High Sierra Trail

“Sounds like a great trip. I've done both ends, but not the middle. I couldn't do those long days, especially the last one. Extending it would make it into a 9 or 10 day trip...too long for me. However, the High Sierra Trail is definitely a gem of a trek (the shuttle is probably worth it.)

Hope some buff hikers decide to join you!”

“I really wanna do this trip....Hopefully I can depending on money and all since I'm in college but I think I can pull money together for airfare and stuff...the only problem...can i get a rental car??? We'll see. Time will tell.”

“Unless your doing other things in the area, I'd say you would'nt need a rental car. I live in Sacramento, and therefore, you can fly into that "international" airport and drive to the TH with me or someone else. It's real early for this trip, and I think peolple my commit in, lets say, a year.”

“I've been wanting to come out west for a trip maybe this could be the one.”

“LtHiker - This is one of my "life" trips, that I've been wanting to do for several years. I think the schedule is doable, and there's some flexibility in the daily miles. Just keep the trip in mind for next year.”

“I'm not going, but this trail is really something. It is a rugged hike though. You either cover a lot of daily miles, or pack 9-10 days of food.”

“Phil, thanks for your input, again.”

“Ah, I get it now. When I first read this trip plan, I thought it was this summer, right before the North Lake/South Lake trip. I was so jealous of Geologyguy, that he could spend the summer going from one trip to the next. I thought about changing careers or retiring early so maybe I could do that.

So it's next summer. Yes, yes. Jerry and I are definite maybe's. As soon as I figure out his password, I'll post us. This is on my life list, too.”

“Shiprunner, how nice to hear from you. How's college? Just concentrate on saving for airfare. All of us will be passing by some airport so for sure someone can pick you up and take you back.”

“Karen, It would if I could backpack all summer; well maybe not all summer. But, I remembered you and Jerry were intrested in this trip, but yes, its not till next year. Hopefully we can talk about during this years trip.”

“Hey wannabp....I haven't been near a computer for the past week and a half b/c I was down in Florida....anyways....yeah i think airfare is the only thing i have to worry about....but for now I don't know if i will be able to go...hopefully i will”

“This looks like it would be an ultimate trip! I've always wanted to visit this park. It's good that you're planning it so far in advance because if it were this year, I couldn't do it.

Wondering... with that type of mileage, how mountainous is the trail? (I might need to give some serious consideration to whether or not I'm fit for the trip).”

“It should be a great trip. Check out http://www.nps.gov/seki/hst.htm website, it has some grat information on the trip, some photos, and mileage. I know some of the sections are brutal ie up to the gap, but I thing its were doable. I think by the time we get to Whitney, we can walk up backwards.”

“I might try to come in on the eastern side to the north and hook up with the group at Wallace Creek or from the South and hook up at Guitar Lake. I've been to Bearpaw Meadow and Hamilton Lakes twice and out to Big Arroyo once - beautiful area, but I'd like to cover new territory.”

“I am planning this trip for this summer. Do you know if it would be worth it to split it into 4days to Mineral King to resupply and then hook up with the HST at the Kern trench for the next 6 days? Not into carrying 10 days worth of food!”

“That's a tough one. The hike from the other side of the Gap back to MK is tough, and I don't think you'd save all that much time (maybe 2 days).”

“Actually my route was going to be, crescent meadows to MK then MK to the trench, then to the PCT and pass MT. Whitney (did it on the JMT in 2001) to exit the trail at cottonwood lakes, south of Mt. Whitney. 4days to MK 5-6 days then out at Cottonwood Lakes. Does that make more sense? Thanks for your advice.”

“I have been telling myself for years to get moving and experience some of the wonderful hiking in the high sierra. This sounds like the kind of trip that would suit. UK based so all that logistical stuff would be taken care of ..lol. Any advice on nearest major airport hub / timing etc would be welcome.”

“if I don't start planning now for a trip to the west coast i will never make it...

I am a 85% on this one. It's the perfect timing.”

“BT, I would say the best major airport is either Sacramento (3.5 hours to TH) or maybe Ontario. I known some airlines [America West, others] fly into Fresno which is the closest main town. I'm driving down from Sacramento. As for timing? Summer.”

“i know summer, but it's summer vacation, meaning kids can visit grandma,hubby can be home, etc....

perfect for me :)”

“I just discovered this website, so am not familiar with your protocol, but I would like to go along on this trip. I see no problem with the itinerary, I could even do it faster. Might be a little early if there is a lot of snowpack this winter, I did the JMT quite a few years ago in July, and did a lot of postholing through snow. So how do I sign up, or did I just do it?”

“Okiehiker, The snow thing is tough, and it appears to depend on the years snow fall. Did an extented trip from July 10th to 17th just north of the area, and the snow was gone in all but the very sheltered areas. I too did the JMT several years ago at the same approx time, and only found snow on the north side of Forester Pass. I also like that week because you get a "FREE" day in the form of the July 4th holiday. You can offically sign up on trips page.”

“Ok, I signed up. When I did the JMT, we also had snow on the south side of Forester. I do not think it unusual to almost always be on the north side. But it seems snow pack recently has not been so bad. We need to keep an eye on the snow levels; I see the earliest a permit can be reserved is March 1st. If the snow is exceptional, perhaps you may reconsider your dates? I understand your rationale for the July 4th week, I am on a PTO system, so it won't save me a vacation day. But I am willing to go that week if it helps you.”

“Oh yes, if its a heavy snow year we should consider a change of dates. But jeez, its a year off, alot of things can happen.”

“Like wingding, I may consider coming into the Eastern Sierra from the north or south and then meeting up with you at Wallace Creek or Crabtree.

Perhaps that could be the an alternative hike for many of us.”

“My buddy and I with our 2 sons made this trip in 2001. We spent 7 nights on the trail, with the last night being on the top of Mt Whitney, what a view of the stars. I just signed up today and look forward to making some trips in the future.”

“In 2000 My buddy and I did Whitney from the eastern side, thru cottonwood lakes, over new army pass then down rock creek. From there you travel north over Guyot pass to crabtree meadow. We did that trip in 5 days. spent the first night in the cottonwood lakes area. then over new army pass, to the lower end of rock creek. Spent the night there, then over guyot pass to crabtree meadows. Spent the night there, then the next night was spent just above guitar lake at the last water. We then summited Whitney and my buddy spent the night at outpost camp. He wasn't feeling good, not enough to eat that morning before the climb to the top. I continued down to Whitney portal. "sore feet" Spent the night in Lone Pine after getting a ride back to my car at the TH to cottonwood lakes. This trip could be lenghtened really easy with a few side trips.”

“I just signed up, which counts as 2 people, but I can never find Landscaper's password.

When I don't have a TT trip to look forward to, I go into a bit of withdrawal.”

“I am very much interested in the trip this next summer. I have done the High Sierra Trail, so I would be up to doing the same route or joining someone on a different route and meeting near crabtree meadows. Rick”

“geologyguy - I am probably going to propose a trip from Shepherd's Pass to Whitney Portal for those of us who are looking for a lower mileage option in the Sierras. We actually would going the same way as you after the Wallace Creek Junction. Would you have any problem if I timed it so we could meet there and/or Guitar Lake? I don't think we will be attracting the same crowd. We will probably call our hike "Wheezers and Geezers Rendezvous 2005!!!" Please let me know your feelings. I don't want to detract from your hike.”

“Phil, sounds good! We may add another day at the end and stay at Trail Camp.”

“I just wanted to bring this trip back up since there is serious discussion about changing the dates for the other Sierra trip. I am more interested in doing this itenerary, but I would also like to meet up with the other group for a day or two.

Is there any need or want to change the dates? My summer if pretty flexible, but I am not familiar with the permit restrictions. Plus, since this trip was over July 4, that saves a lot of people a vacation day from work.”

“Hi, Matt, how do I find Jerry's password or get him a new one without changing his username (Landscaper)? If you could e-mail me the particulars, that would be great. I need it to sign him up for trips.”

“Here's a link for permit info.

http://www.nps.gov/seki/hst.htm#summary

Click on 'permits' in the text for info. Basically, we need to apply for the permit by fax on March 1, 2005. That's the first possible day, and this is an extremely popular trail. Group size is 15. It may be necessary to have alternative dates to get a space.

That's great you're thinking of coming, Matt. Does that mean I'll get to see Eugene again?”

“FYI - I just changed the dates for the Sierra Rendezvous 2005 trip (Shepherd Pass to Whitney Portal) to July 17-23. So our two trips will no longer overlap at the end. It was a nice idea, but permit and other considerations made a change seem prudent.”

“I signed up for this trip a while ago. still want to go, but also am looking at the Sierra Rendezvous 2005. If I fly over there I want it to be well worth it.

which trip to choose...which trip to choose? hmm..i hate that!”

“Both?”

“tsss...yeah, was thinking about that, but not sure if I can have the time off. lol. would be nice huh? and hey...my trip would def be worth it.”

“Gemini - The HST is very strenuous, but the scenery will be amazing. Both trips are the same for the last 25 miles or so. The shuttle for the HST is around the mountain range (several hundred miles). The other shuttle is between two neighboring trailheads.”

“Thanks Phil. I may stay with this one then. I really want to see something amazing.

Are the dates exact? (meaning, could i book the flight already?) Would I need a rental car?

I know about the bear canister. Wondering if I can rent them there too though.

I am sure I'll find info about permits if I browse through this thread. (haven't looked at it at all)

I totally forgot that I signed up for this, but I am figuring going with TTers will be by best bet ever to make it on the other end.”

“Gemini - You will be amazed by this trip. You get to see some of the best of the western and eastern Sierras. One of the highlights will be Precipice Lake (3rd day?), which was made famous by Ansel Adams. My pic:



Ansel Adams famous pic:


You can also check out some Giant Sequoias before you hit the trailhead if you like!”

“oh wow. i will have to buy an extra memory card for my digital.”

“Gemini - maybe two extra cards!!!

Have you ever hiked in the Sierras before?”

“Never hiked on the west coast at all.
Always wanted to though. I may get there a couple days early because the elevation. (not sure how I will react, don't think it will a problem though)

Do a couple dayhikes until we all meet, somethign like that...”

“Matt, we could change the trip plan, but I originally thought, as you pointed out, that using the July 4th weekend meant one less vacation day people would have to burn. With that said, I'm very flexible with vacation time. Although I do have a concern with traveling in a group of 25 {and I'm sure so does the NPS). If there is a consensus of those who have committed to move the dates [for what ever reason], then lets do it. If not, lets stay with the original dates.”

“Gemini
I do not think there is any public transport into Sequoia NP, unlike Yosemite. If you get in early, probably only way to get from the airport is rental car. Hate to see you pay for a rental car and leave it parked for a week. Perhaps we could follow you back to the airport and drop off the car before the hike and then drop you at the end. At the airport I mean :) But there are some great places to dayhike. Personally, I would not make airline reservations now. I worry that this might be a heavy snow year, the trail may not be passable during the current dates being considered. But time will tell. Just remember there have been reports of heavy snow in the Sierra already.”

“I'm perfectly fine with the original dates. And if the numbers for the Sierra Rendevous trip stay as high as they are now, it could be a real organization problem to get everyone together. Plus, can you imagine 30+ Trail Talkers standing on the summit of Whitney at one time? Now that would be a good photo-op, but it may give TT a bad name.

The only reason I see to change the dates is because of the snow melt, and I guess that is something that would have to be figured out later on.”

“matt - I would be surprised if all the Rendezvous people are on the top at the same time. Anyway, there will be 100-200 people on the summit per day around that part of July anyway. That includes day hikers, overnight hikers, plus everyone finishing the John Muir Trail.

You will love either hike. The last 3 days are the same.”

“100-200 people on a mountain peak at the same time? That's almost as many people as are in my home town.”