The 71-mile High Sierra Trail traverses the Sierra Nevada from Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park to Mt. Whitney and Whitney Portal on the eastern slope. This famous hike crosses some of the most rugged country in the Sierra, following the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River to its headwaters at Kaweah Gap and then dropping into the Kern River Canyon before swinging east again toward Mt. Whitney. Plan to enjoy a dip in the Kern Hot Springs along the way. Some hikers make an early morning start on their last day in order to experience sunrise on Mt. Whitney.

Campsites are plentiful along the route, and bear boxes are available at most popular stopping spots.

Wildlife

Bears are common along the trail. The use of bear canisters and bear boxes has greatly reduced the problem of bears invading campsites in search of food.

Deer are used to seeing people on the trail and in camping areas. Watch for them especially in the Kern River Canyon. Rattlesnakes have been sighted most often along the early part of the trail from Crescent Meadow to Bearpaw Meadow and again in the Kern River Canyon.

Mosquitoes are annoying in early summer and gradually taper off through August. Watch for marmots sunning on the rocks as you approach Mt. Whitney. Keep an eye open for shy gray foxes along the western slope, especially at lower elevations.