The encyclopedia of Sierra travel. The next day we cross Shepherd Pass before descending Tyndall Creek to the Kern River and camp alongside Milestone Creek. 12,800 feet of ascent; 14,700 of descent, Shepherd start Learn to research conditions, select gear, plan meals, make maps, and more. I'm planning to hike the Sierra High Route northbound in the late summer, but weddings have now bookended the window and I don't have the time I thought I'd have. It descends into Big Arroyo, then climbs up to the Chagoopa Plateau, and drops down again into the Kern River Canyon. Depending on the time of year, Inyo National Forest—which manages the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness Areas—requires overnight users to obtain a free wilderness permit. 10. Sierra High Route: Permits, alternate start/end points. 7 days, 6 nights. Permits A Wilderness Permit is compulsory and quotas apply for all access points. I would greatly appreciate hearing from you after complete your hike. The route tries to stay above 10,000 ft as much as possible. Permits and Bears. 36 miles. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Roper, Steve, Sierra High Route: Traversing Timberline Country. The most appropriate gear for your SHR outing depends on the season, your personal experience and skills, and your preferences. The Sierra High Route is one of the most spectacular and challenging treks in North America. Early-season hikers (June and July) will experience more snow, more wet feet, and more mosquitoes than hikers later in the year. He eventually relented, wrote “Sierra High Route” on the side of our permit and we were on our way. Roper’s very fine Sierra High Route fixes these problems with the JMT, but requires a lot of skilled off-trail travel and and navigation. It starts high in the Palisades, the most rugged sub-range in the Sierra, and offers a summit of Mt Sill 14,154′ (4,314 m). The trail starts at Crescent Meadow, near Visalia, California, crosses over the Great Western Divide, goes up Kern Canyon, then joins up with the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail at Wallace Creek. level 1. Hikers in August and September will experience drier conditions and few mosquitoes, but the melted-out mountains will not look as majestic and the scree fields will be more exposed. Sierra High Route. The High Sierra Trail leads from Crescent Meadow up the canyon of the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, crossing the Great Western Divide by the 10,700' (3261 meters) pass known as Kaweah Gap. You will be travelling up to seven miles a day and gaining up to 3000 feet a day so an excellent level of aerobic fitness is required. Hope to see you all out there this summer. But I preferred this direction anyway: the sun was at our backs, making for better photos and less sun exposure on our faces; and most of the passes have gentler south slopes than north slopes, which made for easier travel. With respect, Andrew, the most beautiful photos (and the most beautiful views) are while facing into the sun, because shadows highlight everything, even at mid-day. Roper, Steve, Sierra High Route: Traversing Timberline Country. My son and I quickly changed our plans, and will be starting the SHR on my 66th birthday in June of 2015. There are other locations to resupply but they are not nearly as convenient: to reach Bishop, hike over Piute Pass to a trailhead on the east side of the Sierra crest and then hitchhike into town; and to reach Mammoth Lakes, take the shuttle bus from Red’s Meadow or hike into town from Mammoth Pass. The route is the brainchild of long time Sierra climber and wanderer, Steve Roper, who pieced the route … where to pick up your permit, their reservation policy, etc. Particularly the info about resupplies, and permits. This is a long tour and pack weight needs to be kept as low as possible. ... I’ve been hiking in the high Sierra backcountry for over 15 years and am just buzzing to start the route this summer. If you are going early, you’ll want to go north: the southern sections of the route receive less snow, and it’s easier to walk down the snow-holding north-facing slopes than to walk up them. I'm thinking about hiking the Sierra High Route this summer. Thru-hikes and high routes, plus related guides, gear lists, and how-to information. The High Sierra Peaks, Passes, Trails. Thanks for subscribing! SMC Brochure (PDF) I can’t speak to access points other than the two termini because I’m not from the area and because we stayed on the trail the entire time. I’m planning on thru hiking the shr this summer. Your direction is non-critical unless you are hiking early or late in the season. But it is an expert route–not for novices, youth groups, bad knees, or even experienced trail hikers new to … First skied in its entirety in 1975 by Sierra veteran Dave Beck, this subtle line linking high passes and long contours around huge snow filled bowls has become the goal of many a backcountry skier. We can coordinate the rental and suggest that if you can you arrive Mammoth the night before and get fully set up since boot fitting can take some time. "In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Finally, (4) the SHR demands a high level of mental engagement in order to navigate efficiently and to travel safely. We feel the following information is essential... (links open as PDF in new window). Need to rent equipment for your trip? Here are a few reasons why… (1) The SHR features many steep passes, many big climbs, many Class 3 scrambles, many miles of boulder fields, and constant exposure to thunderstorms. High Sierra Trail Summary. If you will be accessing the park through the Jennie Lakes wilderness (Sequoia National Forest), obtain a permit … If there are enough people to warrant this you will drive to and meet the plane the evening before the trip starts. The Sierra Crest and its adjacent mountains and forests South from Lake Tahoe to Mount Whitney are under the administration of a series of various National Forests and Parks. Laws, John Muir, The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada. (That, and because frankly they have the potential to easily kill you). While this was the only time our schedules were compatible, we also thought it would be a good time to do it. Identification of flora and fauna of the Sierra. I am not as familiar with that system—e.g. Please check your entries and try again. Buzz and I decided to go in early-July. Of course, if it is a particularly heavy or light winter, the conventional hiking season may be longer or earlier. For this we start at Onion Valley and cross Kearsarge Pass, dropping down past Bullfrog Lake to Bubbs Creek. Also, by reducing your base weight you can hike more miles per day and cover the distances between resupply points quicker, which will reduce the amount of food weight you must carry. The optimal time to hike the SHR depends on your hiking skills and preferences, and the particular year. Kearsarge start We lead adventurous learning-intensive backpacking courses and trips in Yosemite, Alaska, West Virginia, southern Utah, and the Colorado Rockies. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer." Try this high up in the mountains sometime, mid-day on a clear day: look North for a while. On Day 3 the Sierra High Route leaves the idyllic camp and ascends 600ft to Nancy Pass (10,200’), the conspicuous gap west of Peak 10,531. We highly recommend that you spend at least one night at moderate altitude (higher than 8,000 feet) just prior to the trip. A follow-up question. AIARE Recreational Level I Avalanche Course. I offered $60 + gas (about $80 total) and received about five emails from available drivers within 30 minutes; you could probably ask for less and still find someone. The purpose of Creek Fire Order No. 2020 © Andrew Skurka. The winter of 2007-08 began strong, but its strength faded and Spring arrived early. The Mountaineers, Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills. And for many years there was an unhealthy situation whereby these bears recognized that humans = food (and good food at that—Snickers, peanut butter, salami, etc.) Hi friends. Acute and overuse injuries are more likely with a heavy pack, which frankly makes them downright dangerous. As it turned out, we were wrong on all accounts. A few trails approach the east side. Day 1 of Sierra High Route Couple’s Backpacking. April 27-May 2. The High Sierra Trail is a moderate to strenuous 61.5-mile trail through Sequoia National Park. A circumnavigation of the remote upper headwaters of the Tuolumne…, The Ultimate Hiker's Gear Guide (Second Edition): Tools & Techniques to Hit the Trail, Free download: My 12 go-to breakfasts & dinners. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). The newsletter is sent once per month, max, and normally contains informative reviews and skill tutorials. The encyclopedia of Sierra travel. Please check your email for further instructions. The view from this pass is one of the finest on the entire High Route. SMC does not rent ski equipment, but we work with Mammoth Mountaineering (760-934-4191) to get you set up on the correct equipment. The Sierra National Forest announces the extension of the Sierra – Creek Fire Closure Order through January 06, 2021. All Rights Reserved. She’d never heard of it and I had only heard vague mention so I tromped off to the library to check out Steve Roper’s work of genius, Sierra High Route: Traversing Timberline Country. A link does not constitute an endorsement of content, viewpoint, policies, products or services of that web site. Two aussies (myself and my partner SImon), have just found out about this amazing trail, and are now avidly researching it, to make it happen in the next year or so. Is Skurka's map and data set the most updated option. Gear Rentals This is “it”; the ultimate Sierra Classic ski tour. Rangers do patrol the backcountry, though in lower frequency than they used to (thank you Bush administration), and they regularly do canister checks on passing hikers. Often compared to the famous “Haute Route” of the European Alps or Colorado’s Tenth Mountain Trail, this is a true extended wilderness ski tour, with no huts, few other people and no nearby roads. The High Sierra is managed by several agencies, but you only need a permit from the agency that manages the trailhead from which you are starting. We do not include accommodation in the pricing but can make local suggestions for you. The original guide is Starr's Guide to the John Muir Trail and the High Sierra Region, written by Walter Starr Jr. in 1933 and published by the Sierra Club.It is still available in revised form. Site by, Due to Covid-19 lockdown in California, SMC programs are suspended until after Christmas. No shadows. The name “Sierra High Route” is actually a pretty generic name. If rangers were not out patrolling, I would not take a canister and I would instead rely on the effective techniques I have described above. Published by The Mountaineers. Buzz and I both carried canisters. All gear is current state of the art, well tuned and rental fees are deductible if you buy a set up from them. This is the main reason I chose to hike the JMT from North to South last summer. Stretching approximately 195 miles (314 km) north to south through the Sierra Nevada, it is a largely off-trail affair that stays between 9,000 ft (2,743 m) and 12,000 ft (3658 m) for most of its rugged course. Planning on going nobo starting at horseshoe meadows. Like everyone else, I am sincerely grateful for this valuable information. If you do not reserve your permit beforehand, approximately one-quarter of the permits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Subscribe to receive a free download of my recipe book, which features 12 extensively trail-tested breakfasts and dinners. Since there is a lot of walking off trail, how exactly do permits work? I assume SOBO is the better direction, but a permit from Yosemite would be harder to get right? As background, I hiked the JMT a couple years ago and take long off-trail […] My writings on backpacking gear, supplies, and skills, and sometimes about running, hunting, and life events. Has anyone else had this happen? Therefore, my recommendation is to carry a canister—not to protect your food from bears, or to protect bears from you, but to protect yourself from rangers. What’s your opinion on solo hiking the High Route? If so, the Sierra High Route is for you. See the overview of using our self-service portal for permits, or check out our detailed user guide. A heavy pack increases mental fatigue and makes these tasks more difficult. Depending on an area’s popularity and fragility, some require permits for any visit, some only for overnight trips, and some not at all. You can also subscribe without commenting. Buzz and I went north, mostly for logistical reasons: it was easier to extract ourselves post-hike from Mono Village than it was from Road’s End. The SoSHR is a route in keeping with the spirit of the original SHR, and a route we believe would be close to John Muir’s heart. Miles of gentle downhill takes us through the amazing undulating Tablelands, below Alta Peak, and down to the giant sequoias at Wolverton. But Tuolumne is located about 168 miles north of Road’s End and 27 miles south of Mono Village—hardly halfway—so it does not help much in reducing the amount of food that must be carried. April 26-May 2 Buzz and I persevered, but we would have been happier if we had brought headnets, more DEET, and full coverage clothing and headwear; and we should have left the crampons and insulated gear behind. From this point, follow Steve Roper’s excellent instructions for the Sierra High Route. Then turn around and look South. SMC operates under permits from Inyo National Forest, Yosemite National Park, Toiyabe National Forest, Joshua Tree National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and other agencies as required. A lightweight pack will reduce the stress & strain on your body and improve your mobility, thus reducing your risk of injury and your long-term wear on important body parts like your knees. Posted by 2 years ago. After parking the car, we carpooled to the start at … I’m surprised that you had this experience at Road’s End, which is a very popular trailhead and where I’d expect rangers to know the rules. Again, I am not as familiar with their system; visit their website for more information. Generally, I prefer to resupply by sending packages to myself via the mail, as opposed to trying to gather supplies in town. (Photo by Gilberto Gil.). This 210- to 220-mile, 20- to 30-day cross-country journey could be the premier mountain trek in the Lower 48. If you start the SHR from a terminus, you will need a wilderness permit. This is not a trail hike, but instead follows high alpine passes and basins, avoiding both trails and below treeline travel wherever possible. We can help. Bear-resistant canisters are mandatory in most places throughout the High Sierra, including many places through which the SHR passes. I’ve got a 0F mummy bag, and trying to shave off some pounds. The Sierra High Route Couple’s Backpacking trip that we started involved us parking a car at the trailhead for Twin Lakes. I am planning to do the southern section of the SHR. So, I'm looking to shave a few days off the route. You can then follo… I'm planning to spend the month of July in the Sierra, most likely doing a variation of the SHR, starting at Road's End and ending in Yosemite Valley because I have family on the west side of the range. For those with a little more time we offer our favorite variation start that offers uniquely remote travel and steeper pass crossings than the regular route. But in general, I strongly recommend that you travel light: you should aim for the weight of your pack, minus consumables like food and water, to about 15 lbs or less. Price includes guiding, van shuttle, air charter, permits, all necessary group gear, avalanche beacons, tents, kitchen gear and dinners, lunches and breakfasts (you bring snack items). We offer two variation starts to this wonderful route: Both variations join in the upper reaches of the Kern River where we climb up Milestone Creek, climbing to just below the summit of imposing Milestone Mountain as we follow the divide between the Kings, Kern and Kaweah Rivers. It utilizes some secondary trails and a few major trails but it mainly travels through off trail terrain. You’ll see that everything becomes vibrant from all the shadows, even little shadows in front of far away rocks; and from backlit greenery too. The High Sierra Trail has two great ascents – the first one over Kaweah Gap and the Great Western Divide, and the second over the Eastern Sierra and Trail Crest at Mt. Stay safe. Permits guarantee that each visitor gets important basic education before their wilderness trip. (The LTBMU was carved out of the surrounding National Forests that previously shared management of the Tahoe Basin. We had to pay to park our car for a few days and was 14 dollars. Visit this page to check availability. Prior winter camping and mountaineering skills are required. First skied in its entirety in 1975 by Sierra veteran Dave Beck, this subtle line linking high passes and long contours around huge snow filled bowls has become the goal of many a backcountry skier. The classic and original route starts from the sagebrush and pines west of Independence and ascends Symmes Creek spending the first night at Anvil Camp. They are heavy (1 lb, 15 oz for the lightest model, the Bearikade Expedition from Wild-Ideas), they are an added expense, and they are uncomfortable to carry (their cylindrical shape fits awkwardly in small packs, and their hard sides inflict bruises if not cushioned correctly). Needles Climbing Guide Expedition Planner Sierra High Route. Got my permits and getting ready. Wilderness permits are required in Yosemite for all backcountry overnights. The original guide is Starr's Guide to the John Muir Trail and the High Sierra Region, written by Walter Starr Jr. in 1933 and published by the Sierra Club.It is still available in revised form. Do you think I will regret it, provided the temperatures remain the same? So, I'm looking to shave a few days off the route. Visit their website for more information. High route guides, a free food e-book, and signed copies of The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide. Sierra High Route: Permits, alternate start/end points. Roper, Steve, Sierra High Route: Traversing Timberline Country. 13,000 feet of ascent; 12,200 of descent. 2021 Dates. (3) The SHR goes through some very remote country that is not well suited for search & rescues or easy self-extraction. I make up the difference by wearing most of my clothing to bed. Many thanks, Steve. You should be able to ski advanced ski area runs confidently and be proficient at kick turns, traversing on 40 degree slopes, side slipping and parallel or telemark turns all while carrying a pack of about 40 pounds. 58 miles of the BSL is concurrent with the JMT and its associated crowds. Something went wrong. In order to reach Road’s End, which is just west of the historic town of Kanawyers, we flew into Fresno (FAT) from Denver and found a shuttle driver via Craig’s List to drive us the 85 miles. The snowfields melted out earlier than normal, leaving behind technical scree to cross; and snowfields that did remain were heavily sun-cupped. This is “it”; the ultimate Sierra Classic ski tour. This map was created by a user. And we thought we would see some stormy weather, which we preferred to California’s cloudless summer weather pattern. Buzz and I had no issues in early-July obtaining a permit via the walk-up approach, though if we had prepared earlier we would have reserved a permit to avoid the risk. If you are going late in the season, you’ll probably want to travel south: the northern sections of the route are more likely to get whacked with snow first. No matter which start variation you choose, this is one of the finest ski tours in the world and one to be long remembered. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer." by raising legal technicalities against warrantless searches or questioning law enforcement jurisdictions, etc. Assessor’s Office: 65+ or Disabled Person Low Income Limitation Application 65+ or Disabled Person Low … What would you carry for this year, for Mid-June to Mid-July? This saves weight, and allows me to “take my warmth with me” in the morning when I get out of my bag and in the middle of the night when I have to pee. Laws, John Muir, The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada. There are black bears in the High Sierra, lots of them. Nicknamed Peter, the author vanished during a trip to the Minarets in 1933, his body was found after an intense search, and his book was published posthumously. I completed the AT years ago and the JMT last summer, but this trip excites me more than the other two combined. Starting in the low desert of the Eastern Sierra and crossing some of the more rugged parts of the Sierra Nevada this is not a tour for the beginning skier. Moreover, I would argue that canisters are not necessary if you practice good bear country techniques: do NOT camp where you cook, do NOT carry overly smelly foods or items, and do NOT camp in established sites or near popular trails; DO stealth camp, DO carry your food in odor-proof bags, and DO burn your trash every few days in order to minimize odors. Newsletter signup, If you haven’t spoken with a Sierra Mountain Center employee yet and wish to check availability and fit of a program, please call or use this form: Quick Reservation Request. Sierra County New Mexico – forms and applications related to Sierra County Administration and Government. Is Skurka's map and data set the most updated option. © Copyright 1998-2020 Sierra Mountain Center. It starts high in the Palisades, the most rugged sub-range in the Sierra, and offers a summit of Mt Sill 14,154′ (4,314 m). However, if you are caught by a ranger and you are not carrying a canister, you can receive a hefty fine. Heavy pack + lots of food = slow, hard, and uncomfortable. In the High Sierra in the summer I normally bring a quilt rated to 30 degrees, though in reality it’s probably more like a 35 or 40 since it’s drafty and has no hood. Of course, being as we were off trail most of the time, we didn’t see any Rangers on our thru-hike and I doubt they would have cared as long as we had a permit… I wonder if there is an explanation for this, or was the Ranger just misinformed? (. The Mountaineers, Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills. ‘…the sun was at our back, making for better photos…’. You will have to pick it up at the Road’s End Permit Station, which is just across the road from the Copper Creek Trail. You need SMC Advanced Ski Skills or better for this tour. LNT - Let's work together to protect our precious mountain environment. We will be carefully selecting equipment to reduce weight and we will work with you to ensure that packs do not weigh more then about 45 pound plus the weight of your skis when we start out. I'm thinking about hiking the Sierra High Route this summer. Getting There: Because the Sierra High Route stretches about 195 miles between Kings Canyon and Yosemite National parks, and takes in long stretches of national forest lands, it can be assessed from both parks and from highways off California’s Highway 395. Much appreciated. Identification of flora and fauna of the Sierra. Kearsarge start $1875 From here we are picked up by our shuttle van and head to Visalia and return back to the east side by either van or plane flight depending upon availability. The High Sierra is managed by several agencies, but you only need a permit from the agency that manages the trailhead from which you are starting. Best description of our route. The permit, itself, doesn't cost anything. and proceeded to regularly outsmart the humans who tried to protect their food by hanging it, burying it, and even sleeping next to it. Close. It was conceived as a more diehard alpine alternative to the JMT by outdoor adventurer, climber, and author Steve Roper in the 1990s. We thought we would finish before the mosquitoes hatched. Bears are most problematic in high-traffic areas, which the SHR purposely and mostly successfully avoids. The ranger wanted to know our precise itinerary but settled for “nights 2-17: unknown.” I recommend this system especially for the SHR because there is only one convenient opportunity to buy supplies en route—at Tuolumne Meadows, where there is a small grocery store about two miles down Tioga Road. High Sierra National Forests, Parks, and Wilderness Areas General Information. Explore Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits in Inyo National Forest, California with Recreation.gov. ... Forms, Applications, and Permits in pdf format. Few major trails but it mainly travels through some of the Hills mid-day on a clear:... And climbing routes in the High Sierra, or Yosemite National Park, and how-to information your hike fine e.g... Vista is working to streamline the permit application process through the online portal... Outstanding venture ; the ultimate Sierra Classic ski tour just prior to Chagoopa... The time to hike the JMT for Mid-June to Mid-July carry for this tour one night at moderate (... Easy self-extraction season may be longer or earlier wilderness permit is compulsory quotas... Winter, the laws Field Guide to the Kern River Canyon 's map and set... For a while 210- to 220-mile, 20- to 30-day cross-country journey could be the mountain. Efficiently and to travel faster and more itinerary, and sometimes about running hunting. 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