Overview:
This is the sixth of a series of Guides to the High Sierra Trail, an approximately 70 mile trail that runs from Crescent Meadow on the ... more »western side of the Sierra Nevada to Whitney Portal on the eastern slope. Each segment roughly corresponds to a day on the trail. This Guide describes Segment 6 of 7: Upper Kern Canyon to Guitar Lake.
This segment takes you from the 'low' country of the Kern River to the launching point for a western-approach climb of Mount Whitney: Guitar Lake. This is a stretch that climbs about 3500 feet in ten miles, but by now you are strong and acclimated.
The first mile or so contours gently upwards around the walls of the Kern Canyon until Wallace Creek is in sight. If you look to the west you will see the peaks of the Kaweah Range, the same ones you saw from the other side while standing atop Kaweah Gap.
Upon meeting Wallace Creek (which is far below you), the trail turns to the east and parallels the creek until you eventually meet it at the junction with the John Muir Trail.
About 3.5 miles and 1500 feet into this stretch, the High Sierra Trail meets the John Muir Trail where it crosses Wallace Creek. At the junction there are many campsites and you'll likely meet some JMT through-hikers; from here on out you're sharing the same trail.
The trail continues rather uneventfully for a while. You'll pass by Sandy Meadow, the site of a tragic event where lightning killed and injured people from a Boy Scout Troop in 2005. Finally, you'll reach Crabtree Meadow where there is a backcountry ranger station, places to camp, and water access.
From here, the trail climbs another ~800 feet in 2.5 miles to Guitar Lake, which at 11,400 feet is the highest you've been on the trail thus far. less «
The High Sierra Trail: Segment 6 of 7
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The High Sierra Trail: Segment 6 of 7
Overview: This is the sixth of a series of Guides to the High Sierra Trail, an approximately 70 mile trail that runs from Crescent Meadow on the ... more »
Tips:
Campsites
Wallace Creek and Crabtree Meadow are common camp areas. There is no camping between Crabtree and Guitar Lake. G... more »
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Points of Interest
Don't miss the turn in the trail towards Wallace Creek! There are excellent views down the Kern Canyon on this stretch of trail.
From this point on, the John Muir Trail and the High Sierra Trail are one and the same. Traffic will increase, but you are nearing Mount Whitney and so does the excitement.
Fill up your water here - the next reliable source is at Crabtree Meadow. There are also campsites near this junction.
The track from the actual trail does not exactly match the USGS maps, so I marked this junction with a POI. The junctions are clearly signed, however, so it is not confusing - just unexpected if you are glued to the map.
It's now only 8.6 miles to the summit of Mount Whitney!
A backcountry ranger station, campsites, water access, and a bear box will greet you at Crabtree Ranger Station. It's the closest sign of 'civilization' since you left the Bearpaw Meadow High Sierra Camp several days ago.
At the junction, make sure to pick up your Wag Bag. From this point until the end of the trail, you are required to... More
Due to overuse Timberline Lake is under restoration and doesn't allow camping. It's a nice spot to stop and rest, however. The trail is now passing the 11,000 foot mark, and even having been on the trail for a while, you'll likely feel it.
Directly to the east you'll be staring at the back side of Mount Whitney. It won't be long until... More
The destination of this stretch: Guitar Lake. Most hikers stay here and prepare for an early morning start on Mount Whitney the next day. At 11,400 feet Guitar Lake is a high camp far above treeline with little protection from the wind and cold.
However, the beauty of this place makes it worthwhile. Named the Best Place to watch a Suns... More
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