🏔️ Routes & Meetings
July 19-27, 2026 Sierra Nevada Backpacking Adventure
Trip Information
Trip Dates: July 19–27, 2026
Departure: Sunday, July 19 @ 5:45 A.M. from Twin Peaks Middle School
Return: Monday, July 27 @ 8:00 P.M. to Twin Peaks Middle School
Trip Routes
Section A: Mammoth Loop
Distance: 30 miles (beginning to intermediate)
This section is designed for beginning and intermediate backpackers. The shorter distance provides abundant opportunities to fish, swim, explore, and day hike along the famous John Muir Trail. Everyone camps the first night in the Mammoth area.
At the May 30 meeting, participants are divided into cooking/sleeping groups of four, with an experienced leader for each group to provide leadership and coaching throughout the trip.
Section B1 & B2: Crossing the Sierra
Distance: 60 miles (beginning to intermediate)
Both sections start in Mammoth and end in Yosemite Valley. Participants will camp at some of the most beautiful locations in the Sierra and have the chance to climb Half Dome. Routes follow the John Muir Trail via Donahue Pass before joining the headwaters of the Merced River.
Participants are divided into cooking/sleeping groups of four at the May 30 meeting.
Section C: Mammoth Pass to Yosemite Valley
Distance: 70 miles (intermediate to advanced)
Most participants have prior backpacking experience. This challenging route will start in Mammoth Lakes, cross two forks of the San Joaquin River, enter Yosemite at Isberg Pass, and exit at Happy Isles.
Experienced adults lead this group in a 1:6 ratio.
Section D: Coldwater Creek to Mammoth Lakes
Distance: 40 miles (leisure pace)
Designed for backpackers who want to take it easy with extra time in camp. Perfect for exploring, fishing, or bag a peak. This route starts south out of Mammoth, crosses Duck Pass, and heads into the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
*Recommended grades are flexible. If you're interested in any section, call for more information.
Meeting Schedule
Meetings are necessary to prepare backpackers to be good stewards of the wilderness through education and leave-no-trace principles.
Meeting #1: Program Overview & Equipment
- Program overview
- Equipment show and checklist
- Equipment rental & fitting
- Physical endurance test: Jog 1.5 miles in less than 12 minutes
⚠️ Important: WEAR RUNNING SHOES for the endurance test!
Meeting #2: Group Formation & Food Planning
- Completed Medical Form due and signed
- Freeze-dried food demonstration
- Menu planning
- Group formation and leader assignments
- Trail snack demonstration
Note: Trail snacks are not included in shared expenses.
Meeting #3: Final Preparation
- Repackage food
- Try out stoves & tents
- Pack & weigh backpacks
- Last-minute reminders & information
Important: Bring your packed backpack to this meeting and please be on time according to the schedule announced at 2nd meeting.