I backpacked solo in the John Muir Wilderness from August 12-19 2024. This wilderness area is part of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The main destination of my route was Bear Lakes Basin.
Check out my next video featuring Kings Canyon NP:
https://youtu.be/h5K0XI7q3dc?si=1Nd0BxzG-ju_JSvu
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/basin_and_range
(Hiking guide videos with commentary, GPX tacks, campsite coordinates, ad-free films and more)
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About the route:
I created a 61-mile figure-8 loop to access Bear Lakes Basin from the west side of the mountains starting at lake Thomas A Edison. It’s a very remote area, you need a reliable car to reach the trailhead.
The route includes a 19 mile section of the John Muir Trail, and diverges at Marie Lake. I would bring micro spikes if you want to do Granite bear pass, it’s usually filled in with snow. I didn’t bring them so had to take a different pass. Seven Gables pass is made of tall class 2 ledges that form a giant staircase descending 1,000 feet. It has some seasonal snow chutes at the top which might require micro spikes in a higher snow year or earlier in the season.
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Disclaimers:
This video is for entertainment and inspiration only—it is not intended as a guide or trip report. Always research mountain passes before heading out, and consider taking a mountaineering course or going with someone more experienced. Attempt hikes like this responsibly and at your own risk.
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Print shop:
https://basinandrange.myshopify.com/
http://instagram.com/alisha.maddy
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Music:
1. Stories of Old by Dreyma
2. Hymn to Eternity by Dreyma
3. Relaxing Nylon Guitar Music by JASA Productions
4. Edge of Silence by Dreyma
5. Spiritual Viking Music by JASA Productions
6. The Karth River by Dreyma
7. Peaceful Landscape Music by JASA Productions
8. Winterhold by Dreyma
9. The Forgotten by JASA Productions
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Timestamps:
00:00 Day 1 - Bear Creek to JMT
2:25 Day 2 - Three Island Lake
5:15 Day 3 - Seven Gables Pass
8:48 Day 4 - Bear Lakes Basin
11:31 Day 5 - Granite Bear and Feather Pass
15:09 Day 6 - Piute Canyon
17:20 Day 7 - Marie Lake
19:01 Day 8 - Bear Ridge
20:17 Conclusion
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Shot on Sonya7rIII, Sony G F4 24-105mm, and iPhone 15 pro max