Check out the Elkhorn Crest Trail in Eastern Oregon and Colorado's famed Four Pass Loop. Its about nourishment and learning. This area has several other trails as well, so its also a fantastic place to set up camp for a few days and plan some smaller hikes. This region is sparsely populated and beloved by millions of nature lovers across the globe. Before you set out on the trail, you need something to guide you on your way. Thanks to great resources found at highseirratrails.com here is a great list of 18 fantastic trails in the High Sierra to add to your bucket list of hikes as you explore the entire Sierra or just the little corner you are traveling to this summer. Comments will be approved before showing up. Mount Whitney Trail, courtesy of Google Maps. Hike from Echo Lakes to this dramatic, granite-bound lake. Experience true wilderness and the best Yosemite scenery on this three day backpacking trip. On your way to the top you have the option of heading to Monarch Lakes, a gorgeous alpine lake thats perfect for a long lunch. This website uses cookies. Introducing the New Freedom Fatty E-bike by Wing, The Best Backpacking Destinations in Ansel Adams Wilderness, Backpacking the PCT across Desolation Wilderness, 10 Great Hoover Wilderness Day Hike Excursions, Union Valley Reservoir Camping and Recreation, Camping and Lodging Plumas National Forest, Camping Near Mono Lake Inyo National Forest, Backcountry Fishing in Desolation Wilderness, Snowshoeing Lassen Volcanic National Park, Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing Donner Summit Region, Hiking Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park, Top 6 Bridgeport Day Hiking Trails & Destinations, Hiking the Rubicon Trail in South Lake Tahoe, American River Canyon Trails Auburn State Recreational Area, Hiking the Horsetail Falls Trail into Desolation Wilderness, Exploring the Lakes of Pyramid Creek ~ A Desolation Wilderness Adventure, A Great Five Lake Day Trip into Desolation Wilderness, HIKING DESOLATION WILDERNESS GLEN ALPINE TRAILHEAD, WOLF CREEK TRAIL | CARSON ICEBERG WILDERNESS, FEATHER FALLS NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST, Free Entrance Days for National Parks in 2021, Skiing and Snowshoeing Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park, Hiking Lyell Canyon and the JMT From Tuolumne Meadows, Lassen Volcanic National Park 1 Day Itenerary, Kings Creek Falls Lassen Volcanic National Park, Discover Darwin Falls in Death Valley National Park, Deep in the Canyons of the Carson Iceberg Wilderness, Highland Lakes Stanislaus National Forest, Desolation Wilderness Trailhead and Mileage, Top 10 Backpacking Trails John Muir Wilderness, Guide to Hiking Meiss Country in Lake Tahoe, Lodging and Accommodations Alpine County California, 15 Great Outdoor Destinations and Trails in Toulumne County, Charlie REC magazine - Charlie Pankey ~ Publisher, March 25, 2016 - Updated on November 30, 2020, Carson Valley Trail Association Complete New Jacks Valley Loop Trail, Carson Valley Completes New Martin Slough Trail, Carson City Closes One Of Regions Most Popular Trails to Dogs, Hit the Trail on the 30th Annual National Trails Day, Multiple Plumas National Forest Recreation Areas Open Today, Wet March Pushes Back Opening of Eldorado National Forest Road Access, The perfect weekend trip to a stunning mountain lake, Multi-day trip to a fabulous fishing lake, Picturesque Lakes only 3 miles from Tuolumne Meadows, Hike on the John Muir Trail through breathtaking scenery. Why We Love It: Wildflowers, alpine lakes, and staggering peaks. Help support Local Journalism by visiting our Sierra Rec magazine sponsors and consider a small donation on our Patreon page if you enjoy the content. This loop is everything one could ask for. Why We Love It: Two pristine alpine lakes, and a trail youll have mostly to yourself. That means youll find some of the tallest, most dramatic peaks in the country, right in the Sierras!
for errors or for changes that may have occurred since publication. Let's discover just a bit more about this majestic area. Only a 5 mile hike in, Fontanillis Lake is a quiet oasis that also offers access to Dicks Peak, a fun off-route scramble to its 9,974 ft summit. Once youre over the ridge, though, the trail becomes surprisingly flat once again. All rights reserved. Its about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. Hike from Echo Lakes to this dramatic, granite-bound lake. Sign up to receive our newsletter packed with the best adventure guides, travel ideas, news, and articles. It has so much to offer, especially in the fall when the changing of the leaves paints the valley bright gold. Here at Sierra Rec we have made it a priority to hike as many trails as possible each summer in order to experience and review many of these locations.And yet we still have not traversed several of the best locations. These two parks are great places to go for solitude, adventure, and even to catch a glimpse of a bear. From Yosemite to Mount Whitney, the trails in this region are astounding, challenging, and as diverse as it gets. This loop has everything an ideal backpacking trip should have: stunning lake basins, rushing waterfalls, and splendidly carved canyons. High Sierra Trails are picturesque, challenging, and often unseen be the millions of visitors to the Sierra each year. The Eastern Sierras are home to some of the countrys most famous (and remote) national parks. One of the most beautiful areas I've ever hiked, I feel like I could have spent days exploring the gorgeous basin and alpine lakes below the Minarets. If you're looking for something shorter, there are many single-day and multi-day backpacking options that start from theMineral King Valley. Its about protecting what sustains us. Once we got there, I could see why this was a popular destination - theimpressive snow-capped peaks towering above all 9 beautiful lakes, great fishing, and ease of access make the North Fork the ideal Sierrahike. This trail is located in the John Muir Wilderness, an expansive and secluded piece of land adjacent to Yosemite National Park. Some places are just fine in May, and the same can be said for November. There are no marked trails on this stretch, and the trek can be very unsafe if you dont know what youre doing, but the adventure is worth it for those who can handle it and are prepared. A 49-mile loop hike over Silliman and Elizabeth passes. Sawtooth Pass Trail, courtesy of Google Maps. With it's incredible alpine views, Kearsarge Pass gives quick access to Kings Canyon from the Eastern Sierras, making it a perfect weekend backpacking trip. We returned via Golden Lake. Once, on top of Blackrock Pass you get your first glimpse at Mount Whitney and a beautiful view of the Sierra Range. This one sits high on this writer's must-visit list, that's for sure. Those trips include Mosquito Flat, over Mono Pass, then on to Pioneer Basin. The Sierras are divided into different regions: The Eastern Sierras describe the part of the mountain range that has the highest peaks, fewest people, and is mostly made up of National Parks and protected forests. The Yosemite Valley Loop is a long but easy trail that winds through Yosemites most recognizable locations. Starting at the trailhead (there is a small parking lot there for convenience), the trail heads uphill, fast. Why We Love It: One of the most legendary trails in the US, it's over 200 miles of stunning scenery. If you make it out, hit up FM Contributor Andrew M. Upchurch, a talented film photographer and hiking guide for the Yosemite Mountaineering School. This has caused some parts of the trail to become faded and overgrown. Just like any alpine area, winters in the Eastern Sierras are harsh and unforgiving.
We don't share your information with partners. Its a perfect section hike for beginners and experts alike; starting in the Yosemite Valley and ending at Mount Whitney, this trail has something new to behold on each and every mile. On top of that, the snow on the trails takes forever to meltsometimes well into what most of us would call summer. Cross Kearsarge Pass and hike south on the John Muir Trail. Paper maps are still perfectly suitable, but buying and printing a map is a bit tedious. There is a short but decent window of time each year where the trails are clear of snow and the temperatures are just right. You won't be short on alpine lakes, mountain streams, and a plethora of wildlife. Why We Love It: Its the highest point in the contiguous United States and you dont need to be a mountaineer to summit itneed we say more? Price. Starting from Lake Mary, youll take a leisurely stroll on the side of a small mountain out to the smaller Duck Lake. You can head to theRecreation.Gov reservation portalto search for campground and trail permits before your trip. Browse all backpacking trip reports and find inspiration for your next backcountry adventure. Each one is more gorgeous, remote, and crystal clear than the one before it. Distance and Elevation: 12.7 miles, 4,314 feet of elevation. ], Now, let's be real, it's not going to be easy to hike this trail alone. These apps also let people write reviews and trip reports. Here I'll provide and review several transportation and shuttle options to help plan your High Sierra Trail through-hike backpacking trip, This flat trail spanning no less than 6 spectacular lakes in less than 5 miles makes for a leisurely hike with some of the best views in the Sierras. SEE GUIDE, Nestled between Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Lakes, this wilderness area is one of California's most special landscapes. If youre not used to scrambling, this section might feel pretty scary. Will you climb Mount Whitney, stroll around the Yosemite Valley, or do it all on the John Muir Trail? Click through to access insider tips, 35mm film photography, and dos & fonts for visiting. Summiting a mountain this tall often requires you to be an experienced mountaineer or climber, but Mount Whitney is different. Its roughly 30 miles and has just under 10,000 feet of elevation gain. From PCT hikers who challenge the boundaries of long distance hiking and traversing the High Sierra during early spring and summer seasons, to the Season flock of backpackers and day hikers that flow to beautiful destinations throughout the Sierra, each has their own unique list of qualities that would make a best of list for the Sierra. However, because its California, it can also get wildly hot. The Western Sierras, sometimes called the Sierra Nevada foothills, are where Californias Central Valley gently slopes upward into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Day 2 on the HST was a memorable one continuing with the best views of the Great Western Divide and my favorite camp site of the entire trip. Whitney to descending 6k+ feet, we can definitely say finished our trip with a bang! Youll know when you reach Sawtooth Pass because the trail ends, giving way to much more difficult scrambling . This trail starts at Tuolumne Meadows along a section of the Pacific Crest Trail and weaves through a number of trails in the park witha net elevation gain of 6,620 feet. The final day on the trail was an intense one from summiting Mt. Such a classic Yosemite hike, the Pohono Trail traverses the southern rim and offers some of the best views of the iconic granite formations that Yosemite has become known for. Starting at Road's End, the trail is also part of the famous Rae Lakes Loop. Distance and Elevation: 16.2 miles, 4,051 feet of elevation, Estimated Time: 7-11 hours, potentially overnight. The last thing you want is for a startled bear to wake you up. With its namesake filter, these stainless steel bottles make sketchy streams and public water taps safe while traveling abroad and close to home, Versatile, comfortable, and easy to use, hammock tents are growing in popularity among all campers, from weekend warriors to hardcore thru-hikers, New 352-page hardcover by self-taught photographer & mountaineer Josh Endres documents 10 years worth of high alpine adventure, A long weekend travel guide to some of Americas most striking (and accessible) landscapes in the Black Hills, Badlands National Park, and beyond, These highly-packable designs make getting a good night's rest under the stars easier than ever, without the noise and feel of an air pad, A deep dive into the world of lightweight and ultralight backpacking, and why you should embrace the "less is more" philosophy, too, Field Mag is a registered trademark with U.S. Pat. [Editor's Note: For adventures closer to home, check out our new guide to the best day hikes in Los Angeles and our favorite local's guide to camping in the Eastern Sieera. Every couple of miles, youll be slightly higher up in the Sierras and looking at yet another alpine lake. Most people, though, are more than satisfied (and tired) when they reach Sawtooth Pass. This is one of the best parts of hiking in the Eastern Sierrasyoure never far away from a serene, picturesque lake that you can have all to yourself. Those 6 days in remote backcountry absolutely blew me away. Price Desolation Wilderness, CA, Thousand Island Lake, Ediza Lake, and Iceberg Lake Loop - Ansel Adams Wilderness, CA, Backpacking Matlock Lake & Kearsarge Pass Eastern Sierra Inyo NF, CA, North Fork Big Pine Creek (Summer) - Inyo NF, CA, Backpacking Sabrina Lake to Hungry Packer and Moonlight Lakes Inyo National Forest, CA, North Fork Big Pine Creek (Spring) - Inyo NF, CA, Backpacking West Fork Oak Creek Sedona, AZ, Backpacking Roads End to Paradise Valley Sequoia and Kings Canyon, CA, Buckskin Gulch, Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area, UT, Backpacking Mono Meadow to Lower Ottoway Lake - Yosemite NP, CA, Backpacking San Jacinto Peak to Strawberry Junction via PCT - San Jacinto SP, CA, Backpacking the Grand Canyon to Ribbon Falls, AZ. San Jacinto is one of my favorite short backpacking trails in Southern California to experience true wilderness and isolation up in these mountains. If you lose your way, all you have to do is pull out your phone. About halfway through the hike, youll encounter a steep scramblecovering 900 feet of elevation in just six-tenths of a mile. Mt. You get to experience the incredible mountain views and crystal clear lakes with a feeling of true wilderness. Its bound to be a life-changing trip for anyone who undertakes it.
Distance and Elevation: 12.7 miles, 3,044 feet of elevation. This lake isnt quite as picturesque as Saddlebag Lake, but there is a much higher chance that you and your group will be the only people there. Oak Creek has some of the best fall foliage in the area, and what better way to experience the vivid hues than to camp among the colorful trees? The area around Sabrina Lake offers great fishing, flower meadows, and waterfalls. The High Sierra Lakes and trails are what dreams are made of if your like hiking in the back-country or discovering some of the most beautiful natural pools of water on the earth. Its not a very popular trail, and wildfires in recent years have forced trail closures. If you dont have 5 months of free time to do a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, the JMT offers some of the worlds best hiking (its not too strenuous, the the weather is usually ideal, and it features a diverse landscape) and is still an achievement unto itself. For our first backpacking trip of the season, we decidedon the North Fork of Big Pine Creek - a beautiful basin of glacier-fed lakes that I have been eagerly waiting to do. National Parks Service reservation portal, All about the Eastern Sierras and what makes them special for hikers, Some helpful tips for your first time hiking in the Sierras. Formed as a result oftectonic plate subduction(remember elementary school science class? If you can get some time away from work or plan out a break from school, you wont regret it. Bear hangs, a common hiker term for bear food safety, arerequired by lawin the Eastern Sierras. Slightly to the north, youll find the resort town of Mammoth Lakes, popular for skiers and hikers alike. Although its more than 10 miles long, this trail is actually pretty easy. April 16, 2021 If you plan on camping, this is especially important. Youll get to see Half Dome, El Capitan (beloved by all the worlds best rock climbers), and the gentle winding of the Merced River. The high Sierra is worldly renown for its challenging , yet rewarding mountain passes and scenic trails.
It certainly is, but like anything worth having, it takes a little work. So on this list we provided our reviews plus have loaded links to resources and review from other sites that provide the details for the best of the best in high sierra hiking and backpacking. Trails like this are good at reminding you that the simple things in life are the besteach step on the long ascents are like a form of meditation. for the comforts your body will be craving after 16 miles on the trail.
Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, Nevada. These permits come in limited supply each year, so be watching theNational Parks Service reservation portallike a hawk to make sure you get a spot. 12 min read. Arguably the finest coastal backpacking trail in the US, this 25 mile stretch of CA coast is truly a unique trip where youll get to experience raw wilderness and remoteness.
This is one of the more unique trails on our list, not just because of the views (which are still phenomenal) but because many sections of the trail hardly seem to exist.
Avid hiker and Backpacker of the sierra. Always confirm information with the service provider and check for any recent changes that Mount Whitney, located near the town of Lone Pine, is the tallest US mountain outside of Alaska, at 14,505 feet above sea level. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, also found here, may not attract as many visitors as Yosemite, but they still have a lot to offer. locations of any nearby bear boxes and ranger stations, a 220-mile adventure through the grandest and most picturesque regions of the Sierra Nevada, A 4.7-mile hike to this pretty lake with a beach and views of Crown Point, Hike from Leavitt Meadow to this pretty lake with good fishing, 5.9 miles to many lakes, gateway to New Army Pass & Mt. All that being said, the Mount Whitney Trail isnt so much dangerous as it is physically daunting. backcountrycow backpacking And well, you're going to have to work for every single site on this trailthat includes walking on wet sandy, through rock fields, against battering wind, and maybe even through a bit of rain. Less than 10 miles roundtrip, the Duck Lake is the perfect overnight backpacking trip to experience classic Sierra lakes and mountains. Permits help the park rangers manage crowds, prevent wildfires and deadly animal encounters, and respond to emergencies effectively. Summiting Mount Whitney is, more or less, a marathon race up and down a mountain. Play your cards right and you might see the valley like few do. The first thing you should do is be a noisy hiker. To help you decide which trails are right for you, we've noted the distance and elevation underneath each trail name, as well as an estimation for how long the hike should take round trip. Famous peaks and locations such asHalf Dome,El Capitan(the subject of an Oscar-winning movie), the Yosemite Valley, and the Merced River are all in the Eastern Sierra region.
Why We Love It: Theres nothing quite as serene as an alpine lake except maybe seven on the same trail. However, if you keep your cool and dont take risky steps, its still a rather safe trail. Second, if youre camping, you should always keep your food in a bear canister and hang it from a tree at least 50 yards away from your tent. When the trail feels like its hardly there, the feeling of adventure is seriously elevated. The Eastern Sierras are home to themajority of Californias black bearpopulation.
Youll have a little bit of time to stop and enjoy the views, but there wont be much leisurely strolling if you want to make it up and down before it gets dark. Only four miles in, this is a great trip to make early season, for beginners, or as a quick overnight into the backcountry. A couple of the recommendations on this list will take more than a day to complete, so you should plan totrain for each hikebefore you set out and remember to pack yourultralight down sleeping bagand yourtent for backpacking. ), the Sierras are some of North Americas youngest mountains. The Mineral King area of Sequoia National Park provides access to some of the most spectacular high country in the southern Sierra. As long as youre in very good shape and have done some hard hikes in the past, youll be able to summit Mount Whitney and be back down the mountain by dark. Spring Lake with the Great Western Divide looming. With this in mindnot to mention a nationwide urge to get out and explore more after being cooped up for two plus years nowits best to plan a ways ahead. The eastern part of the mountain range contains many of the Sierras best trails, peaks, and ski areas. Characterized by multiple bright turquoise waterfalls flowing from brilliant red rock, Havasu Falls is truly a unique destination. If you're an experienced hiker with some ambition, you can head to Sawtooth Peak. The JMT spans 200 miles from the Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney (both of which we will discuss below). Finally, carrybear sprayif you feel you need to. This makes it an excellent full-day hike (from sunrise to sundown) as well as a breezy overnight. & Tm Off, Courtesy of your highly caffeinated and ever thankful editorial team at FM HQ, 5 Weekend Backpacking Trips in California to Do This Summer, https://www.fieldmag.com/articles/best-short-backpacking-trips-california, local's guide to camping in the Eastern Sieera, Little Five & Big Five Lakes Loop, Sequoia National Park, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, Lost Coast Trail, King Range National Conservation Area, A Tried & True Guide to Instant Coffee for Camping, The 10 Best Mail-in Photo Labs for Film Developing, Photo Essay: One Adventurous Summer in New Zealand, Hikerkind x Allmansright Collaboration Water Bottle Bag, This UK A-Frame Has a Trippy Design for a Reason, How to Turn Your Opinel Knife Into a Full Cutlery Set, This Filtering Water Bottle Is Your Ticket to Better International Travel, The Complete Guide to Camping with a Hammock Tent, Photo Book "It Was Good" Celebrates Type Two Fun in California's High Sierra Range, Photo Essay: 72 Hours in South Dakota, an Overlooked Mecca of Adventure, The 8 Best Cots for Backpacking and Lightweight Camping, How Embracing an Ultralight Mentality Changed My Whole Perspective on Hiking. Join our growing community and receive the latest news and updates from our team. Yes, you cross that. Popular for rock climbers this is not an easy hike but a great place for backpack weekend. But the last couple of trips have been more difficult for me (and friends) than in the past. Many of these trails have trail quotas and limited access as you need a permit to travel through and stay overnight in many of these areas, however others the only limitation is time and effort. During our 3 day trip, we also hiked up to the summit of Mt. Althoughhikable in either direction, starting at Road's End and looping north to south affords amore gradual elevation change. From there, the trail winds around the other side of the mountain back to Lake Mary. Visit each individual adventure for additional details on the routes. 2021 Valet marketing - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Valet Marketing. Distance and Elevation: 210 miles, 40,902 feet in elevation gain. SEE GUIDE.
Download one, or both, to plan your trip like a pro. If youre a decent hiker, but dont want to try all 22.5 miles in the same day, you can try to secure an overnight camping permit for the trail. Check out Clever Hiker's12 Tips for Planning Backpacking Adventures for additional resources. But as you can see, the juice is worth the squeeze on Northern California's legendary Lost Coast. Which trail do you think youll set out on first? grew up exploring the Cascade mountains of Oregon, now find myself discovering new places weekly in the Sierra. Prior to that, it was Onion Valley to Rae Lakes and Sixty Lakes and back. Distance and Elevation: 20.3 miles, 1,240 feet of elevation, Estimated Time: 8-10 hours, potentially overnight. Other than that, though, this trail is nearly perfect. Those high alpine trails are great, but not everyone wants to be 12,000 plus feet above sea level every time.