1/ Wanted some big trail mile days so a High Sierra Trail yo-yo delivered. Cool to traverse the range from west to east then turn around and go back.
-
1/ Wanted some big trail mile days so a High Sierra Trail yo-yo delivered. Cool to traverse the range from west to east then turn around and go back.
I’m familiar with the areas on both sides, but never connect them. Fun crossing the Kern river canyon twice, summiting Whitney again, and experiencing the entire traverse both ways at different times of the day.
~ 120 miles / 26,000+ feet EG / 84 hours (solo unsupported, context and data corrections in alt).
-
2/ Starting from Crescent Meadow in the giant sequoia groves on the lower western front country going toward Bearpaw camp is a treat as the landscape opens up into the high country.
-
3/ Continuing west day one from Bearpaw to Hamilton lake. One of my favorite pieces of this trail. Dramatic light Friday from all the clouds while approaching Valhalla, Angel Wings, and the Cherubim dome below the lake.
-
4/ Hamilton to Precipice lake is my favorite part of the trail itself. Saw a crew here last fall doing two 5 week rock work projects.
By now I’d met everyone who began within 3 days of me. My intention for my hike was to enjoy long mindless days following the trail, meeting people, and having simple conversations about where we slept last night and where we hope to sleep tonight. I was so content and looking forward to the evening hike
-
5/ Continued with the trail over Kaweah gap after Precipice lake following Big Arroyo down toward the Kern river. Gorgeous sunset alpenglow on the slopes of the Kaweahs. Color was beautiful everywhere, great evening.
-
6/ Day two began on the west rim of the Kern river canyon. The trail drops down, crosses the river, then follows it up 9 miles before climbing out the other side up to Crabtree meadow.
Overcast, non-photogenic day, but forecast showers didn’t transpire and I appreciated lower temps. Rewarded with some sunset glow on the eastern crest before the night hike up Mt Whitney.