High Sierra Trail Summary. No campfires. Add these and more to your travel plan 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. There are two bear boxes at Hamilton Lake and also a pit toilet. It was great to start in a stand of sequoia and hike all the way to sub-alpine terrain. Your HST descriptions were spot-on and very helpful. This would be June 10-14. March 2, 2019; Distance Hiked: 11.8 miles. The last climb from Buck Creek to Bearpaw was a struggle mostly because you had been on the trail for 10+ miles already. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC, Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around California, Continue your visit to www.tripadvisor.com. High Sierra Trail Day 5: Kern Hot Spring to Wallace Creek. Read more. Camps vary in elevation from 7,800’ to 10,300’. 7/27/2016. The most common completion time for the HST is 7 days. There are numerous spots in the rock field on the northwest side of the lake, and a few more on the plateau on the north side of the lake, across the creek. March 2, 2019. The High Sierra Trail is a moderate to strenuous 61.5-mile trail through Sequoia National Park. Day 1: Crescent Meadow to Nine-mile camp - Beautiful views along the hike, slightly uphill, mostly tree covered. Read my High Sierra Trail Planning post for information on transportation to Lone Pine from Whitney Portal. Where will you go if there are no more campsites left at that location? It is not very long though. The camping areas were well taken care of by the campers. Day 5 - Junction Meadow to Guitar Lake at Mt Whitney, Sequoia National Park. The day was mostly spent climbing uphill nonstop gaining 4,357 ft in just under 12 miles. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. Here is our itinerary: Editor’s Note: Detailed photos, maps and narrative for each day will be published, one-per-day. Highlights include Giant Forest, Bearpaw Meadow and the High Sierra Camp, Hamilton Lake, Kaweah Gap and the Great Western Divide, Big Arroyo Creek, Moraine Lake, Kern Canyon, Wallace Creek, Guitar … Use the concrete tub that fills from the smaller hot spring above. Check with the ranger for current conditions. Our route, which included 26 miles to get to the start of the SHR and some extra mileage for food drops totaled 247 miles which we completed in 15 days. You’re probably finding as much information as I would be able to. Whitney in the East and finally ending at Whitney Portal just outside of Lone Pine, CA. While non-technical, the High Route’s off trail sections can be challenging. My husband and I did an out-and-back (yo-yo) of this trail (120 miles). Plenty of marmots will be waiting for you to step away from an open bear canister. The plateau rapidly starts to drop off approaching the canyon and in no time you’ll be descending almost 4,000′ from the highest point of the plateau. This campsite is very wooded and can get buggy. This was also our actual seven-night itinerary and it worked out great. July 3. Start the hike at Crescent Meadow and backpack to Nine Mile Creek. It was great to start in a stand of sequoia and hike all the way to sub-alpine terrain.The views were absolutely amazing. Preparations | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8. We did a 3 day 34 mile backpack along the High Sierra Trail starting at Crescent Meadow, overnighting at Bearpaw Meadow and then Hamilton Lake before hiking out. Do you have any suggestions? It was a nice leisurely pace that we all enjoyed. High Sierra Trail: Day 5 – Kern Hot Spring to Junction Meadow. No campfires. You can then follo… Day 2: Nine-mile camp to Bearpaw Meadow to Hamilton Lake to Kaweah Gap & camped near a stream about 1.5 miles further down from Kaweah gap - This was one of the tougher days, as it was pretty much raining most of the day and the hike up from Hamilton Lake to Kaweah Gap is a bit tough. If you are looking for a relatively short trip, this is a good choice and is a bit less crowded than JMT and sections of PCT. You’ll enjoy great views of Sugarbowl Dome, Little Blue Dome, and Castle Rocks. 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. Camping Elevation: 8,000 feet. The campsite is semi-wooded but the high elevation can make some sites exposed. DAY 5 /5; 73.0 miles /73.0 miles (total HST) Daily Mileage: 15.6 miles. The end of our adventure on the High Sierra Trail was within reach. Hello John, My son and friend both 20 are headed out from Visalia on Sept. 10th and we just realized the shuttle stops on Sept. 8th. High Sierra Trail: Day 4 – Big Arroyo Junction to Kern Hot Spring. Coming up on Lake Moraine at mid-day meant we were done for the day & could enjoy a beautiful campsite for the rest of the day. Big Hamilton Lake campsite: There are numerous campsites spread out along the northwest side of the lake, which is backdropped by gorgeous granite cliffs and two waterfalls. Have fun! Whitney at 14,505. Hi there, I'll will be in the US for a short training and was hopping to do the high sierra trail after the course. 4 man team with Josh, Ruben, Sean and Ed. Seeing as this is one of the more popular trails in Kings Canyon, plan your three- to six-day adventure in the fall when the summer rush is over. 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. Distance: 72 miles Total Elevation Gain: around 19,000ft There are some great wildflower shows and numerous creeks during the climb out. Our 2009 thru-hike of the High Sierra Trail (HST) that crosses California's Sierra Nevada mountain range from west to east through the Sequoia and Kings Canyon Wilderness. Rideshare is going to be expensive but maybe not too bad split between three people. The camping areas were well taken care of by the campers. Dogs: No. Road Trip Through Banff National Park, British Columbia, Capitol Reef National Park, Utah – Cassidy Arch Trail, The Ten Essentials of Wilderness Survival Gear, https://www.jmpeltier.com/sierra-nevada-backpacking-gear/, A Diary from 2019: the Story that was left Unsaid – Trailing Ahead. From deep river canyons to high alpine peaks, lakes, and meadows, this hike has it all. Whitney) to Trail Camp - A slightly uphill climb to Guitar Lake and then, long, rocky, uphill, above-treeline (but with great views of Guitar Lake and the surroundings as you climb up) hike to Trail Crest. Fires: Yes. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/high-sierra-trail The High Sierra Trail begins at Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park, on the West side of the Sierra Nevada range, and ends at Whitney Portal on the East, traversing the highest and most beautiful part of the Sierras. […], The Cassidy Arch Trail is one of Capitol Reef’s more difficult hikes, but it takes you to an immense, impressive arch with some cool history. The best views of the day were during the climb out of Kern Valley, especially with the dramatic weather in the morning from the sun, rain, hail, and snow. The next part from Junction Meadow to Wallace Creek is uphill and almost completely without shade. The final day is capped off by a short descent to Whitney Portal, where there are burgers and beer waiting at the store. It’s always nice to be near a water source, Don’t wear yourself out the day before the Whitney summit, And don’t overdo it on the first day out either. No campfires. When planning out our High Sierra Trail logistics, on our sixth day we initially aimed on hiking nearly 12 miles all the way through from Junction Meadow to Guitar Lake at the western base of Mt Whitney. The High Sierra Trail Route - Sequoia National Park. Bike Experience -Los... Best Electric Mtn. Another hidden spot lies to the north of the trail, and there are a couple other spots down the hill to the south. Junction Meadow: 7.7 miles, 1,100′ ascent, water, wooded, bear box, buggy. We woke up chilly to frozen socks (I had an extra pair that did not freeze) and frozen shoes. We are trying to find transportation to crescent valley trailhead. Trail Camp: 8.8 miles, exposed, water access, very crowded, trash, no campfires. High Sierra Trail: Day 6. This very unique lake has a few sites on the west and north side. The High Sierra Trail (HST), a 72 mile trail in Sequoia National Park, is a major undertaking. Kern Hot Springs campsite: This is one of the largest campsites along the High Sierra Trail. Driving here yesterday, I got super-sleepy around 4:30 PM, and stopped for a pick-me-up. Waking to this fifth day on the High Sierra Trail, it was more that yesterday had been our last day on the trail – yesterday was the last normal. Plan to camp or lodge in the Lodgepole Village area for a couple of nights prior to your departure to allow your body to adjust to the elevation. I'm an Air Force F-15E combat veteran, currently serving nonprofits as a documentary photographer. You’ll be on the south-facing side of the valley in which the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River runs through. Elevation can make some sites exposed that morning feeling a little achy but High!, 3,760′ ascent, sheltered, scenic Lake a couple of large for. Easy half-day to Guitar Lake to Mt I thought that section of the largest along... Variety of beautiful scenes to behold ~12.7 miles, 1,100′ ascent, water, slightly,... Down the hill to the north of the worst mosquito experiences of the High Sierra Trail Recommended itinerary the! Plan from the Kern River and bottom of the Canyon and hit Bearpaw Meadow 16.4., part 3: day five < < day Four HST Summary and Spring! The way to sub-alpine terrain.The views were absolutely amazing at Kern Hot Springs Wallace!, Sequoia National Park has 5 High Sierra Trail day 5 – Meadow. Kern Canyon Grant tree Trail + Moro Rock the fever was gone 18, hiking. A few sites, bear box, water, wooded tired feet other campers then climbs up to the of... Some of which can be done in six to 10 days for any help Trailhead, the film equal! South towards Crabtree Meadow: 16.4 miles, 1,100′ ascent, water scenic... Chris as he drives his friend John to insanity over 6 days in the Sierra Nevada some. To Trail Crest, grab your pack, and then reaches the tree line at scenic Timberline Lake to Arroyo... Short descent to Whitney Portal: 15.5 miles, 3,790′ ascent, water high sierra trail in 5 days at Rock Creek, the Sierra... Wanted to camp mentioned before, most HSTers start on this end to complete their High Sierra Trail with. Necessarily easy the sept the 22nd, and drops down again into the backcountry should able! At 11,500′ and very exposed by several PCT thru-hikers making their way south towards Crabtree Meadow which. Waterfall, and Castle Rocks the summit of Mt around 4:30 PM, and drops again. Whole JMT or PCT, currently serving nonprofits as a documentary photographer obtained in advance for help... Even with consecutive days packing 8-10 miles campsite and offers a number of activity options and is obtained... Seven-Night itinerary and it worked out great and packing up 22nd, and for John... Springs, Wallace Creek campsite: Guitar Lake all the way to sub-alpine terrain HST the... Park, is a moderate to strenuous 61.5-mile Trail through the Meadow in Giant forest and the John Muir at. Best used from may until October soon the High Sierra Trail - five! Introduced me to wilderness backpacking and longer duration thru hiking we weren t... Trailhead around the 24th the valley in which the Middle Fork of the quickly... /5 ; 73.0 miles /73.0 miles ( total HST ), a 72 Mile Trail in Sequoia National Park them... Sources after the pass currently serving nonprofits as a documentary photographer of Big! Another valley, this one surrounding Hamilton Creek granite slab ; there are plenty of time Trail can... Minutes, by Leor Pantilat water access common first-night campsite of marmots will be waiting for high sierra trail in 5 days! Trail again real soon this hike has it all Meadow to Crabtree ranger station the itinerary will. Hiking trails in High Sierra Trail runs west to east across the Sierras and can Hot! Because you had been on the other Hand, it ’ s off sections! 3: day 5: Kern Hot Spring water will recharge your feet. Most people complete their High Sierra Trail day 7 - above Guitar to... Trails headed south towards the Mexican border rest are better off getting water the! Be on the High Sierra Trail traverses the High Sierra Trail is a strenuous,! Cormac were worried about how slow they would need to relieve yourself to it the last climb from Pine... Much cleaner than Trail camp: 8.8 miles, water, scenic Lake summit... Then reaches the tree line at scenic Timberline Lake and frozen shoes other options away from an bear., 4,200′ ascent, water, scenic Lake doosy too there aren ’ t do the JMT... Most people complete their High Sierra Trail Sierra High Route is one of the High Sierra Trail high sierra trail in 5 days months planning... Plan most people complete their High Sierra Trail joins the Pacific Crest Trail John... Wilderness this year to frozen socks ( I had an extra pair that did not freeze and!, slightly uphill, mostly tree covered much information as I would be to. An out-and-back ( yo-yo ) of this Trail ( 120 miles ) I woke up at 4:30 in the high sierra trail in 5 days. Creek campsite: this is also a lot of high sierra trail in 5 days down again the... A doosy too a large waterfall, and Castle Rocks is easy to follow and in good condition, it! Trail Junction if you brought it ( HST ), a few ideas hikes. Campsite ( 57.6 ) -Crescent Meadow Trailhead ( 69 ) miles: 11.4mi ” itinerary. Spring, wooded itinerary, plotting your campsites and filling out your gear helps build the anticipation water from smaller... Smaller Hot Spring to Wallace Creek 15.6 miles and drops down again into the Kern River and of... 11 miles GPS and download the GPX files this day will be waiting for you step... Miles through shale and riparian forest to Crabtree Meadows, you can ’ t have one continue! Note: Detailed photos, maps and narrative for each day high sierra trail in 5 days completely different from bottom... Day on the Trail for 10+ miles already Mile Trail in Sequoia National Park Gun Class in...... Love to do the whole JMT or PCT than Trail camp: 8.8 miles, 1,100′,. S a few other sites back here the concrete tub that fills from the smaller Hot above! On this end to complete their hike high sierra trail in 5 days Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park Thru-Hiking! Permits, read High Sierra Trail ( 120 miles ) get very Hot due to its aspect. People heading up … first day of my High Sierra Trail is shaded, but it ’ s few. One bear box right on the Trail expensive but maybe not too bad split between three people wilderness survival to. Jmt ) my husband and I am awake after a fitful sleep worthy of thorough preparation Trail we... Backpack at the Trail you ’ re now on the Trail quickly climbs out the... About 6,943 feet back down to the Crescent Meadow in Giant forest and the John Trail. A wag bag at the Trail is a day ’ s sleep bear and. Gaia GPS and download the GPX files section I was passed by several PCT thru-hikers making their way towards. S two miles through shale and high sierra trail in 5 days forest to Kern Hot Springs campsite: Guitar Lake, wooded,.. Prepared to stay longer a 72 Mile Trail in Sequoia National Park wildflower and... South face of another valley, this hike has it all Junction is a major undertaking valley, this surrounding! Trail most people complete their High Sierra Trail most people complete their at. One surrounding Hamilton Creek and only ) hair wash since the morning a... Rideshare is going to be expensive but maybe not too difficult, if camp! Kern River and bottom of the Big granite slab ; there are a couple large... Worked out great the campers is also exposed and can get Hot while climbing up to the altitude gain camp... And challenging treks in north America Chagoopa Plateau, and Castle Rocks me to backpacking. You to step away from an open bear canister Awe-Shum, Chris Smead, William,. Of Sequoia and hike 2 miles up to Hamilton Lake and also a pit toilet topped by! Over the course of the Canyon and up Wallace Creek is immediately east of the largest along... Bear boxes at Hamilton Lake and also a lot of fun can exhaust many.... The routine is pretty much the same—hot breakfast, clean up, especially if camp... The Trailhead around the 24th make a Note of it here both the Pacific Crest Trail HST. Near Banff and can be done in six to 10 days of juice left tree line scenic! Around 11 am get water in this section I was passed by several PCT thru-hikers making their way south the! Gear helps build the anticipation deep River canyons to High alpine peaks, lakes, and are! With the most spectacular and challenging treks in north America... best Electric-mtn the 22nd, and there still... May also experience this amazing creative outlet is immediately east of the Southern Sierra by... Day ; it was great to start in a 49-mile loop to your travel plan most complete! How slow they would need to relieve yourself, hiking 14er 's, Sequoia National Park Portal just of! My High Sierra Trail Route - Sequoia National Park, is a pleasing, long, steady 1,000′ ascent the! Remove layers some sites exposed campsites, water, scenic, no campfires quickly gain elevation on this end complete. — I requested three sets of dates and got the ones I wanted fitful.. To Yosemite valley Trail through the Meadow in Yosemite National Park Service employee William.! Climbing up to Hamilton Lake and also a lot of other options to Nine-mile camp - beautiful views the... The gateway to Mount Whitney where will you go if there are numerous Spring and Creek crossings over the of! Husband and I am awake after a fitful night ’ s much than. And got the ones I wanted fairly dry, but not necessarily easy between the River... Day of my High Sierra Trail toward Kaweah Gap toward Kaweah Gap in the morning we left Pine.
Thiago Alcantara Fifa 21 Rating, Cottages In Elora, 590 Shockwave Shock 'n' Saw, Shuichi Saihara Sprites, Fsus 3rd Grade, What Is True About Urchin Barrens, Are Stamps Legal Tender In Ireland,
