Kings Canyon National Park Advanced backpacking
Spend five nights, six days exploring Kings Canyon National Park’s backcountry!
TRIP DATES:
July 7 – 12, 2027
August 4 – 9, 2027
Trip Length
6 Days
$2250 Per Person
Spend six days exploring ~40 miles of Kings Canyon’s beautiful backcountry. Explore the biggest trees in the world, one of the deepest canyons in the US, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states, and more!
You’ll meander through beautiful canyons and meadows, climb steep mountain passes, and experience breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada peaks on this unforgettable journey.
Activities
- Backpacking
Included
- Medically-trained, naturalist guides
- Round-trip transportation from Fresno
- Accommodations as outlined below
- All group camping gear
- All meals as outlined below
- Park entry fees
Not Included
- Flights
- Sleeping bag (available to rent for $50)
- Gratuity for your guide
Weather
Summer in the Sierra Nevada is beautiful and can be warm. Expect daytime temperatures to reach into the 80s and nighttime temperatures to remain comfortable in the 50s.
Intensity- Strenuous
Demanding and intense physical activity. Very challenging trails with steep ascents, rugged terrain, and potentially hazardous conditions. Expect challenging hiking for up to 10 hours per day, up to 15 miles. Only for highly experienced and physically fit individuals.
Accommodations
- Double Occupancy Tent
Flights
Your guide will meet you at Fresno-Yosemite International Airport in Fresno, CA at 10:00 AM on Day 1, so please book a flight that arrives by 9:00 AM. Alternatively, you can be collected at your accommodation in Fresno at 9:00 AM if you are already in town.
Your trip ends back at Fresno-Yosemite International Airport at around 4 PM on Day 5. Please book a flight that leaves after 6:00 PM to ensure you have enough time to check-in. Alternatively, you can be dropped at your accommodations in Fresno if you are staying in town.
Embark on an unforgettable backpacking journey in the company of a small, like-minded group. Book your expedition with Good Trip Adventures and create memories amidst the wonders of this iconic National Park.
Day One
Your adventure begins! You’ll make the ~2.5 hour drive into Kings Canyon National Park to begin your backpacking adventure. After a quick pack shakedown to make sure you have everything you need, we’ll begin our day with a ~6 mile hike with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. You’ll pass beautiful Mist Falls as you travel through a deep canyon with granite peaks surrounding you. Settle into your campsite as you enjoy a delicious camp meal.
Meals: L, D
Day Two
Rise and shine early this morning to a delicious camp breakfast to fuel you for a big day of hiking. Today you’ll continue hiking ~8 miles through the heart of Kings Canyon to your next campsite. You’ll see meandering waterways, towering pines, and beautiful Sierra Nevada peaks. Throughout the day, your guide will tell you all about the local flora and fauna, as well as the history of Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Three
Begin your morning with a hearty meal and some guided stretching before ~5 miles to our next campsite. You may choose to jump in the alpine lakes that surround you or add some bonus miles to your day by hiking some additional day hikes. Regardless of what you choose, you’re sure to be in awe of the gorgeous Sierra Nevada mountains that surround you.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Four
Today is the day to go up and over Glenn Pass! You’ll hike a total of ~6 miles up and over Glenn Pass, where you’ll get a new vantage point of the lakes you splashed in the day prior. You’ll slowly start to make your descent on the other side of Glenn Pass. This evening, reward yourself with a hearty camp dinner.
Meals: B, L, D
Day Five
Today we continue our long downhill journey. You’ll meander down ~9 miles, along waterways and beautiful forests. We’ll make stops along the way for snacks and lunch before setting up our final camp for the evening. Your guide will facilitate meaningful reflections on all that was accomplished during this challenging but rewarding backpacking trip over a final, delicious camp meal.
Meals: B, L, D
Day six
Rise and shine this morning for your last day of backpacking! Your pack will be light and your head full of amazing memories made during this adventure. Your final day will consist of an easier ~6 miles to the vehicle. We’ll have a final lunch before saying “goodbye for now!” to all of our newfound friends. You’ll be transferred back to Fresno for your departing flight.
Meals: B, L
*Itinerary is subject to change due to park conditions, trail and road closures, safety concerns, and timing adjustments. Your guide will always work with you to provide the best experience and keep you informed of any changes in plans.
Packing LIst
Required Gear
- Luggage (can be left in the vehicle, 1 small suitcase per person)
- Reusable water bottles (3L total capacity)
- 60-70L Backpacking pack
- Sleeping bag (also available to rent)
- Headlamp
- Lip balm with SPF
- Lightweight dish or bowl
- Eating utensil
Recommended Gear & Personal Items
- Sunscreen
- Earplugs
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries (please choose biodegradable and scent-free items)
- Small, personal first aid kit (including blister treatment)
- Pee cloth
- Journal + pen
- Trekking poles
Required Clothing
- Warm jacket (down, puffy, fleece)
- Rain jacket or shell
- Breathable wicking base layers
- Lightweight hiking pants or shorts
- Warm clothes to sleep in
- Warm hat
- Sun hat with a brim
- Wool socks (1 pair per day of trip)
- Hiking boots or trail runners
- Sunglasses
Recommended Clothing
- Rain pants
- Buff or neck scarf
- Comfortable clothes for the evenings
- Sandals or camp shoes
Trip FAQ’s
What will we eat?
Who else will be there?
We get families, couples and friends, but most of our travelers come solo! We have hiking trips for all abilities, just make sure to review the Intensity section for information about what to expect on your trip. All group multi-day trips are 18+. If you’re traveling with kids, we’d be happy to make any itinerary private! Email info@goodtripadventures.com.
Do I need to tip my guide?
Tipping is a common way to say thanks to your guides for all their hard work. While it’s never expected, it’s always appreciated! A good rule of thumb is to tip 10-20% of the total trip cost, split among the guides. Alternatively, many guests choose to tip $25-$50 per day, per guide. You can either autopay gratuity when checking out, or you can pay the guide in person. Ultimately, the amount is up to you and should reflect the level of service you feel you received. Whatever you choose, the guides will appreciate it!
Do you offer payment plans?
Are there age requirements?
If you have someone under 18 in your group, we can accommodate all ages on a private adventure, so let’s talk!