Volunteer Backcountry Work Week: Little Whitney Meadow Wilderness Fence Removal
Join Friends of the Inyo and the Inyo National Forest for a backcountry volunteer trip in the White Mountains from July 23rd – 27th, 2026!
THIS TRIP IS NOW FULL. Please email izzy@friendsoftheinyo.org with “Whitney Fence Removal Project” in the subject to join the waitlist.
The mission!
This may be the most physically challenging stewardship trip yet! Volunteers will hike 15 miles deep into the beautiful and remote Golden Trout Wilderness and spend 3 nights camped along Golden Trout Creek, home of the California state fish: the Golden Trout. Volunteers will work for two and a half days on dismantling and removing obsolete barbed wire fencing and repairing trail infrastructure in Little Whitney Meadow. The first day, July 23rd, will be for travel and hike to the camp site. Fence removal will be done over two and a half days, followed by a half day of rest/free exploration and fishing on Golden Trout Creek, Volcano Creek, or other sights. All camp gear and tools will be packed in by USFS mules.
Work will be physically demanding, with plenty of breaks, and time to enjoy the wilderness area as well. Work days will mostly be from 9:00am – 4:30pm. Tasks will involve cutting and rolling up barbed wire, pulling up t-posts, and digging out and/or sawing wooden corner braces. The debris will be moved to a dedicated stash site to be hauled out from the wilderness at a later date by packstock. In addition to fence removal, volunteers will also help repair trail infrastructure including stock fences and gates along the trails leading into the meadow.
This project is open to any volunteers with an interest in backcountry volunteer work and a physical ability to hike long distances and perform physical work in a remote setting.
Why fence removal?
These fences were constructed to manage livestock when the area had active grazing and were in use until 2000, after which livestock were removed from this area. The fences have been deteriorating in wilderness and are in non-functional condition. This fence debris not only impairs the wilderness character of the area and impedes recreational access to the creek, it also presents an entrapment hazard for wildlife that utilize these meadows.
Project Timing
Volunteers will meet at the Cottonwood Pass Trailhead at the end of Horseshoe Meadows Road on the morning of Thursday July 23rd. From there, we will hike about 15 miles into Little Whitney Meadow, where we will set up camp and stay for 4 nights. Volunteers should expect to camp at Horseshoe Meadows the night of the 22nd.
Pack Support & Gear
This trip will be supported by US Forest Service mules! Mules will be able to pack in all tents, camping equipment, clothing, boots and workwear, as well as food. With some limited exceptions, gear will need to be dropped off by July 22nd in order to be packed in.
All tools will be provided by the Forest Service and Friends of the Inyo, but volunteers will be expected to have sturdy hiking boots, long sleeves and long pants, and appropriate gear for potential rain. Volunteers should bring their own camping gear, food and cookware. Bear resistant canisters will be provided. Waterproof boots are strongly recommended for working in the meadow.
THIS TRIP IS NOW FULL. Please email izzy@friendsoftheinyo.org with “Whitney Fence Removal Project” in the subject to join the waitlist.
To support effective project planning, we ask that volunteers commit to a work week only if they are confident they can participate as scheduled. Last-minute changes can impact the success of the project, and we appreciate your reliability and consideration.
