High Sierra Trail (Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal)

Water: Mehrten Creek, Nine Mile Creek, Buck Creek

Through the giant sequoia grove for the first mile, then a long contour above the Middle Fork Kaweah River with views toward the Great Western Divide. The trail rolls more than the net elevation suggests: you will cross three creek drainages (Mehrten, Nine Mile, Buck) before the final climb to Bearpaw Meadow. Bear sightings near the trailhead are common; bear boxes available at camp.

Water: Lone Pine Creek, Hamilton Creek, Hamilton Lake, Precipice Lake

Drop to a bridge crossing at Lone Pine Creek, then begin the long climb to Hamilton Lakes basin. A tunnel blasted through rock replaces the old suspension bridge at Hamilton Gorge. From there, switchbacks lead up to Precipice Lake, the spot Ansel Adams made famous, then a final push to Kaweah Gap (10,700ft), the high point of the day. The Big Arroyo opens up below you on the descent to camp.

Water: Big Arroyo Creek, Kern River

Climb out of the Big Arroyo and cross high alpine meadows at the base of Mt. Kaweah. A worthwhile detour to Moraine Lake adds a couple of miles if you have the legs. Back on the HST, the trail commits to its longest sustained descent of the trip, switchback after switchback into the Kern River canyon.

Water: Kern River, Kern Hot Spring

A gradual, steady climb north along the Kern River, the gentlest day on the trail. Pass Kern Hot Spring partway up; the concrete tub is worth the stop if it is open. Camp near the Colby Pass Trail junction.

Water: Wright Creek, Wallace Creek, Crabtree Creek

Climb out of the Kern Canyon, crossing Wright Creek and then Wallace Creek, where the HST joins the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. Expect company after days of solitude. Camp at Upper Crabtree Meadow near the ranger station; grab wag bags here, required from this point through the Whitney Zone.

Water: Timberline Lake, Guitar Lake

A short, easy day by HST standards. Pass Timberline Lake, clean and full of rising fish, before Guitar Lake comes into view with Whitney looming directly overhead. Camp at the tarn above the lake for the best views and a head start on tomorrow's summit climb.

Water: Stream below Trail Crest switchbacks, Lone Pine Creek

Summit day. Climb the switchbacks from Guitar Lake to Trail Crest (13,600ft), drop your pack, and walk the exposed 1.9-mile ridge to the Whitney summit (14,505ft). The descent drops 6,100ft to Whitney Portal; hikers call it the '99 switchbacks,' though it is more nickname than exact count. Option to break the descent with a camp at Outpost Camp, just below Mirror Lake (camping at the lake itself is not permitted), and finish the short walk out the next morning instead of pushing straight through.