High Sierra Trail Backpacking

Sequoia National Park

Southern Sierra crest from Mount Whitney, Sequoia National Park, California
Southern Sierra crest from Mount Whitney, Sequoia National Park, California

High Sierra Trail Backpacking

Sequoia National Park


The High Sierra Trail

Crescent Meadow to Mount Whitney

The 71-mile High Sierra Trail traverses the Sierra Nevada from Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park to Mt. Whitney and Whitney Portal on the eastern slope. This famous hike crosses some of the most rugged country in the Sierra, following the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River to its headwaters at Kaweah Gap and then dropping into the Kern River Canyon before swinging east again toward Mt. Whitney. Plan to enjoy a dip in the Kern Hot Springs along the way. Some hikers make an early morning start on their last day in order to experience sunrise on Mt. Whitney.

Campsites are plentiful along the route, and bear boxes are available at most popular stopping spots.

Timberline Lake, Sequoia National Park, California

Timberline Lake, Approaching Mount Whitney

Wildlife

Bears are common along the trail. The use of bear canisters and bear boxes has greatly reduced the problem of bears invading campsites in search of food.

Deer are used to seeing people on the trail and in camping areas. Watch for them especially in the Kern River Canyon. Rattlesnakes have been sighted most often along the early part of the trail from Crescent Meadow to Bearpaw Meadow and again in the Kern River Canyon.

Mosquitoes are annoying in early summer and gradually taper off through August. Watch for marmots sunning on the rocks as you approach Mt. Whitney. Keep an eye open for shy gray foxes along the western slope, especially at lower elevations.

High Sierra Trail - Key Facts


Location: Sequoia National Park
Trailhead: Crescent Meadow, elevation 6,687 feet
First pass: Kaweah Gap 10,700 feet
Lowest midway point: Kern River Canyon 6,705 feet
Highest point: Mt. Whitney, 14,508 feet
Whitney Portal: 8,323 feet
Total elevation gain: ~15,000 feet
Total elevation loss: ~13,000 feet
Hiking Distance: 71 miles
Best seasons: Mid-summer through fall


sign to Whiteny Portal, 71 miles
High Sierra Trail Sign, Crescent Meadow, Sequoia National Park, California

Crescent Meadow Trailhead



East side of Mount White, Sequoia National Park, California

East Face of Mount Whitney




Trekking Poles





Women and Men's Hats





High Sierra Trail - Key Facts


Location: Sequoia National Park
Trailhead: Crescent Meadow, elevation 6,687 feet
First pass: Kaweah Gap 10,700 feet
Lowest midway point: Kern River Canyon 6,705 feet
Highest point: Mt. Whitney, 14,508 feet
Whitney Portal: 8,323 feet
Total elevation gain: ~15,000 feet
Total elevation loss: ~13,000 feet
Hiking Distance: 71 miles
Best seasons: Mid-summer through fall


sign to Whiteny Portal, 71 miles

Crescent Meadow Trailhead

Begin the High Sierra Trail at Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park. Crescent Meadow is about 7 miles from Lodgepole Village where you pick up your wilderness permit. Free shuttles connect Lodgepole Village with Crescent Meadow. The shuttles stop running for the season about the 2nd week in September. At Crescent Meadow there is long-term parking and restrooms, but no fresh water.

At Lodgepole Village facilities include a Visitor Center, Wilderness Permit Office, snack bar, deli, and market. Most of these are usually open from mid-April to mid-October.






Nearby Camping and Lodging

Lodgepole Campground is adjacent to Lodgepole Village. It is open from mid-April through about the third week in October. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov - Lodgepole Campground. More campgrounds are found throughout the park. See California's Best Camping for more campground choices in the park.

Lodging is available at nearby Wuksachi Lodge or about an hour away at Grant Grove in John Muir Lodge. Grant Grove also has a variety of cabins available.

More accommodations can be found outside the park at a host of lodges, resorts, and bed and breakfasts: Lodging Outside the Park.