High Sierra Trail, long-distance hiking trail in the United States
The High Sierra Trail is a long-distance trail in Sequoia National Park that runs from Crescent Meadow in the west to Whitney Portal in the east. The route crosses several mountain passes and moves through pine forests, open alpine meadows, and rocky terrain at elevations reaching above 13,000 feet (about 4,000 meters).
The trail was built in the 1930s by rangers and Civilian Conservation Corps workers to open up the remote high-country areas of the park to hikers. The route has changed little since then and still follows much of its original path.
The High Sierra Trail ends at the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States, which draws many determined hikers each year. Along the way, campers and day hikers share the path, creating a quiet sense of shared purpose on the mountain.
Good physical fitness and experience hiking at high elevation are recommended, as the trail involves long daily stretches with significant climbs and descents. Those planning to camp overnight need a wilderness permit, which should be arranged well in advance due to limited availability.
The trail crosses the Kern Plateau, a broad high-elevation valley whose open terrain looks very different from the rocky peaks found elsewhere on the route. Many hikers who have completed the trail say this section stands out as the most unexpected part of the journey.
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