How hard is the High Sierra Trail?
How hard is the High Sierra Trail?
High Sierra Trail: Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal is a 65.1 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Sequoia National Park, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, fishing, and backpacking and is best used from May until October.
When should I hike the High Sierra Trail?
Best Time To Hike The Trail Whitney, most High Sierra Trail thru-hikes take place in the months of July and August. 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.
How long is High Sierra Trail?
49 miles
From Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal, the trail is 72.2 miles (116.2 km) long and often takes 6 days or more for the average hiker to complete….
| High Sierra Trail | |
|---|---|
| Length | 49 miles (79 km) |
| Location | Sequoia National Park, Tulare County, California, USA |
| Trailheads | Crescent Meadow John Muir Trail |
| Use | Hiking |
How long does the High Sierra Trail take?
From Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal, the trail is 72.2 miles (116.2 km) long and often takes 6 days or more for the average hiker to complete. The fastest claimed time to traverse is 15 hours 46 minutes, by Leor Pantilat.
Where can I camp on the High Sierra Trail?
Bearpaw High Sierra Camp is located at Bearpaw Meadow along the route of the High Sierra Trail, 11.5 miles from Crescent Meadow. The camp has 6 tent cabins with wooden floors and canvas sidings. Each cabin can accommodate 3 people, with 2 twin beds and space for a third person to sleep on the floor.
How do I plan for the High Sierra Trail?
Eight Day Itinerary for the High Sierra Trail
- Day 0 – Travel to Lodgepole, pick-up permit.
- Day 1 – Crescent Meadow to Bearpaw Meadow.
- Day 2 – Bearpaw Meadow to Big Arroyo Junction.
- Day 3 – Big Arroyo to Upper Funston Meadow via Moraine Lake.
- Day 4 – Upper Funston Meadow to Junction Meadow.
- Day 5 – Junction Meadow to Crabtree.
Are bear canisters required on High Sierra Trail?
High Sierra Route Special Gear Bear Canister: Although a bear canister is not technically required to do the High Sierra Trail, I HIGHLY recommend bringing one. If you plan to only camp at locations with food-storage boxes, then you can complete the trail without one. Use this link to see the full list of locations.
How long does it take to hike High Sierra Trail?
Most people complete their High Sierra Trail itinerary in 6-8 days. The official trail length is 61.5 miles from Crescent Meadow to Mt. Whitney, but getting to Whitney Portal makes the total hike length 72.2 miles.
How long is the High Sierra Trail to Mt Whitney?
The High Sierra Trail continues to the right with a sign informing you of the short 14.8 miles left until Mt Whitney. There are a few campsites if you continue straight towards Upper Kern Basin. 6. This segment goes a western-approach climb of Mount Whitney: Guitar Lake. This is a stretch that climbs about 3500 feet in ten miles.
What are the sites on the High Sierra Trail?
Mehrten Creek: ~6 miles, about a half-dozen sites, bear box, water, slightly exposed, views. Buck Creek: ~9 miles, only a few sites, bear box, water, slightly exposed, in a scenic canyon. Bearpaw Meadow: 11.4 miles, numerous sites, small spring, wooded with nearby great views.
Is the High Sierra Trail shaded or shaded?
You’ll be on the south-facing side of the valley in which the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River runs through. Much of the trail is shaded, but it can still get very hot due to its south-facing aspect. The first three miles are fairly dry, but there are numerous spring and creek crossings over the final six miles.
