High Sierra Topix

If the key objective is climbing Whitney, then Kearsage Pass to Whitney Portal is great (we did it last summer: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8265" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;), but doesn't have too many options for doing a substantial portion off trail, other than day hikes to nearby peaks or basins like Wright/Wales Lakes. The first day to Kearsage Lakes isn't too bad if you acclimatize by camping at altitude the night before.

For a longer off trail portion, without a really hard pass, you might instead consider a loop from Horseshoe Meadows going through Miter Basin to Sky Blue Lake (viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6526" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and over the pass to Crabtree Lakes on the way to Whitney. Then head back via the trail and go out out Cottonwood Pass. That's really only a six day trip, but you could take an extra day to add a climb of Langley.

If you want a more ambitious trip taking the full 7 days (or preferably 8 days), then you could also loop down Wallace Creek to Kern Canyon and the hot springs, rather than going the short way back on the PCT.

The Lakes Trail -> Tablelands -> Pterodactyl Pass is a great way to start a trip. I like it because you get to my favorite type of scenery on day one, but you don't get beat down by the altitude. Off trail slabby meadows bursting with wildflowers green grass and bubbling creeks....good stuff.

From Pterodactyl the HST is right there if your group wants to get back on trail (with multiple options for joining up with it)....OR there are many many off trail routes to eventually get you to whitney. Expect to get to Pterodactyl by noon on day 2 for a relaxed, enjoyable, but consistent pace. If you get an early start, feel good, and are strong hikers, you could camp at lonely lake on day 1.

If the key objective is climbing Whitney, then Kearsage Pass to Whitney Portal is great (we did it last summer: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8265), but doesn't have too many options for doing a substantial portion off trail, other than day hikes to nearby peaks or basins like Wright/Wales Lakes. The first day to Kearsarge Lakes isn't too bad if you acclimatize by camping at altitude the night before.

Kearsarge to Whitney seems like a good fit for older, experienced scouts. There are in fact some good off trail options that would make for a memorable adventure. After Forester Pass, the kids could do a loop into Milestone Basin, in the upper reaches of the Kern watershed. There are trails here, but plenty of options for off trail hiking and peak bagging as well.

Another option is to hike into Center Basin, over Junction Pass, and then over Shepherd Pass. This avoids beautiful Forester Pass, but sets the kids up for some memorable peak opportunities -- Mt. Tyndall, Junction Peak, Diamond Mesa, Mt. Williamson. Most of this route is trailed, but it is lightly trafficked compared to the JMT.

Mike

Don't let anyone talk you out of The HST start at Crescent Meadow. The first day is not a slog; less than 2000 ft total gain to upper Hamilton (14 - 17mi, depending on which calculator you believe) most of it very gentle, and surprise views around every turn with increasing spectacle as you go, especially the approach to Valhalla.

For a good dose of crosscountry, side trips to Eagle Scout and Black Kaweah from upper Big Arroyo should satisfy. Problem with the other passes - Pants and Pyra-Queen - is that they cut the heart out of the trip: Big Arroyo, Moraine Lake, Kern Canyon. Second consideration is that W to E is the hard way for these: Pants Pass is so-called because that's the typical way down E to W. It can be done, but if its beyond just one of your group, you have to retreat the whole route, whereas a side trip summit or two doesn't risk the whole itinerary.