Sierra Backpack

Sierra, Jan, 2001

The Sierra Club has been bringing members to remote, scenic, and serene hideaways in this mountain range for 100 years now. Come explore flower-filled meadows, alpine lakes, pine-forested slopes, and towering granite peaks in John Muir's "Range of Light": California's legendary, 400-mile-long Sierra Nevada. Use the difficulty ratings as a guide to help you choose a trip that matches your experience and ability.

Backpacking the Easy Way, Tahoe National Forest, California. June 24-29. Treat yourself to a taste of Sierra backpacking, starting and ending with a night at Clair Tappaan Lodge near historic Donner Pass. Hiking less than 25 miles in four days, we'll have plenty of time left for ambling up peaks, exploring, or just relaxing. This trip, on-trail and relatively easy cross-country, is for well-conditioned beginners and experienced backpackers alike. (Rated L.) Leaders: Sy and Laura Gelman. Price: $495; Dep: $50. [01236A]

Crossing the Golden Sierra, California. June 28-July 5. Just imagine: Crossing the magnificent Sierra like the pioneers, but west to east, down into Kern Canyon to cross a wild and scenic river, up over the Great Western Divide. We'll have a lay-over day to climb Kern Peak or sunbathe in a flower-filled meadow. (Rated L/M.) Leader: Diane Cook. Price: $445; Dep: $50. [01141A][G]

In Search of the Golden Trout, California. June 28-July 5. Traverse the Sierra in quest of the rare golden trout while relishing the solitude of seldom-trodden forests and meadows. Descend the gorge of the mighty Kern River toward ancient lava flows of Golden Trout Wilderness. After one layover day, surmount the crest at 11,200-foot Cottonwood Pass, A professional naturalist interprets flora and geology, (Rated M.) Leader: Melinda Goodwater. Price: $445; Dep: $50. [01142A][D][G]

(100) Restore Hetch Hetchy, California. July 8-14. See Centennial section, page 63, for trip description. Leaders: Lee Kintzel and Susan Liebermann. Price: $355; Dep: $50. [01102A]

Canyon, Peak, and Rim Sampler Backpack, Yosemite National Park, California. July 8-15. Come watch the sunrise from atop El Capitan, cross the brink of Yosemite Falls, sleep beside a roaring whitewater cascade and bag an alpine peak -- all on this 55-mile, on-trail trek. Abundant wildflowers, mid-trip resupply, and a daily joke from assistant leader Harry Lofton add to our pleasure. Fit, experienced backpackers welcome. (Rated M.) Leader: Cathy Dezendorf. Price: $475; Dep: $50. [01143A][G]

Yosemite Trans-Sierra Hop, Hoover Wilderness and Yosemite National Park, California. July 14-21. Hike over the crest of the Sierra Nevada through canyons and on ridges, along the Pacific Crest Trail, and down to the spectacular vistas of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Along the way we'll experience granite vistas, alpine wildflowers, and forested canyons. This on-trail trip begins at Twin Lakes on the east side of the Sierras and ends at Hetch Hetchy on the west side. (Rated M.) Leader: John Livingston. Price: $445; Dep: $50. [01144A][D][K]

(100) [25] Celebrating 100 Years of Granite Playgrounds, Ansel Adams Wilderness, California. July 15-21. See Centennial section, page 63, for trip description. Leaders: Chuck and Libby Dresel Price: $425; Dep: $50. [01145A][C][D][G]

Teen Girls Backpack Adventure, Ansel Adams Wilderness, California. July 15-21. The high country west of Mammoth Lakes is spectacular, as well as easily accessible, offering views of Mt. Banner, Mt. Ritter, and the Minarets from almost every point en route. Experience challenges and camaraderie in a unique and supportive girls-only environment. For experienced backpackers (high school girls, entering grades 9-12 at time of trip) or strong, spirited beginners. (Rated M.) Leaders: Carol MacFarlane and Rebecca Pennington. Price: $325; Dep: $50. [01146A][P][Q]

Experienced Mountain Women's Backpack, High Sierra, California. July 17-25. Experienced mountain women of all ages and orientations (except the disoriented) will enjoy this High Sierra trail/cross-country/ peak climbing loop through Dusy Basin, LeConte Canyon, Evolution Valley, and Darwin Bench. Peak condition is a must for this roller-coaster route that takes us through some of the most breathtaking parts of the High Sierra, including several lakeside campsites above 11,000 feet. (Rated M/S.) Leaders: Margi Waller and Julia Duren. Price: $455; Dep: $50. [01147A]

Shorty's Cabins and High Cross-Country, California. July 20-28. Our hike features a contrast of wild Sierra landscapes from Kings Canyon's Roaring River country, where trapper Shorty Lovelace built a string of cabins, to alpine cross-country along the jagged Glacier Ridge and wide open Tablelands. Layovers at Josephine and Big Bird lakes are planned. (Rated M/S.) Leader: Lou Argyres. Price: $435; Dep: $50. [01148A]

Palisade Basin, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, California. July 22-29. A moderate 35-mile loop trip with two layover days but two days of demanding hiking. Taboose Pass is our entry point, with a packer assist for the commissary on the first day only. We will climb Split Mountain and Mt. Sill, a strategic peak that embraces the "Range of Light" with all of its summer glory. (Rated M.) Leader: Bob Madsen. Price: $495; Dep: $50. [01149A][P]