Alpine Lake Intro – 3 Day / 2 Night
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Overview
This 3-day, 2-night route is designed as a welcoming introduction to backcountry living, balancing physical effort with ample time to relax. The journey moves from quiet forests into open meadows, eventually reaching a high mountain bowl surrounded by granite peaks. Camping locations transition from a protected wooded site to an open area near alpine lakes. The pace is intentional and unhurried, allowing the group to focus on conversation, camp meals, and simply being present in nature.
Rendezvous & Coordination
Exact meeting times and logistical coordination will be provided upon enrollment. This trip will enter the backcountry from the Lodgepole Visitor Center area.
The FMF Rating: 1B.1
- 1: Moderate distance. The exit day requires 6–7 miles of hiking.
- B: Moderate vertical gain. Expect approximately 1,600 ft of elevation gain on the climbing day.
- .1: Established Trail. Footing is solid; no hand-over-hand climbing required.
Challenge Area
Sustained Descent & Altitude. While the pace is leisurely, the final day involves walking downhill for several hours. This can be tiring for the knees and joints. Additionally, sleeping at the high camp is at higher elevation, which can sometimes make sleep a little lighter than usual.
Goals of the Trip
- Camp Comfort: Learn to feel at home sleeping and eating outside.
- Connection: Build genuine friendships with the team during downtime.
- Pacing: Practice finding a walking rhythm that feels sustainable and enjoyable.
Daily Rhythm
Gear
What We Provide
- The Education: Access to the FMF Backcountry Course and the Fitness Protocol immediately upon booking.
- Gear Library: Loaner equipment available at no extra cost. We are here to fill the gaps in your personal system.
- Complete Nutrition: Select your Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner options from our backpacker-specific menu, calculated for this trip's effort level.
- Group Systems: We provide the stoves, fuel, bear canisters, and water filtration systems for the entire team.
- Backcountry Permits: Hiking permits are managed by Five Miles Further.
What You Provide
- Personal Clothing: You bring the layers. A detailed packing list is provided upon booking.
- Sleeping Bag: Please provide a bag rated for the season. If obtaining a bag is a barrier, please let us know—we have solutions.
- Supplemental Snacks: While we provide the main calories, bring your favorite specific trail treats.
- Transportation: You are responsible for getting to and from the trailhead. We provide logistics assistance and help coordinate carpools.
- Park Pass: Participants are responsible for park gate entry fees or to have their own National Parks pass.
Gear Library: Don't let gear be the barrier. We maintain a limited library of loaner equipment (tents, packs, sleep systems) available on a first-come, first-served basis. If fully allocated at the time of your enrollment, we will assist you in coordinating rentals from third-party retailers.
Who Walks With Us
"What a wonderful trip! Our guide, Lee, was so knowledgeable and helped us find the perfect backpacking trail."
– Chris S., Google Review
"Lee and Gigi were the best! They really helped the group power through the tougher parts while still being in the moment."
– Karina R., Google Review
• Multi-Person Discount: 10% off for parties of 2 or more (must enroll in one transaction).
• Youth (16 and below): 25% off.
Ready to Apply?
Seats are limited to ensure a low guide ratio.
Start ApplicationApplications Note: Application does not guarantee placement. Our top priority is a safe, excellent backcountry experience for the entire team. We review all applications to assess ability and ensure participants are matched with the most suitable itinerary.
Placement and loaner gear are secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Successive applicants will be placed on a waitlist. If loaner gear is fully allocated at the time of your enrollment, we will assist you in coordinating rentals from third-party retailers.