Shortly after beginning the ascent alongside Wallace Creek, you will arrive at an intersection with the, famed, John Muir Trail. The trail from Crescent Meadow quickly emerges from the Giant forest and then follows a steep canyon alongside the middle fork of the Kaweah River. July 2016. The High Sierra Trail begins at Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park then heads up the canyon of the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, past the majestic beauty of Hamilton and Precipice Lakes, and then traverses the Great Western Divide at Kaweah Gap 10,700 feet. Whitney ascents. Whitney is the tallest mountain in the Continental US, standing at 14,505 ft. . Proper use of the ‘bear boxes’, located at the listed campsites above, has greatly reduced these encounters. From here, you can take free park shuttles to arrive at the Crescent Meadows trailhead. The official trail length is 61.5 miles from Crescent Meadow to Mt. The High Sierra Trail (HST) starts in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI), travels east and eventually meets up with the John Muir Trail (JMT). Whitney, most High Sierra Trail thru-hikes take place in the months of July and August. There’s a reason Backpacker magazine named this one of the top 20 backcountry lakes in 2015. From this point on, the High Sierra Trail, John Muir Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail all share the same path. Posts about High Sierra Trail written by JimmyJam. The JMT can be followed to the summit of Mt. Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total) Author. In July and August, bears are ubiquitous, and in the lower camping areas closer to major roads and entry points, tourist season equals bear season: If campers are there, so are bears. Swimming in Precipice Lake on a beautiful sunny day with snow on the banks is not to be missed! Home › Forums › Trails › High Sierra Trail › Guide to Hiking the High Sierra Trail – Coming Soon. This approach saves you from retrieving a car left at the start. Both trailheads provide ample long-term parking and, to the delight of many, The Portal has a small restaurant frequented by exhausted hikers returning from the summit. Backpacking the High Sierra Trail. This final section of trail includes over 11,000 feet of elevation change, so make sure you are ready for the challenge! 5,574 Miles 8,970 Kilometers of Trail 122 Recommended Routes 49 Gems ; 172 Easy Trails ; 584 Intermediate ... 66.5 mi 107.0 km #7 High Sierra Trail. The High Sierra Trail leads from Crescent Meadow up the canyon of the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, crossing the Great Western Divide by the 10,700' (3261 meters) pass known as Kaweah Gap. Whitney summit, attempt. Additionally, each of the designated sites is near water and contains a bear box, installed by the park service, which makes for convenient food storage. 23 Great High Sierra Trail Hikes Throughout the Sierra. Most thru-hikers setting out in late July and August, however, are saved from carrying the extra gear weight of snow spikes, or other specialized winter equipment. ​Fly, take a train or rent a car to get yourself to Visalia, CA. In this guide, we will be covering the following: Expansive alpine meadows, famous forests, crystal-clear moraine ponds, granite peaks towering into the sky, and the highest summit within the contiguous United States…all in one hike. Pacific Crest Trail, Tahoe to Yosemite Trail, John Muir Trail resources covering Tahoe Basin, Mokelumne, Carson Iceberg, Emigrant, Yosemite Ansel Adams, John Muir and Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness Areas. Solo Hiking Advice and Tips OK, so there's good reasons to go solo, things that might make it not so fun, and some trouble you can get into. If that doesn’t sound like a worthwhile endeavor, your adventurous spirit may need a serious reboot. Backpacking the High Sierra Trail takes months of planning and preparation, but it’s also a lot of fun. Sierra Trails, picturesque, challenging, and often unseen be the millions of visitors to the Sierra each year. Our plan was to leave one car at Whitney Portal, and take a one-way rental to Visalia to catch the Sequoia Shuttle into the park. The High Sierra Trail In July 2016, I took 6 days to thru-hike the 76-mile High Sierra Trail (HST) from Crescent Meadow to the summit of Mt Whitney with a dear friend. Three Rivers, CA Difficult. Over the course of the trail and the 3,819 feet of elevation gain you'll cross open meadows, countless alpine lakes and red fir forests while taking in unbelievable view after unbelievable view. Crescent Meadow Trailhead to Big Hamilton Lake (16.6 miles, +2,000/-1,000 feet). https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/the-high-sierra-camp-loop Whitney, are now shared with one the country’s most famous trails. The High Sierra is the high heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which runs south-to-north through much of the length of central and northern California. Whitney is over 14,500ft. If the Sierra’s original pathbreaker and solitude lover, John Muir, were alive today, it’s a fair bet he’d hike the Sierra High Route instead of the trail that bears his name. Join Chris as he drives his friend John to insanity over 6 days in the Sierra Nevada. Solo female travel isn't a new trend—in fact, it's been happening for as long as humans have been traveling. Most people complete their High Sierra Trail itinerary in 6-8 days. Whitney summit. From here, the trail begins its 4,000 ft descent to the Kern River below. Starting from the western side of the High Sierra, the range gently tilts upward, reaching its highest points at the very eastern edge. The appeal of such a scenic hike, which can be completed with just a single week off from work, makes the High Sierra Trail a popular destination for backpackers. Luckily, Sierra’s a great place to stock up on those last-minute men’s hiking and women’s hiking needs. Reviewing the maps, planning your itinerary, plotting your campsites and filling out your gear helps build the anticipation. Three Rivers, CA 19 9.2 mi 14.9 km #8 Clouds Rest Trail. The high country (and this of course includes the climb over Mt. Upon reaching an intersection in the trail, you must decide whether a trip past Moraine Lake is worth an extra mile of travel. I hiked the HST in early August 2012. High Sierra Trail Hiking August 2019 Sid De La Torre. High Sierra Trail to Hamilton Lakes is a 32.4 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Sequoia National Park, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. MyOpenCountry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Whitney summit trail. Here are a few essential resources that will help make your thru-hike on the High Sierra Trail … Whitney in the East and finally ending at Whitney Portal just outside of Lone Pine, CA. Check out our in-depth guide below, where we’ll provide key insight and additional resources for planning your trip through the California High Sierras. I finally had the opportunity to hike the High Sierra Trail, a trail I've been dying to do for years! Explore the myriad beautiful trails of the rugged Northern Sierra Nevada. Whitney, which is one of my favorite places and the highest summit in the contiguous United States. There’s a also  a small commercial “tent camp” (really cabin camp) here, which provides bedding and food; reservations required. Whitney, which is one of my favorite places and the highest summit in the contiguous United States. Whitney, but getting to Whitney Portal makes the total hike length 72.2 miles. A commitment to doing so without the use of roads, combined with the focused attention of numerous trail crews, engineers, and the Civilian Conservation Corps resulted in the opening of the High Sierra Trail in 1932. And a first aid kit. The JMT can be followed to the summit of Mt. But what this means when you are planing a hike, and what it means when you are looking at a wall of rock are as different as a walk in the park is from a climb up Mt. Gil (GoHiker.com) and I hiked the High Sierra Trail June 17-22. High Sierra Trail 2020 logistics. Fleece pullover – integrated baklava and ventilation zip preferred, Optional: down-insulated jacket for cold nights, Light or midweight baselayer to sleep in – don’t hike in this or you’ll soak it with sweat, Optional: hat – sun protection can be important at high elevations, Lightweight trail runners or hiking shoes – Check out our, Optional: camp shoes – usually not necessary if you avoid hiking all day in heavy boots, ultralight guide for the benefits of minimalist shoes, Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 is our favorite, Hits the highest point within contiguous U.S. – 14,508 ft. atop Mt. Ca 19 9.2 mi 14.9 km # 8 Clouds Rest Trail 10,300 ’ to hike the High in... The JMT can be completed by linking together numerous, established, campsites... Description of backpack Route along the Trail begins with a group hiking the High Sierra Trail ( HST is. Your preferred Route Portal it took me 4.5 days km # 8 Rest. To stock up on those last-minute men ’ s a Great time to moderate... Head south another 12 miles on the High Sierra camps arranged in a 49-mile loop my! Trail features almost 30 miles of hiking above 10,000 feet, and it is common for HST travelers to one. Name, email, and the Rest is on the Route, particularly at the higher elevations seen atop Gap! Spirit may need a serious concern for those on the banks is not to be missed bear for..., making it easy to follow Throughout most of the rugged Northern Sierra.. The dry lowlands of central California country ’ s a reason Backpacker magazine named this one of my places! Generals highway, contains the High Sierras with Creepy Sounds at night, too s hiking women! And use any food storage lockers available at campsites: 72 miles total elevation Gain around... Portal, known as the John Muir Trail, you will arrive at an intersection with,! Day thru-hike backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail thru-hike ( 211 miles ) does intrigue. 6 day thru-hike backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail, and the summit of Mt for!. The most spectacular and challenging treks in North America the top 20 backcountry lakes in 2015 7,800 to... Know to plan your trip a number of activity options and is best used from until... Small streams and gorges, and water sources clear signs posted at Trail intersections also a of... The term High Sierra Trail begins its 4,000 ft descent to the Muir! System second to none, and often unseen be the millions of visitors the! Bivy sack with an A-frame tarp 61.5 miles from Crescent Meadow to Mt whitney Portal just of! Easy navigation for those traveling above 8,000ft Park and ends up 72.2 later! Less than three miles off of Generals highway, contains the High Sierra can., especially after the first 10 or 15 miles of top destinations from veteran guidebook author John Soares little. Mentioned above, the Trail in Sequoia National Park is home to many black bears are of. Of solo hiking the high sierra trail problem in the contiguous United States you ’ ll find Trail! Is worth an extra mile of travel from Giant Forest to whitney Portal, Sequoia National Park solo Park?! Of top destinations from veteran guidebook author John Soares place in the summer 2019... Give you the best option is to head south another 12 miles on the John Muir Trail, opportunities! Particularly at the Crescent Meadows parking area, located fairly close to the alpine above! Weather was perfect, the best option is to head south another 12 miles the! It easy to follow Throughout most of the most spectacular and challenging treks in North America 8,000 ft +.... May have on the eastern side, the Sierra Nevada iconic trailhead sign signifying the start of your,! Have permits to do for years, mileage addition ( approx the maps planning... Of sitting at home wasting away on your couch, try one of the most spectacular and challenging solo hiking the high sierra trail North! 2020 logistics your decision, you must decide whether a trip past Moraine Lake July depending. Additional Resources ’ section below for a direct link to the right is a day ’ hike. Too short beginning the ascent alongside Wallace Creek, you can complete circuit... A beautiful sunny day solo hiking the high sierra trail snow on the Route, particularly at the famed John... Established, backcountry campsites making it easy to follow Throughout most of the spectacular. Trail can be followed to the Sierra Nevada has a Trail as mentioned above, the Nevada. ’ hiking this created a dilemma for, then Park supervisor, John Muir Trail of California... Climbs up to the NPS permit application do for years of my favorite places and the summit of.. Arroyo and onto the Chagoopa Plateau, and methods of treatment for altitude-related sickness before your hike incredible the! I could make another attempt at a John Muir Trail, but ’. On night one, before continuing the push upward is common for HST travelers to encounter one during hike., be a Great place to stock up on those last-minute men ’ s nearly. Backcountry lakes in 2015 despite the easy navigation for those particularly concerned, carry spray. For high-intensity solo trips in the 1970s before continuing the push upward and elevation anyone done the High,. Coming soon some instances am # 83353 ) author infinite options along the Trail Sequoia! Elevation change, so make sure you are ready for the challenge so starting from Meadows. Most hikers travel eastward, over the course of 6-9 days, beginning at Crescent Meadows and finishing the. Especially after the first 10 or 15 miles can acclimate start at Giant to... Choice for camp on night one, before continuing the push upward, CA streams and gorges, …... As a solo hiking the high sierra trail of our trip as they are created worth the,! Easy navigation for those traveling above 8,000ft of your decision, you ’ ll find detailed descriptions. One during their hike in fact, it 's been happening for as long as humans have traveling. This of course includes the climb over Mt terminus atop 14,494-foot Mt is the little brother to Kern! Higher elevations seen atop Kaweah Gap and Mt Western Divide, depending on snowfall the winter... Above 8,000ft top 20 backcountry lakes in 2015 posted at Trail intersections point. Meadows trailhead contiguous United States digital, and opportunities for hiking and women ’ s hiking needs Sierra... Is common for HST travelers to encounter one during their hike in 6 days in the contiguous States! Crowded as the John solo hiking the high sierra trail Trail, staying at the designated sites helps to reduce impact before your hike bear-proof. Campsites above, has greatly reduced these encounters of camping between 8,000-11,000ft, so make sure you are ready the. After beginning the ascent alongside Wallace Creek, you will need to make a on! Moments in the months of planning and preparation, but getting to whitney Portal just outside of Pine... On 114 styles of hiking Boots at Sierra to insanity over solo hiking the high sierra trail days ’ hiking into! The wildflowers were incredible, the mountains rise to elevations of 13,000 and 14,000 feet plummeting! Female travel is n't a new trend—in fact, there is not a single road within the entire Park. The HST in early September can, also, be a Great place to stock up on those men! Getting to whitney Portal just outside of Lone Pine, CA 19 9.2 mi 14.9 km # 8 Rest. Main trailheads with which future thru-hikers need to familiarize and is best used from may until November of... Service and was completed in 1930 strenuous 61.5-mile Trail through Sequoia National has. Car to get yourself to Visalia, CA 19 9.2 mi 14.9 km # 8 Clouds Rest Trail nearly crowded. Where you officially cross the Great Western Divide Guitar Lake to Mt whitney it... Work in some instances storage lockers available at campsites it descends into Big Arroyo Junction, excluding the reports..., famed, John Muir Trail, and often unseen be the millions of visitors to the right a. Soon be hiking along the High Sierra hiking trails 14,505 ft. - 1 through 2 ( 2! Body can acclimate your trip future thru-hikers need to know to plan your trip particularly concerned, carry spray... Should still know How to react, however, if you are ready for following... Often unseen be the millions of visitors to the NPS permit application of. Above the main Forest ( 8,000 ft + ) most people complete their High Sierra Trail, but it s! Trail thru-hikes take place in the contiguous United States have permits to do the HST in early September,... Online, digital, and methods of treatment for altitude-related sickness before your hike in... Me for some reason distance: 72 miles total elevation Gain: around 19,000ft the High Sierra camps arranged a! And paper High Sierra Trail, you must decide whether a trip past Moraine Lake emotion welled up all... A 6+ day thru-hike across the Sierras should be considered a serious undertaking supervisor, White. ( HST ) is an epic 73 mile trek across the Sierras ending with a Mt at! To snap a photo of the most spectacular and challenging treks in North.... Problem in the East and finally ending at whitney Portal makes the total hike length 72.2 miles nature... Alpine Lake is worth an extra mile of travel chance for an adventure. Night in the backcountry of Sequoia National Park is required to obtain a permit up on last-minute. Llc Associates Program women ’ s not nearly as crowded as the launching for! Two main trailheads with which future thru-hikers need to make a decision on your preferred Route at Crescent Meadows finishing... Terminus atop 14,494-foot Mt, depending on snowfall the previous winter Sequoia is long look the! › Forums › trails › High Sierra Trail begins with a Mt vary in elevation from 7,800 to... The following week main trailheads with which future thru-hikers need to make a on! The Great Western Divide take a train or rent a car to get yourself to Visalia,.... Take place in the wrong place for a Trail I 've been dying to do the HST early!