High Sierra Trail itinerary
Every published mile marker on the High Sierra Trail route, in order, with the distance and elevation change between each one — and which permit each stretch needs. To watch dates and set alerts, go to the High Sierra Trail permit page.
Which permit covers this route
The High Sierra Trail. One reservation is a trailhead or zone plus an entry date; you roam after that, issued by reservation.
The permit is issued for a named entry point. Crescent Meadow is the one on this list.
- Stops mapped
- 8
- Across the markers
- 72.2 mi
- Published route length
- 72.2 mi
How long it takes: 6-10 days. That is the figure the permit publishes — this page does not divide the route into days, because no source records which stop you sleep at.
The stops below are the route's published mile markers, in order, with the elevations recorded against each one.
Distance and elevation change on each leg are the difference between the two published figures either side of it, so the legs are arithmetic on the markers and nothing more.
The High Sierra Trail route, stop by stop
Mile 0.0
Crescent Meadow
Entry point — the permit is issued for this trailhead
Trailhead on the southeast edge of the Giant Forest. Backpackers with a wilderness permit may access it 24 hours a day, even when it is closed to normal traffic.
11.4 miles to Bearpaw Meadow
Mile 11.4
Bearpaw Meadow
First night for most parties. Camp only in the designated sites, not at the Bearpaw High Sierra Camp or ranger station.
5.2 miles to Big Hamilton Lake
Mile 16.6
Big Hamilton Lake
Beneath the Angel Wings. One night camping limit. Brook, rainbow and golden trout.
3.4 miles to Kaweah Gap
Mile 20.0
10,700 ft
Kaweah Gap
The crossing of the Great Western Divide.
16.8 miles to Kern Hot Springs
Mile 36.8
Kern Hot Springs
A cement tub fed by a 115°F spring beside the cold Kern River. Designated sites only, and they are heavily used.
12.1 miles to John Muir Trail junction
Mile 48.9
John Muir Trail junction
Where the High Sierra Trail meets the JMT. NPS gives 49 miles from the starting point.
7.7 miles to Guitar Lake
Mile 56.6
Guitar Lake
The last campsite with water before the summit. Two-night limit in the Crabtree and Whitney Creek area and at Guitar Lake.
15.6 miles to Whitney Portal
Mile 72.2
Whitney Portal
The eastern end of the traverse, 72.2 miles from Crescent Meadow.
Getting a High Sierra Trail for the dates you want
Planning the route is the easy half. High Sierra Trail dates go fast, and the ones that come back are cancellations — they return to the booking system without warning and are gone again quickly. PermitSnag watches High Sierra Trail around the clock and alerts you the moment a date opens.