Big Tablelands Loop – 7 Day / 6 Night

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

Status: Open

Entry — Exit July 20th
July 26th

Rating 2C.3

Cost/Person $2,625* *Discounts Available

Overview

This 7-day, 6-night capstone experience is a week-long expedition through the heart of the Southern Sierra. The route begins in dense timber, descending into a massive, roaring river drainage before climbing steeply into high-altitude granite expanses. This itinerary offers the most dramatic transitions of any trip we offer: from the lush ecosystem of a deep river valley to the stark, moon-like beauty of the Tablelands. Sleep locations shift from forested riverbanks to exposed, isolated lakes above the tree line.

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: 2C.3

2: High volume. Includes a 9+ mile day and consistent movement over a week.
C: Significant vertical relief. The route drops deep into a river canyon before climbing back to 10,000+ ft.
.3: Advanced Terrain. Involves off-trail navigation and scrambling over granite passes.

Challenge Area

Endurance & Adaptability. This trip requires managing your energy over seven days. You will face a 9-mile day, a steep canyon climb, and technical off-trail movement all in one week. The transition from the heat of the canyon floor to the exposure of the high tablelands requires adaptability in both layering and mindset.

Goals of the Trip

Expedition Mindset: Learn to manage self-care, hygiene, and gear over a sustained duration.
Technical Competence: Apply off-trail movement skills in a high-consequence environment.
Deep Immersion: Disconnect completely. Seven days allows the brain to fully reset from the front-country noise.

Daily Rhythm

Day 1 We climb from the trailhead through red fir forests, gaining elevation to reach our first camp near an alpine lake.

Day 2 A high-volume day. We drop over 3,000 ft into a major river canyon, transitioning from the high country down to the vibrant life of the valley floor.

Day 3 We travel up-canyon, paralleling the rushing water through deep, forested basins. This is a day to appreciate the scale of the wilderness.

Day 4 We leave the valley floor to access high perched lakes. The trail ends here, and we shift to off-trail movement to reach a secluded hanging valley.

Day 5 The technical crux. We navigate expansive granite tablelands and scramble over a high pass. Balance and route-finding are key as we cross the stone plateau to camp above 10,000 ft.

Day 6 We continue cross-country, connecting alpine water sources before dropping off the high shelf back toward the timber line.

Day 7 (Exit) We rejoin established paths for the final miles, closing the loop and returning to the vehicles.

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.

ℹ️

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 Pricing Structure

• 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 Application

Applications 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.