“Keep close to nature’s heart…and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” — from John of the Mountains
We serve a number of the designated willderness areas of the eastern Sierra Mountains. Our primary location is in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness area of the Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest. The Sierra Nevada range contains one of the longest stretches of protected wilderness in the lower 48 states. From the Granite Chief and Desolation wilderness near Lake Tahoe to the Carson-Iceberg, Emigrant, Hoover and Ansel Adams wilderness and further south to the John Muir, Golden Trout and South Sierra wilderness areas The Eastern Sierras Wilderness Areas consist of hundreds of thousands of acres of majestic mountains, pristine waters, and abundant wildlife.
The scenery alone is worth the trip, but whether you’re a fisherman, a photographer or just have a desire to get away and leave footprints where very few travel, our outfitters will get you there.
The Paiute Cutthroat Trout is native only to Silver King Creek, a tributary of the Carson River in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. JC High Country is contracted by the Western Native Trout Initiative to assist with preserving the Paiute Cutthroat Trout in its native habitat.
Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Come join us for the time of your life in California’s High Sierras. Our wilderness guides will provide you with memories you’ll treasure for the rest of your life.
Several of our photos are from the September 2019 reintroduction into Silver King Creek. All photos are courtesy of California Department of Fish and Wildlife. (CDFW Photo/Travis VanZant)
“The Paiute Cutthroat Trout is native only to Silver King Creek, a tributary of the Carson River in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. It is believed that the Paiute evolved from a sub-population of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout that became isolated in the creek.”
“Paiutes have a purple coloration, and they are distinguished from other cutthroat species because they lack most body spots. They grow to a maximum size of 10 inches and weigh up to 1 pound. This Trout is a federally listed threatened species and one of the first animals in the nation listed as endangered in 1967. In 1975, the species was downlisted to federally threatened to allow for a special rule that would facilitate management of the species by the State of California. The only populations of Paiute Cutthroat Trout in the Silver King Creek basin used to exist upstream of their native range, isolated from non-native trout by barrier waterfalls. Preservation and re-introduction conducted over the past 4 decades by California Department of Fish and Wildlife, successfully restored populations of Paiute Cutthroat Trout to the headwaters of Silver King Creek.
In September 2019, California Department of Fish and Wildlife reintroduced genetically pure Paiute Cutthroat Trout to the 11-mile stretch of Silver King Creek between Llewellyn Falls and Snodgrass Creek that represents almost the entirety of the fish’s historic range. Restoring Paiute Cutthroat Trout to their native Silver King Creek nearly doubles the amount of habitat available to the fish and is considered key to their long-term survival and potential delisting.”
Source: Western Native Trout Magazine
Here are three more links to the US Department of Fish and Wildlife about the Paiute Trout and Endangered Species Restoration projects. Joe Cereghino is mentioned specifically for his contributions in the October 2017 article:
Endangered Species Day Recognition Day – May 21, 2021
Paiute Cutthroat Trout – April 16, 2014
Paiute Cutthroat Relocation: A Return to the Wilderness – October 26, 2017
FIRE SERVICE LOGISTICS
JC High Country contracts with the Forestry Service and the California Conservation Corps to provide transportation of equipment and provisions to the firefighters on the front lines of the fires.
We are doing our part for the front line firefighters to prevent and fight wildfires. The past few years have been really difficult on the men battling these disasters.
WORKING WITH THE ECOLOGISTS
Biologists empty milk cans that carry Paiute Cutthroat Trout by mules from Coyote Valley Creek to Silver King Creek. JC High Country portages the Service staff, their equipment AND the Fish high into the Sierras to help these endangered species of trout that were one of the first endangered species on the domestic list.
It’s quite gratifying to watch the release of this endangered native species.
HUNTING GUIDES
We’re serious about our endeavors, and although hunting is not for everyone, it is a staple of our trade. We have guides who will take you into the X8 Hunting Zone where the big game is, and if you’re a serious hunter, that’s what is most important.
Guided Hunting
Photography
Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
FISHING IN THE BACK COUNTRY
A fishing trip can be customized. Both the novice and the experienced angler can enjoy these high country lakes and streams. The fish are always biting up here! We know all the best spots, some of the best fly fishing anywhere.
Fully Guided Fishing Trips
Carson-Iceberg Wilderness
Emigrant Wilderness
CAMPING AND HORSE PACKING
All our Camping and packing trips are unique can be customized. Both the novice and the experienced hikers can enjoy these high country excursions. We pack in all your gear, whether your up for a week or a month.
Guided Camping, Hiking, Photography
Hoover Wilderness
Desolation Wilderness
EVERYTHING YOU NEED
We will accommodate your specific needs, all you need to do is is bring your personal items. All our pricing is custom; call us for a quote. As much as you want, as little as you need. Don’t forget your Camera!
Fully Guided Trips
Ansel Adams Wilderness
Mokelumne Wilderness
BACKPACKER OR DUNNAGE SERVICE
This service is popular with backpackers looking for an extended stay in the high country. Members of your group can ride or hike, we provide the transportation of your gear to a prearranged spot.
JC High Country delivers!
Thank you so much for your interest in JC High Country’s adventures & services. Almost everything we do is custom fitted to your requirements. Length of stay, numbers of guests, guest ages and experience all play into our services. In order to provide you the best service at the best prices, we’ll have more questions for you than you have for us before we can tell you what your time with us will cost.
If you have general questions or would like more information, please fill out the form below and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible. Note, as we are often out and about riding or packing in the mountains, we may not get right back to you, but we will as soon as we are in range to receive your information. If you’d prefer to chat on the phone, you can reach us at the number above, just click it on your mobile phone.
Outfitting you with adventures and memories for a lifetime.
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