News

2009 HIGH SIERRA TRAIL CONDITIONS: (updated regularly)

For additional information, visit the Sequoia National Park website at 

http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/trailcond.htm#CP_JUMP_115626

CONDITIONS FOR THE JUNE 1ST TRIP WILL BE POSTED ON MAY 25TH

5/29/09 Some patches of snow above the tunnel @Hamilton lake,Trail diappears at precipice lake for 1/2 mile but is clearly seen again before the gap .Patches of snow in North facing slopes on the Kaweahs, Arroyo is about 4 ft deep and running fast ,cross about 30 yards upstream from the High Sierra Trail where Boulders slow the Current ,Patches of snow in the forest leading to The Junction of the Big Arroyo ,Rivers and streams are at full run use caution at river crossings.

4/5/09 

Trail to Mhereten Creek 90% clear of snow. Beyond Mhereten, winter skills still required. Trail is 100% covered beyond 9-Mile Creek. Switchbacks out of Buck Creek have collapsed making progress slow-going. Bearpaw backpackers camp still under 4' of snow.

1/09

Only enter this trail at this time if you have AVALANCHE AND SNOW TRAINING. Many parts of the trail have sheared off. A recon of this area on 12/26/08 with SNOWSHOES revealed very little drinkable water. Bring plenty of gas for boiling snow. Mherten Creek and an area 1 mile West of same presents ice walls; bring your crampons. We will recon higher on 4/4/09 and 4/5/09, examine Buck Creek walls and attempt to reach Bearpaw Ranger Station.