Wilderness Volunteers and the Sierra National Forest are hosting a volunteer vacation trail maintenance service project from August 5-11, 2012, in the John Muir Wilderness, working on the French Canyon Trail. Wilderness Volunteers is a nonprofit organization that organizes volunteer service in partnership with our National Forests.
This service project will focus on reconstructing eroded trails in the French Canyon area. Located on the eastern edge of the High Sierra Ranger district, the easiest access is from the eastern slope near Bishop, CA. We will backpack approximately 9 miles from the Pine Creek trailhead that climbs steeply up to Pine Creek Pass at 11,200′ and down into French Canyon and set up a base camp near Royce Falls adjacent to the project site.
We’ll select and roll granite boulders into place, sinking them as new steps into the trail, and backfill severely-eroded trail with crushed granite cobble and soil. Pack support will be provided for group food, commissary and tools. This trip is a great opportunity to experience the remote and spectacular Sierra Nevada Range, with plenty of wonderful hiking destinations to area peaks and snow melt lakes. Free days can be spent peak hiking, day hiking, swimming, fishing, or taking advantage of the stunning photography opportunities.
Of course, the Sierra National Forest is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and abundant natural resources, encompassing more than 1.3 million acres between 900 and 13,986 feet in elevation. In the high country, between the spectacular granite peaks, beautiful alpine landscape, rugged terrain and the altitude around 11,000′, it is literally breathtaking. Abundant fish and wildlife, varied mountain flora and fauna and numerous recreational opportunities make the Sierra National Forest an outdoor lover’s paradise.
The John Muir Wilderness sits in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, sandwiched between Yosemite National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. John Muir called these spectacular mountains the “Range of Light” for their sparkling white granite, glacial blue lakes, lush green meadows and earthy evergreen forests.
If you would like to take advantage of this amazing opportunity, please do so soon. These spaces are filling up fast. For information on volunteering and to register, visit Wilderness Volunteers.
