemite Valley at your own pace. Walk the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail or Swinging Bridge Loop Trail. Relax under the towering granite monoliths of Half Dome or El Capitan. Up for more of a challenge? Test your endurance on a more challenging hike like Upper Yosemite Falls or Four Mile. On the way back to camp, search for climbers on the sheer rock face of El Capitan.
Yosemite Village is a great starting point for launching into your adventure. Your CEO will help you get oriented to visit the Ansel Adams gallery, Ahwahnee Museum and the Yosemite Visitor Center. Here you can start a valley hike or catch a free shuttle around the park.
Day 6 Yosemite National Park
Today is all about getting active and exploring the landscapes of Yosemite. Head out on a hike to Vernal or Nevada Falls or opt to rent bikes and cruise around the valley. This park is a hiker’s paradise filled with different options for every skill level. From miles of trekking to short walks featuring amazing views, you won’t have a hard time finding a trail to set out on and enjoy. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and make sure to take plenty of pictures. In the evening relax around the fire and swap stories with your group.
Day 7 Yosemite National Park/Hermosa Beach
Bid farewell to Yosemite this morning and get ready for some ocean waves and sand between your toes as the group heads south to Hermosa Beach. Travel through the rolling hills and vastness of the Central Valley and arrive at the Pacific coast just in time to walk the beach during golden hour and grab some delicious dinner by the sea.
After the forests of Yosemite the beaches of southern California will be a welcome change for some time to relax and recharge. So suit up, grab a towel, find a volleyball, and live out those California beach fantasies with your friends.
Day 8 Hermosa Beach
Live the California dream as you wake up to the distant sound of waves crashing against the sand. Then, suit up and get ready for your surf lesson where you'll learn a thing or two about what it takes to make riding those waves look so easy. Afterwards, enjoy free time on Hermosa Beach to lounge in the sun, walk out to the pier, or find a beachfront cafe with a table outside for some people watching. Or choose to rent bikes or surf boards and continue the adventure. Your only dilemma today should be deciding which burrito place you want to eat at.
Day 9 Hermosa Beach/Los Angeles
In the morning travel to Los Angeles. The adventure ends upon arrival.
