Lake Ediza (said to be the favorite of John Muir himself) sits with a spectacular backdrop of the jagged peaks of the Minarets and an impressive towering pair of peaks Mt. Ritter and Banner Peak. With plenty to see along the way including waterfalls, Shadow Lake and an abundance of beautiful alpine flowers, arriving at this gem will be sure to take your breath away. The option to make this a more challenging 3 day journey and venture (with light daypacks) to Iceberg and Cecile lakes adds dramatic, un-obstructed panoramic views of the minaret range and lakes below.
DIFFICULTY RATING (1-5)
2-3
This trek follows well maintained trails and has a moderate hiking distance of about 7 miles per day. Day 2 (3 day option) will consists of a mix of on trail and off trail hiking, rocky sections of trail with bigger step-up and step-downs. Due to the elevation gain of this trek and the section of cross country hiking it is considered a moderate Level 3 trek (2 day option without Iceberg and Cecile is considered a Level 2 trek) Weight carried will be between 25-35 lbs per person. On Day 2 of our 3 day trek option, the hike to the surrounding lakes will be done in lighter daypacks to make this a more manageable "Basecamp" style trek!
Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack, headlamps, utensils and poles.
High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (Laundered after every use- $15 cleaning fee) – or bring your own!
Breakfast, lunch, and 4-course dinner prepared by your guide while in the field.
Professional local mountain guide certified as Wilderness First Responder, Food Handling & Leave No Trace Principles with years of professional and personal wilderness experience and a passion for leading others.
Wilderness and National park backcountry camping permits.
Bear canisters for food storage.
Water Filtration systems- all water filtered by your guide!
Emergency equipment including an extensive first-aid kit and satellite communication device (InReach Explorer).
For Yosemite National Park Treks: Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite.
A discount of 10% off any TrekSierra trip after your first!
Previous backpacking experience is recommended. The ability to carry an overnight backpack for up to 7 miles a day with 1000-2000 feet of elevation gain for multiple days in a row. Very good physical condition required.
Due to the high costs of outfitter/guide and government permits, all deposits are non refundable. We will attempt to reschedule you with a $100 per person change of date fee. In the unlikely event that TrekSierra must cancel a program you may reschedule for no fee or have your deposit refunded. No refunds will be made due to weather or route conditions. TrekSierra is not responsible for additional expenses incurred in preparing for a trip, including but not limited to: non-refundable airline tickets, equipment purchases, medical expenses, and hotel reservations. TrekSierra strongly encourages participants to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Coverage should include trip cancellation, baggage loss, non-refundable airline tickets, accident/life coverage, and travel days. TrekSierra also encourages participants to purchase medical, disability, life, and rescue insurance. TrekSierra does not provide any such insurance coverage and participants acknowledge it is their own responsibility to acquire insurance for themselves. All fees are due 30 days prior to departure date. Full refunds less a $250.00 registration fee are available more than 30 days prior. 50% refunds are given within 20-30 days of departure. No refunds are given within 20 days of the departure date. All refund requests must be received in writing/email. Late payments may result in the cancellation of a reservation with no refund given. No refunds will be given if any participants cannot complete the trip or end the trip early.