Home / All Programs / Backpacking & Hiking / Cottonwood Pass to Shepard Pass
Cottonwood Pass to Shepard Pass
$1,495.00


Dates
- July 26-31, 2025
This route includes the Pacific Crest Trail, the John Muir Trail, and the summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the continental US! We start at the Cottonwood Pass trailhead and finish at the Shepard Pass trailhead. We will pick you up at the end of the trip and bring you back to your vehicles.
Inclusions
Price includes guiding, permits, tents, kitchen gear, shuttles, breakfasts, lunches, dinners and a resupply. The shuttle is included in your trip price and is organized by SMC. Our meals are healthy and prepared by your guide before the trip. We use good quality dehydrated ingredients to make a variety of delicious, protein-packed meals. We rarely serve pre-packaged dehydrated meals.
Prerequisites
Prior-day hiking experience is required. No prior overnight experience is required but you need to be in good physical condition, able to walk 13 miles, and gain up to 3,000 feet daily while carrying a multi-day backpack.
Acclimatization & Physical Training
For proper acclimatization, we suggest spending at least one night at a moderate altitude, higher than 8,000 feet, just prior to the start of the journey. See our detailed tips on acclimatizing an physical training in the “Resources” tab.
Day 1
We meet early in the morning at the Cottonwood Pass Trailhead, do introductions, divide up group gear and food, do a full pack check and then hike from the trailhead up and over Cottonwood Pass and descend a little over about a half mile to Chicken Springs Lake, our first night’s camp. There will be plenty of time in camp to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
5 miles, 1,400 ft of elevation gain
Day 2
We leave camp and, after a short initial climb, much of the day is relatively flat or downhill. We contour above Big Whitney Meadow with views towards the Kaweah Range. After entering Sequoia Kings National Park, we continue to the lower crossing of Rock Creek.
10.5 miles, 600′ of elevation gain
Day 3
Our day starts with a climb over Guyot Pass and into the wide open spaces of Guyot Flat. Staying near tree line, we climb and contour around into Crabtree Meadows. We now turn towards Mt. Whitney and steadily climb to camp overlooking Guitar Lake (11,460’).
10 miles, 3,100 ft of elevation gain
Day 4
We allow all day for the ascent to the summit of Mt. Whitney and the return to camp. Today we ditch the big packs and travel with a light day pack leaving camp set up for our return. There are numerous switchbacks up to Trail Crest (13,550’), where we meet others coming up the east side trail. The summit comes into view but the thin air limits our ability to move speedily. With slow but steadily progress, before long we will be on top and enjoying the views in all directions. After summit photos and maybe even relaxing on top on huge flat rock slabs, we retrace our steps down the mountain to Guitar Lake.
9 miles, 3,200 ft of elevation gain
Day 5
Heading north we follow the JMT over several small passes past Wallace and Wright Lakes, curve around Tawney Point, and camp in Tyndall Creek for the night.
10 miles, 1,900 ft of elevation gain
Day 6
This is a big day so be prepared for an early start. We follow up Tyndall Creek into its headwaters high above tree line and then gain Shepherd Pass at 12,000 feet. The views of the Owens Valley far below are stunning as we start our long descent of 6,300 feet to the trailhead. Here we have a shuttle arranged to take you back to the vehicles at Cottonwood.
14 miles, 1,900 ft of elevation gain, 6,300 ft of elevation loss
Links
- Custom Trip Link - delete if trip does not need
Rental Equipment
We have rental equipment available at checkout.
Reviews
Paul, Evolution Loop Backpacking Trip
“I went on the 6-day Evolution Loop backpacking trip. I had the time of my life. The scenery was stunningly beautiful. Our guides kept us safe, prepared excellent meals, and were very knowledgeable about the area. They were friendly and kept us informed about what to expect each day. I only wish the trip lasted more days. I’ll be back for more.”
More Reviews
Brecken, Women’s Beginning Backpacking
“This service is great! I talked at length prior to the trip with the office staff on several different occasions. They answered all my questions and made me feel comfortable with the decision to take the trip. They were always so happy to chat at length. It was easy to book and the service was perfect!”
Ken, John Muir Trail
“SMC and it’s staff were completely responsible for making my JMT trip such a wonderful experience. Very competent and helped me prepare for the journey from their wealth of experience and expertise! Highly recommend this company to anyone looking for an adventure in the Sierra!”
Collette, Death Valley Backpacking
“Death Valley backpack with SMC guide Larry Gumina was exceptional!! He made awesome dinners and guided through exciting conditions (running creeks!). What a trip!!”
Related Trips
- $6,475
- 26 Days
- 2025: August 10 - September 4 (3 spots left!)
- 2026: July 5 - 30 | August 2 - 27 | August 30 - Sept 24
- $895
- 3 Days
- 2025: June 13-15 | June 27-29 | July 4-6 | July 25-27 | August 8-10 | August 22-24 | September 5-7 | September 19-21
- $1,495
- 6 Days
- 2025: June 19-24 | July 3-8 | August 15-20 | September 12-17
- $895
- 3 Days
- 2025: May 23-25 | June 14-16 | June 27-29 | July 25-27 | August 23-25
- $895
- 3 Days
- 2025: June 20-22 | July 11-13 | July 19-21 | August 1-3 | August 16-18 | September 13-15 | September 26-28
- $985
- 3 Days
- We are able to apply for Half Dome permits. contact us to get on our Half Dome call list.
- $895
- 3 Days
- 2025: June 13-15 | June 27-29 | July 4-6 | July 18-20 | August 8-10 | September 5-7
- $895.00
- 3 Days
- 2025 - June 20-22 | July 11-13 | July 18-20 | Aug 15-17 | Aug 29-31 | Sep 12-14 | Sep 26-28