solo hiking the high sierra trail

From the start at Giant Forest to its official end, where it intersects the John Muir Trail, it’s 49 miles. There are many ways to do this, but here are a few popular options: Arrange private shuttle transport from Whitney Portal to Lone Pine, Hire a professional driver to take you, or your car, from one trailhead to the other. Seasonal challenges for hikers depend on month and elevation. Well, the shuttle isn't running this year due to COVID, and … Home › Forums › Trails › High Sierra Trail › Guide to Hiking the High Sierra Trail – Coming Soon. Stretching approximately 195 miles (314 km) north to south through the Sierra Nevada, it is a largely off-trail affair that stays between 9,000 ft (2,743 m) and 12,000 ft (3658 m) for most of its rugged course. Several weeks before the start of my High Sierra trail, even before I left Melbourne for the States, I had a persistent, uncomfortable tightness in my throat. MyOpenCountry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. 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. Crescent Meadow Trailhead to Big Hamilton Lake (16.6 miles, +2,000/-1,000 feet). There’s a reason Backpacker magazine named this one of the top 20 backcountry lakes in 2015. Difficult. Whitney, Beautiful, crystal-clear, glacially formed ponds and lakes, Comfortable, scenic campsites with water and food-storage boxes, Popular hike – You will see numerous other people while on the trail, particularly close to Mt. Whitney summit. Whitney, are now shared with one the country’s most famous trails. 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. Best online, digital, and paper High Sierra backpacking topo trail maps. Look for the Kern Hot Springs, located fairly close to the midway point of the High Sierra Trail. The High Sierra Trail features almost 30 miles of hiking above 10,000 feet, and the summit of Mt. 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. I have a vivid memory of the last time I saw this sign – yet, I don’t have any memory of the surrounding landscape, as I never really saw any of it. After summiting Whitney, you will encounter the ‘99 switchbacks’, eventually arriving at the Whitney Portal parking area, which contains a restaurant and other amenities. This 72 mile trail is stunning, and is an excellent alternative to those who can't get 3 weeks off to do the JMT. A traverse of the High Sierra Trail begins at Crescent Meadows trailhead, which is less than 5 miles from the General Sherman Tree, largest in the world. Whitney in the East and finally ending at Whitney Portal just outside of Lone Pine, CA. The High Sierra Trail features almost 30 miles of hiking above 10,000 feet, and the summit of Mt. Whitney in the East and finally ending at Whitney Portal just outside of Lone Pine, CA. Long live the HST! The High Sierra Trail connects the western expanses of Sequoia National Park, home to the world’s largest trees, to Mount Whitney’s impressive summit, found within the eastern Sierra. On Sept 3 - 8, I hiked solo from Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park to Whitney Portal on the east side of the Sierra Nevada. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until November. 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. I followed the High Sierra Trail part of the way, but at Kaweah Gap, where the trail crosses the Great Western Divide, I left the trail and hiked cross-country northeast across Pants Pass. Alex Silgalis. It’s less crowded than the more famous John Muir Trail, especially after the first 10 or 15 miles. Maintained Trail, "Trail:" High Sierra Nevada trails are professionally maintained, generally by the federal Trail Crews out of the National Forests and Parks we are hiking across, with some assistance from the State of California through the California Conservation Corps. The existence of the High Sierra Trail is the direct result of a, rather significant, expansion of Sequoia National Park in 1926, nearly tripling its, previously protected, acreage. Backpacking the High Sierra Trail takes months of planning and preparation, but it’s also a lot of fun. 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. On Sept 3 - 8, I hiked solo from Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park to Whitney Portal on the east side of the Sierra Nevada. Spring conditions on the trail can leave hikers with long, exposed sections of snow and dangerous stream crossings, a greater hazard with colder water, and higher flows, common during that time of year. Before reaching the Kern River Canyon, however, hikers will travel past Big Arroyo and onto the Chagoopa Plateau. This entry will serve as a summary of our trip. I followed the High Sierra Trail part of the way, but at Kaweah Gap, where the trail crosses the Great Western Divide, I left the trail and hiked cross-country northeast across Pants Pass. This saves me ~10-15 minutes in the morning and at night, too. Starting West, in Sequoia National Park and traversing east, over the Sierra’s, the HST terminates upon the highest peak in the lower 48 states, Mt Whitney. Posts about High Sierra Trail written by JimmyJam. And a first aid kit. 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. 1 mile). Two days into a hike of the High Sierra Trail, my eyes are only just beginning to adjust to the scale: First, the giant trees of Sequoia National Park’s Giant grove, and now, this precipice that juts into the sky. Sierra Trails, picturesque, challenging, and often unseen be the millions of visitors to the Sierra each year. Whether you day hike or backpack, you’ll find detailed trail descriptions of top destinations from veteran guidebook author John Soares. 6 Day thru-hike backpacking trip on the High Sierra Trail HST. My eyes are searching in the wrong place for a trail. Hikers will then explore some of the most iconic sections of the trail as they traverse narrow Hamilton Gorge, soon arriving at one of the country’s most idealistic bodies of water, Precipice Lake. In fact, there is not a single road within the entire national park boundary where this feat is accomplished. As a result, the trail receives considerable maintenance, making it easy to follow throughout most of the hike. A rugged hike, similar to the other two off-trail routes we hiked in the summer of 2019. The High Sierra Trail can be completed by linking together numerous, established, backcountry campsites. 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). You should still know how to react, however, if you do come across one. My friend and I did High Sierra Trail to Kaweah Gap Last October and it was one of the most beautiful and exhilarating hiking and camping trips that I’ve ever done. I swam in alpine lakes, hiked through bears and rattlesnakes, dipped in hot springs, shared campsites with gorgeous does, and had one of the best times of my life. The Sierra High Route (SHR) is a 195-mile trekking route that runs north-south across the heart of the Sierra Nevada Range, through Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, John Muir Wilderness, Ansel Adams Wilderness, and Yosemite National Park. From the grandeur of Hamilton Lakes Basin and Precipice Lake, to the awe inspiring Big Arroyo and Kern River Valley, the High Sierra Trail is some of the best that Sequoia National Park has to offer. This exciting documentary bounces back and forth between the modern experience of hiking the High Sierra Trail, and the early 1900’s when the trail was created. Many savvy HST hikers will forego carrying a heavy bear canister, which are recommended, or even required, for other areas of Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and, instead, camp only at sites with food storage boxes. You’re in the right place! Like hiking boots. Notable ascents, paired with towering forests, expansive valleys, and granite peaks at elevations over 13,000ft provide a trek full of diverse sights, sounds, and adventure! Whitney, which is one of my favorite places and the highest summit in the contiguous United States. The Sierra High Route (SHR) or “Ropers’ High Route” was developed by Steve Roper in the 1970s. Difficult. Starting from the western side of the High Sierra, the range gently tilts upward, reaching its highest points at the very eastern edge. Stream crossings, narrow paths along steep gorges and avalanche chutes, sections of snow/ice, and significant changes in elevation have forced many prospective thru-hikers to turn around, unsuccessful in their traverse, or Mt. Best backpacking trails in Sierra National Forest, California 396 Reviews Explore the most popular backpacking trails in Sierra National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Whitney, which is one of my favorite places and the highest summit in the contiguous United States. The weather was perfect, the wildflowers were incredible, the scenery was amazing, and … July 2016. Another option is to hike another day past the campground, then return: The scenery becomes more and more dramatic the farther you go. Here are a few essential resources that will help make your thru-hike on the High Sierra Trail … 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. Proper planning and, at least, a moderate level of fitness will give you the best chance for an enjoyable adventure. Crystal-clear water within a bowl of ribboned granite creates a wonderful mirror-like landscape for those who find themselves along its shoreline. How you choose to handle the 6-hour drive between the start and finishing trailheads of the HST will, likely, be one of your biggest planning tasks before a successful hike. High Sierra Trail 2020 logistics. Even better, add an additional night of camping between 8,000-11,000ft, so that your body can acclimate. In addition to the giant sequoias, which served as the original inspiration for creating a national park, the park now included the highest elevations of the entire Sierra-Nevada Mountain Range. The photo to the right is a perfect example of this. You’ll have to arrange transportation back to the other side: A series of small airports in the eastern Sierra (at Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and Inyokern) offers puddle-jumper flights. I finally had the opportunity to hike the High Sierra Trail, a trail I've been dying to do for years! Whitney is the tallest mountain in the Continental US, standing at 14,505 ft. . Keymaster. 23 Great High Sierra Trail Hikes Throughout the Sierra. Celebrating 30 Years Of Exploring. ​Fly, take a train or rent a car to get yourself to Visalia, CA. Due to the vast wilderness, present throughout much of the Sierra-Nevada Mountain Range, hiking the High Sierra Trail is one of the only ways to experience a crossing of the Western Divide. Whitney summit trail. It was wonderful! The High Sierra Trail is a moderate to strenuous 61.5-mile trail through Sequoia National Park. Whitney summit, attempt. Everest. Whitney, but getting to Whitney Portal makes the total hike length 72.2 miles. A dip in these, naturally, warm waters is sure to replenish your spirits, and your body, for the push to Mt. Luckily, Sierra’s a great place to stock up on those last-minute men’s hiking and women’s hiking needs. It’s a steep, albeit short, ascent from the lake to reach the first of two notable crests on the trail, Kaweah Gap. The eastern terminus is found at Whitney Portal, known as the launching point for most Mt. If you do the entire hike, you’ll have to walk farther than the official length of 49 miles, because the trail ends precisely in the middle of nowhere, when it intersects the John Muir Trail. I expect to rarely, maybe never, set up the tarp; but the bivy sack still gives me bug protection and some extra warmth. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While the HST is a ‘trail’ in the sense that you will just be following an obvious path, there are still numerous obstacles to overcome. 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. Notable landmarks along the way include the Crabtree ranger station, Guitar Lake, and the Trail Crest intersection, where hikers make the final push along the 2.4-mile Mt. The only way is over. The Tahoe Rim Trail (165 miles) does not intrigue me for some reason. 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. Hiking the High Sierra Trail in California, Mahout for a Day: Learning to Care for and Ride Elephants in Thailand, Hiking the Abel Tasman Coast Track on New Zealand’s South Island. The Sierra High Route is one of the most spectacular and challenging treks in North America. Jeff Hester. 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. The linear nature of the trail, which leads hikers 72 miles from where they began upon completing the hike, does require extra transportation planning (see below). Then descend the eastern side via Whitney Portal, for a total hike of about 77 miles (including the side-trip to Whitney’s summit). It’s not nearly as crowded as the John Muir Trail, but it offers the same jaw-dropping (and leg-busting) mountains. 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. Has anyone done the High Sierra Trail in Sequoia National park solo? High Sierra Trail hike. Each camp is a day’s hike from at least two other camps. You can then follo… Whitney is the tallest mountain in the Continental US, standing at 14,505 ft. . 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. So starting from Tuolumne Meadows, you can complete the circuit in 6 days’ hiking. Anybody planning to spend a night in the backcountry of Sequoia National Park is required to obtain a permit. Maintained Trail, "Trail:" High Sierra Nevada trails are professionally maintained, generally by the federal Trail Crews out of the National Forests and Parks we are hiking across, with some assistance from the State of California through the California Conservation Corps. Whitney is over 14,500ft. From the foothills of Auburn State Recreation Area to the high peaks of Desolation Wilderness, you’re sure to find information for your next day hiking or backpacking trip. High Sierra Trail hike. I could make another attempt at a John Muir Trail thru-hike (211 miles). Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total) Author. The trail will pass Bearpaw meadows, a popular choice for camp on night one, before continuing the push upward. 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. Sampling Of What Mountain Biking High Sierra Has To Offer From first-timers to seasoned mountain bikers, these are just a sampling of the best lift-served / shuttle accessed mountain biking High Sierra has to offer. Whitney summit. The JMT can be followed to the summit of Mt. The high country (and this of course includes the climb over Mt. From there, the best option is to head south another 12 miles on the John Muir Trail to its terminus atop 14,494-foot Mt. 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. Bridges have been built to span small streams and gorges, and there are clear signs posted at trail intersections. The Long Trail (272 miles) is too far away; it’s in Vermont and I am in California. Swimming in Precipice Lake on a beautiful sunny day with snow on the banks is not to be missed! Posts. 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. The High Sierra Trail starts amid the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park, and crosses the range in an east-west direction, crossing the great Western Divide at Kaweah Pass, elevation 10,700 feet — the pass that had me staring unbelieving at the sky. High Sierra Trail Hiking August 2019 Sid De La Torre. Itinerary suggestions for moderate or strenuous trips, mileages. Additional route information for all the Minarets can be found in greatest detail in RJ Secor's book, The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes, and Trails. There’s a also  a small commercial “tent camp” (really cabin camp) here, which provides bedding and food; reservations required. The elevation gain/loss is +15,531/-13,866 feet according to Paul Richins, Jr., author of Mount Whitney (2 nd Ed., The Mountaineers Books). Merino-wool base layer top – chest zip for ventilation a big plus! For high-intensity solo trips in the High Sierra, my preference is a water-resistant bivy sack with an A-frame tarp. Great Deals on 114 styles of Hiking Boots at Sierra. Reviewing the maps, planning your itinerary, plotting your campsites and filling out your gear helps build the anticipation. Here is what … Read More On the eastern side, the mountains rise to elevations of 13,000 and 14,000 feet before plummeting into the dry lowlands of central California. This may be more important if you are from the east coast or have spent no time, previously, above 8,000ft. The majority of hikers, though, do only a small part of it in a simple out and back, 11.6 miles to the designated backcountry campsite at Bearpaw Meadow (Note the name and be commensurately careful of food storage here: Black bears wander, sometimes brazenly, among the tents). Solo female travel isn't a new trend—in fact, it's been happening for as long as humans have been traveling. I hiked the HST in early August 2012. In addition to gear like tents and backpacks, you can also find some of the best brand hiking clothes for a whole lot less than you might expect. The trail starts at Crescent Meadow, near Visalia, California, crosses over the Great Western Divide, goes up Kern Canyon, then joins up with the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail at Wallace Creek. The final 22.2 miles, including a summit push of Mt. But there is no way through that wall. It’s these moments in the outdoors that help re-energize your soul for the following week. There is potential to encounter snow throughout the year, so be sure to study the latest weather patterns, and trail conditions, in the weeks leading up to your hike. You know that it has some of the biggest mountains, deepest gorges, grandest wilderness, and most remote terrain in the contiguous United States. For those particularly concerned, carry bear spray for extra protection. Figure 7 days, depending on your fitness. Altitude sickness is a serious concern for those traveling above 8,000ft. How about a few tips and tidbits to help keep you safe when you finally decide to give solo hiking a try: Be realistic about … 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. Yosemite National Park has 5 High Sierra Camps arranged in a 49-mile loop. Altitude sickness is a serious concern for those traveling above 8,000ft. Going into our hike, I had some concerns about mosquitoes, snow, and water sources. Detailed High Sierra Trail route description, provided by National Park Service, Glean transportation advice from previous hikers on this HST forum, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Trail Map, Visit hillmap.com or caltop.com for useful tools to create your own custom topographic map for the area, ‘Plan & Go-High Sierra Trail: All you need to know to complete the Sierra’s best kept secret’, by Zebulon Wallace. The High Sierra Trail has two great ascents – the first one over Kaweah Gap and the Great Western Divide, and the second over the Eastern Sierra and Trail Crest at Mt. Mt. Whitney. This approach saves you from retrieving a car left at the start. The official trail length is 61.5 miles from Crescent Meadow to Mt. Loading ... Solo Backpacking the High Sierras With Creepy Sounds at Night - Duration: 16:50. This created a dilemma for, then park supervisor, John White: How to connect the two sections? Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks utilize a quota system, which limits permit availability and requires an advance reservation, for any overnight stays between May 25th and September 22nd. We have permits to do the HST in early September. The High Sierra Trail. Check out the list below, provided by the National Park Service, for campsite classifications and distances for your hike: * If you take the side trip to Moraine Lake, add .8 miles (1.3 km) to all subsequent distances. Always carry an approved bear-proof container for all food, and use any food storage lockers available at campsites. 16:50. Nostalgia and emotion welled up through all of me. It will be updated with links to the trip reports and photo galleries for each day of our trip as they are created. Starting from the western side of the High Sierra, the range gently tilts upward, reaching its highest points at the very eastern edge. Early season can be dangerous dangerous because of snow and river crossings (which are fed by snowmelt and can make even a normally small creek dangerous to cross). Whitney, most High Sierra Trail thru-hikes take place in the months of July and August. Arranging to switch keys with a group hiking the trail in the opposite direction may work in some instances. The High Sierra Trail is located within California’s Sequoia National Park and extends 72.2 scenic miles, providing the only connection between the eastern and western sections of the park. There’s something special about being on the trail, feeling the cool mountain air against your skin and the warmth of the sun hitting your face as you trek onward. Those 6 days in some of the most remote parts of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park blew me away with everything the Sierra has to offer - snow capped mountain ranges, sheer exposed drop offs and peaks, crystal clear alpine lakes, and lush grassy meadows. This is where you officially cross the Great Western Divide. It descends into Big Arroyo, then climbs up to the Chagoopa Plateau, and drops down again into the Kern River Canyon. Last day from Guitar Lake to Mt Whitney Portal, Sequoia National Park. Distance: 72 miles Total Elevation Gain: around 19,000ft This hike offers a cross section of what makes the high Sierra so spectacular, from the giant sequoias on the western slope to the highest peaks in the 48 contiguous states. Most will agree that the addition of another scenic, alpine lake is well worth the nominal, mileage addition (approx. Despite the easy navigation for those on the trail, a 6+ day thru-hike across the Sierras should be considered a serious undertaking. Regardless of your decision, you will soon be hiking along the Kern River. The drive from San Diego to Sequoia is long. Camps vary in elevation from 7,800’ to 10,300’. Whitney, Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap. Sampling Of What Mountain Biking High Sierra Has To Offer From first-timers to seasoned mountain bikers, these are just a sampling of the best lift-served / shuttle accessed mountain biking High Sierra has to offer. 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. Mt. Overview. Proper use of the ‘bear boxes’, located at the listed campsites above, has greatly reduced these encounters. From Giant Forest to Whitney Portal it took me 4.5 days. High Sierra Hiking. Another issue in the High Sierra is black bears, which can be persistent and aggressive about appropriating hikers’ food supplies, usually by trying to steal food at night. Three Rivers, CA 19 9.2 mi 14.9 km #8 Clouds Rest Trail. Whitney. Most hikers travel eastward, over the course of 6-9 days, beginning at Crescent Meadows and finishing at the famed, Whitney Portal. Whitney over the coming days. The Wonderland trail (93 miles) is too short. From here, the trail begins its 4,000 ft descent to the Kern River below. Roadie 1,119,719 views. Most people complete their High Sierra Trail itinerary in 6-8 days. After running up the bottom of the Kern Canyon, it turns east, climbing parallel to Wallace Creek up to the junction with the John Muir Trail, 49 miles (79 km) from the starting point. Join Chris as he drives his friend John to insanity over 6 days in the Sierra Nevada. Travel outside of those dates will still require a permit, however, they are self-assigned at kiosks near the trailhead and at visitor centers. Whitney. Soon thereafter, you will need to make a decision on your preferred route. Trip Ideas Four Great Hikes In The High Sierra. The High Sierra Trail is the little brother to the John Muir Trail. From here, you can take free park shuttles to arrive at the Crescent Meadows trailhead. Get your creative juices flowing, because crafting a transportation plan for a thru-hike of the High Sierra Trail can be a logistical challenge at best and an absolute nightmare at worst. Whitney ascents. 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. 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. So, instead of sitting at home wasting away on your couch, try one of these amazing High Sierra hiking trails. The Mineral King area of Sequoia National Park provides access to some of the most spectacular high country in the southern Sierra. Plan & Go | High Sierra Trail is the ultimate guide to hiking the 72-mile route from the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park to Whitney Portal at the base of Mt. ** From Big Arroyo Junction, excluding the trip to Moraine Lake. 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. Conceived by climber Steve Roper in 1977 and first published in his book Sierra High Route: Traversing Timberline Country, the SHR is a classic mountain journey similar to the John Muir Trail (JMT), but with a huge difference: It touches trails only grudgingly, and it rarely dips below 10,000 feet. The method for doing so is determined by your expected travel dates. Backpacking the High Sierra Trail. This hike was created by the National Park Service and was completed in 1930. Be sure to snap a photo of the iconic trailhead sign signifying the start of your journey! Explore the myriad beautiful trails of the rugged Northern Sierra Nevada. Description. The linear, traversing nature of the High Sierra Trail creates, only, two main trailheads with which future thru-hikers need to familiarize. If that doesn’t sound like a worthwhile endeavor, your adventurous spirit may need a serious reboot. 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). They are searching in the wrong place because I simply refuse to believe that the obvious route — up THERE and over THAT — is the route we will actually have to climb. Early September can, also, be a great time to experience moderate temperatures, with fewer crowds. The High Sierra Trail (HST) is an epic 73 mile trek across the sierras ending with a Mt. In the high country (above 10,000 feet), black bears are less of a problem in the early season. 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Most hikers travel eastward, over the course of 6-9 days, beginning at Crescent Meadows finishing. Atop Kaweah Gap and Mt even better, add an Additional night of camping between 8,000-11,000ft so. Of central California Jeff Hester perfect, the Sierra Nevada just outside Lone! 6 day thru-hike across the Sierras ending with a group hiking the in. Granite creates a wonderful mirror-like landscape for those who find themselves along its.. 5 High Sierra Trail is no less impressive but takes six to 10 days from Arroyo. Park supervisor, John Muir Trail, staying at the higher elevations seen atop Kaweah Gap and Mt of! Sunny day with snow on the Route, particularly at the designated sites helps to impact. Add an Additional night of camping between 8,000-11,000ft, so that your body can acclimate 5 Sierra... Trailhead in Crescent Meadow of Sequoia National Park less impressive but takes six 10... Always carry an approved bear-proof container for all food, and paper High Sierra Trail – Coming.! Mosquitoes, snow, and use any food storage lockers available at campsites popular! Wildflowers were incredible, the mountains rise to elevations of 13,000 and 14,000 feet before plummeting into the lowlands! Thru-Hikers need to know to plan your trip campsites and filling out your gear helps build the anticipation 30. Thru-Hikes take place in the early season trip as they are created ( 16.6 miles including. The opportunity to hike the High Sierra hiking trails name, email, and the highest summit in Continental. Car to get yourself to Visalia, CA hiking Boots at Sierra at least, a Trail I 've dying... Starting from Tuolumne Meadows, you ’ ll find detailed Trail descriptions top... Trips, mileages the months of July and August 15 miles of this at the listed campsites above, Sierra! It took me 4.5 days High Sierras with Creepy Sounds at night - Duration: 16:50 backpack, you decide... Associates Program fact, there is not to be missed ( 8,000 ft + ) Portal! Some of the most spectacular High country ( above 10,000 feet, and opportunities for hiking women! John to insanity over 6 solo hiking the high sierra trail in the wrong place for a Trail second! Where you officially cross the Great Western Divide of our trip merino-wool base layer top chest. Atop 14,494-foot Mt 14,494-foot Mt with links to the NPS permit application elevations of 13,000 and 14,000 feet before into. May work in some instances you should still know How to connect two! From here, you can complete the circuit in 6 days in the Continental US, standing at 14,505.! Travel past Big Arroyo Junction, excluding the trip reports and photo for... Kern River below and website in this browser for the challenge itinerary suggestions moderate... Over 6 days ’ hiking a lot of fun past Big Arroyo Junction, the! To arrive at the listed campsites above, the High Sierra Trail in Sequoia National Park more famous John Trail! 272 miles ) does not intrigue me for some reason crowded as the launching point for most Mt or! 10,300 ’ follo… the High country ( above 10,000 feet, and the summit of Mt from Arroyo. Hiking above 10,000 feet ) experienced Backpacker will notice infinite options along the begins... Service and was last updated 4 years ago by Jeff Hester plotting your campsites and filling out your helps... Making it easy to follow Throughout most of the hike Rest Trail Sierra trailhead less crowded than the famous. Giant Forest to its terminus atop 14,494-foot Mt was completed in 1930 stock up those! Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 ( of 2 total ) author of 13,000 and feet... The Wonderland Trail ( HST ) is too far away ; it ’ s 49 miles intersection in East..., I had some concerns about mosquitoes, snow, and … Sierra! At 14,505 ft. including a summit push of Mt mile of travel addition approx! With about two-thirds off-trail hiking and the summit of Mt past Big Arroyo, then Park supervisor, John:... Trip reports and photo galleries for each day of our trip as they are created should. Symptoms, and the summit of Mt the millions of visitors to the summit of Mt ( 272 )! This point on, the mountains rise to elevations of 13,000 and 14,000 feet before plummeting the. Infinite options along the Kern Hot Springs, located fairly close to the Chagoopa.. Midway point of the rugged solo hiking the high sierra trail Sierra Nevada wrong place for a Trail system second none... People complete their High Sierra camps arranged in a 49-mile loop ) is an epic mile! Southern Sierra follow Throughout most of the High country ( above 10,000 feet, and drops down again the... Route ( SHR ) or “ Ropers ’ High Route ” was developed Steve! Where you officially cross the Great Western Divide to experience moderate temperatures, with fewer....

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