Triple Divide Challenge
Summit high peaks and passes while exploring a remote corner of Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite National Park
Original price was: $2,150.$1,974Current price is: $1,974.
Backpack Yosemite Off-trail on the Triple Divide Challenge
Leave the crowds behind and find solitude in the high peaks of Yosemite National Park. Fewer than 1% of park visitors venture beyond the main roads to experience its remote peaks and passes. High in the Clark Range, far removed from the John Muir Trail, this ~50-mile loop crosses four mountain passes and grants access to five off-trail summits. Enjoy crisp alpine lakes, summit peaks with stunning vistas, marvel at midsummer wildflowers, and sleep out under the stars. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or still gaining experience, this trek is sure to challenge and inspire.
What’s included
- Transportation between Fresno/Clovis, CA area meeting point and trailhead
- Guided trek over 6 days to Yosemite National Park and Clark Range
- All meals and snacks while in the backcountry
- Backpack, tent, sleeping bag and pad if needed
- Personalized pack-check prior to departure
- Group gear and equipment
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Inspiration for a lifetime
What’s not included
- Meals in the front-country
- Lodging in the front-country, pre- or post-trek
How it works
A $500 deposit per person is required with balance due 60 days prior to the event. Typical group size of 7, including one guide. Maximum group size of 12, including two guides. An additional 5% charge will be applied when your reservation is made to offset new fees mandated by the National Park Service. Private, family and modified itinerary trips available through TSX Pods. Book with confidence! Review our flexible cancellation policy.
Itinerary
Evening before departure
On the evening before your trek start date, we’ll convene at 6:00pm for a one hour group orientation and pack-check in Clovis, CA. At orientation we’ll hand out backpacks, tents and sleeping bags to those who requested them. We’ll also get to know our team, preview the trail and talk safety.
Day 1 – Fernandez Trailhead to Lillian Lake (6 miles, +1,900 feet)
We are greeted on day one by a gentle uphill to get our trail legs under us. A slow climb out of the forest and into the subalpine brings us to the first night’s camp at Lillian Lake. Looming above camp are Gale and Sing peaks – two summits we may find ourselves on in just a few days’ time.
Day 2 – Post Peak Pass to Lake 10K (10.1 miles, +2,900 feet)
The trail continues to climb on day two, eventually reaching our first high pass of the trek, Post Peak Pass (10,900 feet), which marks the boundary of Yosemite National Park. Weather permitting, we will have the option to summit Post Peak (11,004 feet), which is just a short climb off-trail. Descending into the Merced River drainage, we will make camp near its headwaters at a high alpine lake with big views of the Clark Range.
Day 3 – Lake 10K to Lower Ottoway Lake (10.4 miles, +2,800 feet)
After a quick descent to ford the Triple Peak fork of the Merced River, we begin a steady ascent into the heart of the Clark Range. With big views of the Yosemite high country on display all day, we will crest the highest trail pass in the park, Red Peak Pass (11,158 feet). From here, we will have the option to drop packs and scramble up to Red Peak, a few hundred feet off-trail, for our second peak of the trip. A short descent off the pass brings us to our camp at Lower Ottoway Lake.
Day 4 – Merced Pass to Middle Chain Lake (9.6 miles, +1,400 feet, -1,000 feet)
Offering a change of pace from the last few days, rolling trail will take us quickly over Merced Pass (9,300 feet) and through large meadows. At camp, take time to fish, relax by the lake, or swim out to explore some large islands. Rising tall over camp is Gale Peak, one of our objectives for tomorrow. Over a hearty dinner, we will strategize and then get some rest for a day of bagging peaks ahead.
Day 5 – Triple Divide Traverse to Lady Lake (5.5 miles, +2,500 feet)
A day of off-trail adventure awaits. From camp, we will ascend the Northwest Ridge of Gale Peak and work our way to the summit. Next, we traverse high above the previous night’s camp over to Sing Peak. Take a moment to glance back at Gale and soak in the views. From here, we can almost see our entire route! Picking our way over talus and snow, we will reach Madera Peak, have a well-earned summit lunch, and begin our descent to camp.
Day 6 – Lady Lake to Fernandez Trailhead (4.5 miles, -1,500 feet)
We will meet back up with the same trail we hiked on day one, and it will feel like a breeze now that we have our mountaineering legs under us. After strolling past stands of Red Fir and Western White Pine, we will find ourselves back at the vehicles and on our way to a lunch stop before returning back to the Clovis/Fresno area.
Logistics
Departure and pickup locations
On the day of departure, TSX will coordinate transportation from Central California (Fresno/Clovis area) and our trailhead.
- Central California Pick-up Point: Clovis Cole Best Western, Clovis, CA – 5.00am
- Fernandez Trailhead (if local and prefer driving; address to be provided) – 8am
The specific departure time will be confirmed on a trek by trek basis. The Fresno/Clovis area is a 3 hour car drive from the Bay Area, and roughly 4 hours from Southern California. Meals are not provided when in transit, however, we will stop for food and to refuel before reaching the trailhead. Our goal is to make it to the trailhead in time to begin a late morning hike.
Pre- and post-trek accommodations (Out of State Guests)
For guest traveling in from out of state, we suggest flying into Fresno, CA the evening before departure and staying at the Best Western Clovis Cole, in historic downtown Clovis or Hampton Inn and Suites Clovis. Both are about a 10 minute cab/Uber ride from the airport. We can pick you up at the hotel on the morning of departure. If you plan on staying somewhere else, please let us know where you end up, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
At the trailhead
Bring your personal items and a positive attitude! All group gear and food will be provided on the trail. Any major personal gear you’ve indicated you’d like us to provide (sleeping bag, tents etc.) will be waiting for you at the trailhead. Please also bring a small bag with a clean set of clothes. Before we hit the trail, we’ll leave that bag at the cabin for optional showers after we exit.
Returning home
We plan on exiting the trail between 10am and 12pm on the last day of the trek. Please plan your return transportation accordingly. If flying out of Fresno on the same day, we suggest scheduling flights for departure no earlier than 4pm. Staying one additional night in the Clovis, Fresno or Shaver Lake area is also popular option. Expect to arrive back in Clovis by 3pm.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Don’t own a backpack, tent or sleeping bag? We provide all major gear for those who request it at no additional charge. We also take care of all group items like stoves, food, water filters, first aid and more. Your guides will do the cooking and dishes. Just show up with your personal items ready to hike!
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