What to Expect

TREKKERS ON THE EARLY JUNE TRIP MAY BE REQUIRED TO CARRY ICE AXES.

The High Sierra Trail crosses the Sierra Nevadas from West to East or East to West depending on your trailhead. The East side entry at Whitney Portal is NOT recommended for novice backpackers; it begins with a grueling ascent of Mt. Whitney with little/no acclimatization while carrying a heavy pack weight. From the West the ascent and acclimatization is less severe. We enter at Crescent Meadow and hike to Whitney Portal; the trail is 72.2 miles (116.2 km) long and is often hiked in 6 to 7 days or more.

Typical Itinerary

(subject to change due to local conditions and fitness of group)

For a more detailed description of the trail, including elevation gains, please visit the Sequoia National Park website 

http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/high-sierra-trail.htm

Day 1:

• Drive to Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Park early in the morning.
• Arrive in Kings Canyon around early afternoon.
• Set out on the High Sierra Trail from the Giant Forest
• Arrive at Mehrten Creek Campsites (4.1 Miles)

Day 2:

• Wake early, eat, and set out on the trail in 45 minutes.
  
• Hike through Bearpaw Meadow  (6.3 Miles)
  
• Arrive at Hamilton Lake campsites (6.1 Miles)
  
• Swim in the Lake (a bit chilly)
  
• Fish (Sherpa Seamus will teach you the art)
  

Day 3:

• Wake early, eat, and set out on the trail in 45 minutes.
  
• Hike up steep switchbacks
  
• Cross the Kaweah Gap (elev. 10,689 feet)
  
• Descend into Big Arroyo Junction/ Camp
  
• Total Distance: 11 miles
  

Day 4:

• Wake early, eat, and set out on the trail in 45 minutes.
  
• Hike to Moraine Lake  (8 Miles)
  
• Continue on to Kern Hot Springs Camp (Kern Hot Springs is a natural hot water spring that provides a relaxing bath after a long day hiking)
  
• Fish in the Kern River (L.A.'s water source)
  

Day 5:

• Wake early, eat, and set out on the trail in 45 minutes.
  
• Hike along a flat trail to Junction Meadow
  
• Rest and eat lunch until the sun goes down
  
• Hike uphill to Wallace Creek (We wait because the sun is brutal on that side of the mountain)
  
• Camp.
  

Day 6:

• Wake early, eat, and set out on the trail in 45 minutes.
  
• Hike past Timberline Lake
  
• Camp at Guitar Lake
  

Day 6/7:

• Wake early, set out on the trail in 20 minutes.
  
• Hike the Switchbacks in the dark (This is necessary because of the extreme sun exposure at this altitude.)
  
• Optional Summit of Mt Whitney (If you're not feeling up for it, it's optional) (Elev. 14,505 feet)
  
• Descend on the other side of the Sierra Mountains, Reaching Whitney Portal
  
• Devour the 1st real food in a week.
  

A Peek at Nature...