Hiking Collection by Jamie S.
The High Sierra Trail — The Ultimate Sierra Experience
5 days
6-10 h/day
115km
4,730m
4,240m
While the High Sierra Trail is considered one of the more accessible trans-Sierra routes, it is still a challenging endeavor, with significant elevation changes, rugged terrain, and the potential for cold temperatures, deep snow, and swollen rivers in spring. The best time to hike is mid to late summer (July–September).
Because most hike the High Sierra Trail as a one-way route, getting from Whitney Portal back to Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park requires a little planning. If you're hiking by yourself, you can take the Eastern Sierra Transit bus from Lone Pine to Visalia and then the Sequoia Shuttle to Sequoia National Park to get back to the starting point at the end of your hike. Be aware that this option takes a full day. The most convenient but priciest option is booking a private shuttle ($200-$400). If you are hiking with another person, or in a group, you can simplify logistics with a two-car shuttle, leaving one vehicle at Whitney Portal and driving the other to Crescent Meadow.
A wilderness permit is required for the entire High Sierra Trail and must be carried at all times. Permits must be reserved through recreation.gov up to six months in advance. There’s a quota season from May 26 to September 23, limiting access to 30 hikers per day (20 spots for advance reservation, 10 for walk-ups). Walk-up permits are available at 1:00 PM the day before departure at the Lodgepole Visitor Center, though they depend on cancellations and are not guaranteed. All permits must be picked up in person by 10:00 AM on the day of departure, unless prior arrangements are made. The cost is $15 per group plus $5 per person. Most hikers travel west to east, starting in Sequoia National Park and finishing at Whitney Portal, as permits are generally easier to obtain in this direction. Additionally, this direction allows for a more gradual acclimatization to high elevations, culminating in an epic finish at Mount Whitney rather than beginning with its challenging ascent. If completing the trail west to east, when reserving your permits, select High Sierra Trail (Sequoia & Kings Canyon) as your entry point and Mt. Whitney (Trail Crest Exit) as your exit, specifying campgrounds along your route. Due to high demand, securing a permit as early as possible is strongly recommended.
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High Sierra Trail — Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
113km
4,690m
4,200m
Last updated: February 21, 2025
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Activities
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
19.0km
07:56
1,160m
580m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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22.2km
08:11
390m
1,180m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
26.1km
09:57
1,310m
170m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Collection Stats
Activities
5
Distance
115 km
Duration
43:16 h
Elevation
4,730 m
4,240 m
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