I regularly work with the Golden Trout ("GT") workshop organization as a volunteer to help arrange the workshops. This web page has some of the photos I've taken while participating at these workshops, as well as some information about the camp for those who might be interested in participating with or supporting the GT organization.
The Camp is located in the Golden Trout Wilderness, from which it gets its name. (These are not fishing workshops, although some do enjoy that activity at the camp and nearby lakes.) The Camp is situated at the southern border of the John Muir Wilderness in California's Sierra Nevada range, and most of the hikes are in that Wilderness area. Lone Pine, California is the closest town. From Lone Pine, one drives up the Horseshoe Meadow road and then hikes 3 easy miles to the camp, which is at an elevation of 10,000 feet. This is a wilderness camp. You won't have to turn your cell phones off to avoid the outside world from disturbing your wilderness experience. (There is no reception at camp, though the first or second day we usually hike to an Owens Valley overlook that does have reception.)
For a small map of the area, click here. The hike in is highlighted in yellow, and the map scale is 1 inch = 1 mile. For those who want to see what I typically take in, see my pack list.
These workshops provide access to the High Sierra wilderness with significantly more comfort than backpacking provides. Sharing this experience with like-minded people who also have common interests in the workshop subjects, provides for a very enjoyable and stimulating week. At a price of only $525, this is a bargain.
Daily activities at the workshops include hikes to destinations that are usually 1 to 4 miles from camp. These locations provide a wide selection of natural beauty. All activities are, of course, optional. Some prefer to quietly enjoy the wilderness by spending time by Cottonwood Creek, which flows through the camp.
For the Golden Tout Camp Workshops web page,
click here.
For GT area photos (most from the southern end of the John Muir Wilderness)
click here.
Roy Harrington and Greg Byers set up during the 2006 photo workshop.
Hope to see you at one of our workshops.
Paul Roark