High Sierra Trail

The High Sierra Trail is a long-distance trail in Sequoia National Park that spans approximately 50 miles through the Sierra Nevada mountains. The route connects Crescent Lake with the Whitney Portal, passing through alpine meadows, pine forests, and rocky mountain passes with significant elevation changes.

The trail was developed in the early 1900s to give hikers access to the highest regions of the Sierra Nevada. It later became part of a larger network of mountain routes that opened up the park and remain heavily used today.

The hike requires good physical fitness and mountain experience, as there are many steep sections and significant elevation changes to manage. Visitors should start early, bring plenty of water and supplies, and be ready for rapidly changing weather conditions at higher elevations.

Along the route are several alpine lakes that offer hikers refreshment along the way and opportunities for wilderness camping. These lakes give the trail special character and make it more than just a mountain passage.