Completing the High Sierra Trail in 5 days was the exact challenge I had been looking for. Physically, mentally, and emotionally drained every single day was the name of the game, and as a solo thru-hiker, only myself to blame…or thank? Stepping foot on the trail and living the adventure, of course, is my favorite part of the experience, but the planning and preparation part falls right behind. And yes, I’ve said many times that the itinerary you set for yourself at the beginning of your hike will most likely change; however, having at least some knowledge of what’s to come is very helpful.
Besides blogs, YouTube, and Facebook Groups, one of my favorite apps for planning any backpacking trip is AllTrails! I recently upgraded my subscription to PEAK and particularly like having the option to create my route. This allows me to focus on my daily mileage, elevation, and route rather than the entire trail. Would you be interested in AllTrails Peak? Visit this link to learn more!
✨ High Sierra Trail 5-Day Itinerary ✨
– DAY 1 –
📍Cresent Meadow > Hamiliton Lake
Miles: 16.3
Elevation: + 3,960 ft. / -1,658 ft.
– DAY 2 –
📍Hamiliton Lake > Moraine Lake
Miles: 15.6
Elevation: + 3,507 ft. / -2,406 ft.
– DAY 3 –
📍Moraine Lake > Junction Meadow
Miles: 14.8
Elevation: + 1,354 ft. / -2,587 ft.
– DAY 4 –
📍Junction Meadow > tarn above Guitar Lake
Miles: 11.6
Elevation: + 4,112 ft. / 543 ft.
– DAY 5 –
📍tarn above Guitar Lake > Mount Whitney Portal
Miles: 13.7
Elevation: + 2,945 ft. / -6,269 ft.
Logistics + Permits
Planning a thru-hike can be a little daunting logistically, especially when it involves thru-hiking the Sierra Nevada. Thru hiking the High Sierra Trail means starting on one side of the Sierra and ending on the other side. It’s most common to start in Sequoia National Park and hike eastbound to Mount Whitney.
One of the reasons I hike solo is due to the fact that my plans change quite often. It was the night before leaving when my itinerary changed. I would have much rather ended my hike by walking towards my parked vehicle at the end, rather than returning to it at the beginning trailhead. Let me explain..
Originally, I planned to park my car at the Dow Villa hotel in Lone Pine, catch the Eastern Sierra Transit to Mojave, the Greyhound to Bakersfield, the Amtrak to Visilia, and stay in a hotel. The next morning, I would hop on the Sequoia Shuttle, pick up my permit, stay a night at Lodgepole Campground, and shuttle to the trailhead the following morning. I would then complete the High Sierra Trail at Mount Whitney Portal and hitch to Lone Pine to retrieve my car.
Instead, at midnight, hours before leaving for my trip. I decided if I could score a walk-up permit for July 1st (my permit was for 7/2,) I would be able to hike Mount Whitney for my birthday…so that’s what I did.
Before my hike: I ended up driving to the Lodgepole Visitor Center, arriving a little too early for walk-up permits, but I was hoping to score a very popular walk-up permit for 4th of July week. Walk-up permits are available at 1 pm the day before your hike. I arrived at 11 am, hung out for a while, and was lucky to have scored a permit for the following day.
Checked in to my campsite at Lodgepole Campground and was able to start my hike the next day a few hours before the Sequoia Shuttle.
At the end of my hike: I was lucky enough to have my parents meet me at Whitney Portal. They drove in from Los Angeles that morning, and we stayed in a hotel in Bishop. Since I had already arranged my bus and train tickets, they dropped me off in Mojave, and I continued on my way to retrieve my car at Crescent Meadow.
