Dust and Tribe
the wilderness teaches
- This event has passed.
D&T Grind: The Five Lakes Loop
September 2, 2022 - September 7, 2022
$400
Men and women 16+
All creeds welcome
Join us for our most ambitious backpacking trip ever as we spend five nights and six days in the subalpine glacial valley of Mineral King.
Located in the southern portion of Sequoia National Park, Mineral King was the historic summer home of the Yokut people who came to hunt and forage far from the simmering heat of the Central Valley. We will be traversing the storied Five Lakes Loop over the course of an adventure that is sure to test us on every level.
This is D&T Grind. And if you’re not up for a challenge, please sit this one out.
We believe that anybody can do anything with God’s permission and a commitment to do the work. At 30 miles and 10,000 feet of elevation gain, before asking us if this trip is right for you, ask yourself if you’re willing to train hard, take direction, and support your fellow travelers in doing the same.
If so, welcome to Mineral King!
This subalpine trek will require one day of acclimatizing at our basecamp off Mineral King Road. The next morning we make our way to the Timber Gap Trailhead to begin our ascent with views of the Great Western Divide, the Sierra range that separates Kings Canyon from Sequoia National Park. At points we will climb to a lung-busting 11,500 feet and you can expect predawn starts, exposed switchbacks, and numerous questions to yourself about why you signed up for misery.
But then you’ll see the pristine, trout-laden lakes, the creeks burbling across the trails, the stands of lodgepole pine and scattered fir forest, and the tremendous walls of granite that lean in like titanic sentinels protecting the valley from the unworthy. You will recognize that to be in this place in the company of believing folk is to be truly favored indeed. The pain will subside, but the memories you make here will flutter back to you unbeckoned in times of mirth and trial, reminding you of who you were in Mineral King.
And if you could be that once, with God’s permission you can be that always.
COVID-19: We are committed to keeping all participants healthy through smaller groups and the implementation of rigorous medical pre-screening. Once gathered, social distancing and the wearing of masks will neither be enforced nor discouraged.
Participants should be confident in their ability to carry 40 pounds while hiking up to 10 miles/day.
Only 3 spots remaining!
Book your spot with a 50% deposit ($200) that is fully refundable up to 60 days prior to our trip (refund deadline Monday 7/4/2022). Refunds will not be offered after the aforementioned date except in cases of a documented or suspected COVID infection within 14 days of our event.
Need gear? See our Rentals page for options.
Don’t want to hassle with food? We’re happy to put together a 2000 calorie/day vegetarian meal bundle to get you through the weekend. The bundle includes pasta and quinoa-based entrees, oatmeal, granola, and lots of chocolate, nut-butters, and fat-rich coconut strips to fuel your adventure. Note: please add two (2) orders to your cart to cover all six days on the trail!
Questions? Send us a message through our Contact Page