High Sierra Trail, long-distance hiking trail in Sequoia National Park, California, 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).

Work on the High Sierra Trail began in 1928, and it was the first trail in the Sierra built solely for recreational use. The route was laid out from Crescent Meadow across the Great Western Divide to the junction with the John Muir Trail, 48.9 miles east. The Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp, a simple tent hotel on the first stretch, dates from 1934.

The trail's name comes from its route across the High Sierra, and it ends not at Mount Whitney's summit but at the John Muir Trail junction, 48.9 miles from Crescent Meadow. Hikers continuing to the summit add 12.6 miles on the John Muir Trail. The Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp, a simple tent hotel from 1934, is a stop along the first section.

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's eastern end is not Mount Whitney but the junction with the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, 48.9 miles (78.7 km) from Crescent Meadow. Reaching Whitney's summit adds 12.6 miles (20.3 km) on the John Muir Trail, and the Mount Whitney Trail branches off 2.4 miles (3.9 km) south of the summit to descend to Whitney Portal.