Hey ladies! Longing for a mountain adventure or a chance to unplug from day to day city life? This is the trip for you! Immerse yourself in nature and deck yourself out in a Tera Kaia basewear set. Build lasting friendships with like minded outdoorswomen, and experience world class scenery on this three day backpacking trip. Sierra Mountain Center is partnering with Tera Kaia to provide a unique experience for lady adventurers of any level. We love this spectacular area of the Sierra Nevada near Mammoth Lakes with tall granite peaks and over ten shimmering alpine lakes.
No prior backpacking or hiking experience is required! All levels are welcome to slow down, relax, breathe, and absorb the natural world around you. This trip can be as educational or cruise control as you would like with knowledgeable female guides leading you along the trail. Our guides will teach you backcountry skills and knowledge to empower you to head out confidently and safely on your own the next time.
We will hike through breathtaking terrain including Thousand Island Lake and Garnet Lake. Along the way we will spot seasonal wildflowers as we learn about the local flora and fauna. Take plenty of photos to share with family and friends and enjoy a backcountry spa day complete with face masks and hiker mocktails.
We leave the trip with new friends and memories of bucket list destinations. We plan future adventures outside together, and head back to the city feeling accomplished and rejuvenated.
Day 1
We will meet in Mammoth Lakes for a meet and greet, coffee sponsored by Black Sheep Coffee Roasters, a Tera Kaia fitting and a gear check. We will take a shuttle to Agnew Meadows and hit the trail! We hike along the High Trail with magnificent views across the valley of the Minarets, Mount Ritter and Banner Peak. Our first camp is at the gorgeous Badger Lakes where we will enjoy a healthy, delicious dinner and an alpine swim in our new basewear at a gorgeous alpine lake!
Day 2
The sun greets us early here and after breakfast we head into one of the most lovely places in the Mammoth area. A short jaunt to the big expanse of Thousand Island Lake and views of Mount Ritter and Banner. We continue past a few other world class gems including Emerald Lake and Ruby Lake before arriving at camp at Garnet Lake. We get to camp early in the day and enjoy a backcountry spa day complete with facemasks and hiker mocktails.
Day 3
We leave camp early with lighter packs and follow Shadow Creek downstream to a short break at the glacier bowl holding beautiful Shadow Lake. We then follow the San Joaquin River past Sierra Junipers with their papery bark and spreading branches to the trailhead. We will shuttle back to our vehicles, exchange contacts with our new friends, and make future plans together.
Distances and Elevations
Day 1 – Trailhead to Badger Lakes, 6.5 miles, 1,900 feet of gain, 650 feet of down.
Day 2 – Badger Lakes to Garnet Lake, 4 miles, 800 feet of gain, 700 feet of down.
Day 3 – Garnet Lake to Trailhead, 7.5 miles, 900 feet of gain, 2,200 feet of down.
Program Prerequisites:
No prior experience is required though you should be in good physical condition and able to carry a pack with three days of equipment.
Program Inclusions:
Program Inclusions
- Tera Kaia Basewear – $125 value!
Toura Basewear Top or Mara High Cut Basewear Top
Brief or Thong Toura Basewear Bottoms
TK Kula Cloth
- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners! We can accommodate most dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Tents, kitchen gear, permits
- Expert advice to help you prepare both physically and mentally for the adventure of a lifetime
- Backcountry spa day & hiker mocktails
- Local coffee shop sponsorship
★ Please Read before you go ★
We feel the following information is essential... (links open as PDF in new window)
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Details, Itinerary, and Equipment List
Check out our Women on the Trail information sheet for more information on being in the wilderness as a woman.
- Our Covid-19 plan. Questions how it pertains to this program? Get in touch.
- Our Cancellation Policy
- Suggestions on preparation - get the most out of your trip!
- Tips on physical training for your trip
- LNT - Let's work together to protect our precious mountain environments.
PDF Maps:
Women's Beginning Backpacking map
Rental Equipment:
Need to rent equipment for your trip? We can help.
