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This epic trans-sierra trek is a perfect trail for both experienced and novice backpackers.


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Map Key

66.5

Miles

107.0

KM

Point to Point

14,453' 4,405 m

High

6,701' 2,042 m

Low

15,521' 4,731 m

Up

13,863' 4,225 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

48%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Hot Spring · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Bear canisters required.

Description

The High Sierra Trail (HST) is an epic 73 mile trek across the sierras ending with a Mt. Whitney summit. 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. The trail then descends into the beautiful Big Arroyo before beginning a steady climb up to the Chagoopa Plateau.

Once again the hiker will lose hard gained elevation and drop down over 3,000 feet into the Kern River Canyon. While in the Kern River Canyon, sore-footed hikers will enjoy the natural hot spring tub alongside the mighty Kern River. The trail then continues up the bottom of the Kern Canyon and turns east, climbing parallel to Wallace Creek and merging with the John Muir Trail Segment 7, 49 miles from the starting point. Once on JMT Segment 7, the hiker can then follow the John Muir Trail about 13 more miles to the summit of Mount Whitney. With Whitney bagged, most hiker will continue the remaining 12 miles downhill to Whitney Portal to complete the trail.

Flora & Fauna

Mule deer, bear, good fishing in many lakes along the way.

Contacts

Shared By:

Aaron Groves

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 22 votes

#134

Overall
  4.9 from 22 votes
5 Star
86%
4 Star
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3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#12

in California

#134

Overall
27 Views Last Month
12,048 Since Jul 5, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
5%
9%
82%
5%

Photos

View west from Mount Whitney Trail
Sep 14, 2015 near Lone Pine, CA
Hiker and forest in Kern Canyon on High Sierra Trail.
Sep 14, 2015 near Three R…, CA
After crossing Kaweah Gap.
Oct 6, 2017 near Three R…, CA
Tired and happy to be on the summit of Mt. Whitney, a pair of hikers enjoys their accomplishment.
Feb 28, 2017 near Lone Pine, CA
One mile from the Crescent. Less than a mile from the Crescent Meadow trailhead, the trail exits the forest with sweeping views of the High Sierra and the foothills.  At Eagle View the view is amazing.
Dec 8, 2017 near Three R…, CA
Looking east near Eagle View
Oct 30, 2018 near Three R…, CA
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