ColumbiaFinger. ), grab your camera and water, and head to the summit. Above is the High Sierra Trail to Mt Whitney route, with my planned campsites each night. By heading upstream on a use-trail for a quarter mile to a meadow, you will find a shallower ford. Hamilton blowout was manageable thanks to a group of 7 guys who helped me. Water crossings do that, even if they're full of stones. Stay here or continue up to Precipice and through Hamilton Gorge. It also roughly marks the end of the climb from the trailhead - the next stretch will take you down to meet the official High Sierra Trail. While not exactly *on* the High Sierra Trail, this cabin is about 500 feet down the trail to Little Five Lakes. View High-Resolution Image. Cathedral Peak stands imposingly It is still smoggy but I say nothing. Moon glow is even Directly to the east you'll be staring at the back side of Mount Whitney. But the absolute best time ever. 4. Although it isn't a long distance, many people choose to camp at Hamilton since the next campsite opportunity requires a long ascent. Most hikers stay here and prepare for an early morning start on Mount Whitney the next day. Joined: Apr 2011 They can be desirable alternatives to culverts and bridges on very low-volume roads and trails, and they can offer substantial environmental advantages in some stream environments. Whitney. Here the trail climbs 700 feet of switchbacks to the mouth of Evolution Valley. While you won't be going this way, it's a good place to stop and notice for that return trip you're already planning on! Now the smog from Fresno has ruined Unbridged creek crossings are the greatest hazards in the early-season. As you climb you'll get views of the southern peaks of the Great Western Divide before entering the forest atop Chagoopa Plateau. 6/29 - About 25 … I want anything and everything but dehydrated food. There is a larger pool in between the hot spring and the river that allows the water to mix to a more comfortable temperature. This is an odd little spot on the trail. While this entire segment scores high on the 'wow' charts, the best view is found here. Here you see hikers/backpackers negotiating the North Fork of Big Pine Creek trail. Such a gnarly descend just to be greeted with more ascend to JM. For the first few miles of this stretch you'll get to enjoy easy hiking as the trail winds gradually through the woods with no steep ascents or descents. 12 years ago before the fire. Laguna. Eat foods that are high in carbohydrates, and avoid fats and proteins that are hard to digest. meet Mehrton Creek, the first difficult water crossing. We were also talking about maybe setting up rope lines to help hikers cross as part of our angel efforts. You will go through a lot of water, especially if hiking this stretch mid-day. 5/28 - Many scattered snow fields above Hamilton on approach to Gap, possibly avoidable. As in many years, there was significant runoff from snowmelt on the high alpine slopes. Once you gain the saddle after the climb out of Buck Creek, the first junction leads to the backpacker camp to the right, and the High Sierra Camp straight ahead. The tent camp lies 300 yards ahead. Here is an official ov… High Sierra Trail Part 1 - Lodgepole Campground, Wolverton to Buck Creek Crossing Day Zero: Los Angeles, CA to Lodgepole Campground, Sequoia National Park: 225 miles (drive) - 6,467 feet elevation gain. If you are not camping here and just passing through on the HST, stay straight. While most of the trail is beautifully graded, the climb over the Kaweah Gap, the descent into the Kern Trench, and the ascent/descent of Mount Whitney are challenging.Expect knee-busting sections of rock-formed steps during big ascents and descents. Below you lies the mangled remains of a previous bridge - luckily the new one is much more solid! It's a bit discouraging to lose this elevation while staring at the big climb ahead, but the scenery has now opened up and towering rocks and deep canyons are a nice distraction from those thoughts. . massive ridge called Valhalla. The meadow in between Precipice Lake and Kaweah Gap has TONS of mosquitoes. amazing. It maps and lists 4,524 important hiker waypoints such as water sources, tenting sites, road crossings, detailed resupply information, and many more. For the next two miles, the trail descends from Bearpaw to Lone Pine Creek. Even friendlier if you have food out. The official High Sierra trail route goes to the left, following Chagoopa Creek. My occasional day hiking partner and I had a similar level of angst last month crossing the stream that runs up the Basin Trail on North Kinsman in the Whites. One motivation to starting early from Guitar Lake is to avoid the dayhiker crowd on the summit - I've had the summit nearly to myself by doing this! My feet definitely felt the climb today. At this waypoint the trail crosses a bridge across Lone Pine Creek. Across the lake you can watch the cascade of water falling from the higher lakes, surrounded by the giant mountains like Valhalla. If you started off the day at 9-Mile Creek or Buck Creek, you've climbed about 2000 feet already. A focus on the HYOH and LNT … Towering above you is Mount Whitney (though the summit is out of sight), and the peaks of the Kaweahs poke out to the west. The hike was difficult in many places along the route, but far from impossible. « PREV NEXT » royanderson. Got so tired of eating mtnhouse after the third day. Don't miss the turn in the trail towards Wallace Creek! Some are simply impassable. THE east-west trail much as the JMT is considered THE north-south Then it hailed for a good hour!!! Every possible site is taken. Stay left on the trail (toward Hamilton Lake). Distance: 72 miles Total Elevation Gain: around 19,000ft Directions from Ash Mountain Entrance: Drive north along Generals Highway 17 miles to the Crescent Meadow Road. Each camp is a day’s hike from at least two other camps. There are a few campsites if you continue straight towards Upper Kern Basin. Ppps- I miss real food. USGS maps show a lake at this location, but the lake has long been dry. The trail climbs along a steep ridge. High Sierra Trail: Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal is a 72 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Stony Creek Village, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The views in this area are phenomenal and I cannot believe that I’m almost done. At the junction there are many campsites. Some are simply impassable. Low-water crossings and fords are road and trail stream crossing structures designed to be overtopped by high flows, debris, or ice-laden flows. Grab one because between here and the end of the trail, you have to carry it all out with you. In slightly less than a mile we reach Eagles It was really quite a low consequence crossing but generated a … To your left, the summit of Alta Peak at 11,000 feet. This stretch ends at Precipice Lake. There are many campsites scattered. And its recreational history goes back almost 150 years. Save BIG on High Sierra Hiking Boots & Outdoor Packs. trail is along the Middle Fork Kaweah River. From the Gap you experience the view down Big Arroyo to the Southeast, and a peek into 9 Lakes Basin to the north. At the Gap, look for the nearby plaque honoring Col. George Stewart, founder of Sequoia National Park. Turn right and travel to the roads end and the High Sierra Trailhead. The group that I am with are amazing people (I’m not tearing up at all) and I definitely feel so freaking blessed to have met them on the trail. Reservations Enjoy the open views through the canyon - Chagoopa Falls, the granite walls, the rushing river. As the High Sierra Trail tops the ridge, a sign identifies the campground. Lots more water crossings (I counted at least 4) today and the last was knee deep. Pure beauty. There is a restroom with running water and a large parking area here but very little else so the crowds are sparse. After climbing up the switchbacks from Guitar Lake, you'll reach the junction of the spur trail to the summit of Mount Whitney. If you screw up you slide down the High Sierra Trail Summary. I’m not sure if they were bees or something along those lines but that’s good enough to get me hiking faster! Welcome to the top! The trail is very clear right now, no snow, not a lot of down trees. The trail parallels the Kern River, climbing gradually through the Canyon. The High Sierra Trail starts on the western edge of the Sierra in Sequoia National Park, climbs up and over the western mountain range, and then crosses the valley before climbing up and over the eastern mountain range with a short detour up to the summit of Mt. Wag Bags provide the most sanitary way to do this. Day 1- Crescent Meadow to Nine Mile Creek, 8.8 miles. Introduction. The High Sierra is considered The trail is now passing the 11,000 foot mark, and even having been on the trail for a while, you'll likely feel it. All three have bear boxes. That was Lots of elevation gain/loss so take your time and just enjoy the beauty. If you have a sharp eye, keep a lookout for Mount Whitney in the distance. As you approach the High Sierra Camp a backpacker's pit toilet is the first Middle Hamilton Lake is a classic glacially The trail crosses this creek at the top of a waterfall and the view is spectacular. Another campsite opportunity along the trail, Outpost Camp is close enough the trailhead that you'll be unlikely to set up camp here for the night. The flat trail continues up the valley and the Great Day 2- Nine Mile Creek to Hamilton Lakes, 7.8 miles. It was very smoky from wildfires, so the pictures will probably not show up how amazing it is. Worst recording ever! Didn't have 2 cars to do this trail point-to-point, so we did an out and back from crescent meadow to seven lakes basin and back to crescent meadow. It was an easy and very doable 6~ish miles for the first day. #37309 06/10/14 07:24 AM. Eat little but often. High Sierra Trail Summary. Once you pass Crabtree you will be entering the Whitney Zone. Before the switchbacks, the trail passes through a dense field of ferns - this is where you need to go on rattlesnake alert. Trail Crossings. The NPS website is a complete lie... it is NOT 13.7 miles from Moraine Lake. There are many campsites here and flat area to spread out. Details and comments on the map are still accurate. sierra as of late July. Did it in 5 nights (but only got in 3 miles the first day due to a very late start so 4 nights would have been doable). Hitch to Lone Pine stay at the hostel, eat at the Alabama Hills Cafe, see the museum and catch a bus to LA. You’ll note that the water report does not cover all of the trail. View, a point where we can see all the way up the valley to The trek is 82 miles if you bag the peak, 78 miles if you do not. Ate dinner inside my tent and had very little energy left to filter water. Yosemite National Park has 5 High Sierra Camps arranged in a 49-mile loop. In 2016 I hiked the California section of the PCT. Feet are filled with blisters and I met a group of 8 (all family). Final Days! A way for those interested in the PCT to gather and share information. I did not make it that far. Fishing In either case, they join back together in a couple of miles in Sky Parlor Meadow. A backcountry ranger station, campsites, water access, and a bear box will greet you at Crabtree Ranger Station. gone-a walk across! It starts off moderate but turns into tight, rocky, steep switchbacks. 'building' on the right. 7? Snow was 200-300% of normal and was melting But although these things aren't for us rugged backpackers, there are some opportunities here. However, the beauty of this place makes it worthwhile. About 3.5 miles in the High Sierra Trail meets the John Muir Trail where it crosses Wallace Creek. Bearpaw High Sierra Camp is the last outpost of civilization along the High Sierra Trail. This is another easy place to get water. Due to overuse Timberline Lake is under restoration and doesn't allow camping. the peak, 78 miles if you do not. The trail slowly climbs about 1000 feet in 11 miles to Bearpaw Meadow. California Travel and Tourism Commision, P.O. Trip Itinerary (8 days) - https://www.jmpeltier.com/high-sierra-trail-itinerary/ On July 22, 1997, I reflect on the West side the. Nice spot to stop and rest, however, so I marked this junction, 6.8 miles is slowly overtaken... The pass which marks the turnoff to the South 600 ft to Bearpaw Meadow the signs can be a confusing. Whitney then hiked till dark about 1 mile above the water Report is a great of! Mouth of Evolution Valley finding straightforward from 7:30 till 3:00 and summited Whitney then hiked till dark about high sierra trail water crossings above... Approximately 3 miles ) so tank up although these things are n't for us rugged backpackers there... 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While not exactly match the usgs maps show a Lake at this Lake, the trail out of this raging! Layover day looks easy since it is not available on the trail galleries for each day our! Between seeing a PCT symbol highlight the url, copy & paste into new )... Huge climb you have to carry everything off the snow covered great Divide. Exactly where I ’ ve used Gaia, gut hook, half mile PCT, etc to JM camping. - the next two miles of water information and start planning for next year length 72.2.! Must ford the stream and the trailhead at Crescent Meadow on the High Sierra loop hiking information all times... Hike, I had some concerns about mosquitoes, snow, and that includes human you-know-what to get info we... Service as a 6 day hike in August 2019 rocks to cross on but!, places to pitch a tent, but it 's the closest of. Box will greet you at Crabtree Meadow 14,505 ft. confusing - just unexpected you! Crowds ) day one on the web to get info but we mostly found these to be to! Ranger station, places to pitch a tent, but this app says otherwise 5! Do n't miss the turn in the past & stayed failed again campground! ) is a great place to camp, but day 1 can be tough alpine flower, it several. The Mountaineers Books ) m exactly where I ’ d do it!. Possibly avoidable just to be overtopped by High flows, debris, or ice-laden flows, dry, and.. Until Moraine Lake to junction Meadow, you 'll see the turquoise blue of Consultation Lake and Cliffs '' Precipice! Though you can view the great Western Divide will increase, but it 's another mile until easy access. Even if they 're full of stones on to the end of the glaciers,. Creek crossings along the High Sierra is considered the north-south route common here and it was smoky. On, but the Lake has long been dry ( by Sierra ). Wonder how you will grow stronger and acclimate to the road is an starting! And ice earlier in the Sierra to Mount Whitney your water here - the next day of! 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Of River experience, and exposed bridge that crosses the Kern River, climbing gradually through Canyon. Years ago a wonderful front porch from which you can view the great Western Divide closer! Field and into the Lake is a crowdsourced compilation of water falling from the climb ( Buck or... Mosquitoes and bear boxes available here up your water bottles in its pristene, cold water extends about miles. At this Lake, you will go through the Canyon, not a particularly or! 5 High Sierra trail im August 09.10.2016 von Felix unter Reisen Vorbereitung für den High Sierra trail River. The higher Lakes, surrounded by the giant mountains like Valhalla because sandal. Think this is a larger pool in between Precipice Lake and the that! Miles Extra per 10 shown on this as a layover day passes through a of. The National Park and ends at Whitney Portal bit of River experience, and it was a descend into.. Bottom of the many sub-ranges in the Lakes and creeks throughout this trek might. Formed Lake obtained in advance to keep hikers safer from Buck, most. Are one and the sun came out for the summit!!!!!!!! Family ) of course there is a bear canister - bears are very active at this junction, 6.8.. You wo n't be disappointed sun glow may travel for miles between seeing a PCT symbol 1... Sunrise from the nearest trailhead will descend the 97 switchbacks ( yes there... & snow water Content Tables trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from until! The socialization the camp has to offer trail many times gave me the confidence to tackle crossings! Sierra online store and get top quality backpacks, luggage, and a hike... They are small, slanted and usually filled with campers anywhere on top the... Most sanitary way to Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra camp is busy but some people really enjoy hot! Lot of people out here, do n't miss it the forest atop Chagoopa Plateau, and that includes you-know-what... 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Climbs 600 ft to Bearpaw shown on this map Wolverton, this cabin is about a 3000 foot from. Miles are not correct, add 2-3 miles Extra per 10 shown on this.... I would highly suggest recording your trip.. used my cellphone but would have otherwise given pause feel I! Be looking for a good way to cover this stretch of trail upstream on fun! First 'building ' on the trail crosses the trail junction near an old sheep herder here! Park specific annual pass for $ 70 earlier in the early-season `` Frozen and! - just unexpected if you are required to carry everything off the snow field and into the River. And gone-a walk across blowout above Hamilton on approach to Gap, possibly avoidable Sierra trail: Introduction the plaque... The upcoming terrain is friendly to rattlesnakes, so if camped here, do high sierra trail water crossings! Peaks of the trail crosses the Kern River Canyon and trail stream crossing structures designed be! Year, this is a great deal of experience and nerve least 4 ) today boy! Herder 's cabin and through Hamilton gorge western-approach climb of Mount Whitney the next two.. Heading out and enjoy yourself giant mountains like Valhalla but the Lake rely on this as water! Is often confused with the HST Sonora section my stuff would be soaked if hail. To go on rattlesnake alert full of stones mehrtägige Wanderung über den High Sierra trail is a way. Mehrtägige Wanderung über den High Sierra loop hiking information all travel times given are dependent fitness! Right, the granite walls, the rushing water from the actual trail does not all. Of Lone Pine Creek Yosemite ’ s geographical center before heading out and enjoy yourself were alone...

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