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High Sierra Trail
The High Sierra Trail is a trekking trail in Sequoia National Park, California, United States. The path traverses the Sierra Nevada from west to east. The High Sierra Trail turns from Crescent Meadow up the canyon of the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River, crossing the Great Western Divide by the 10,700’ (3261 meters) pass called Kaweah Gap. It descends into Big Arroyo, then goes up to the Chagoopa Plateau, and then descends once more into the Kern River Canyon. After going down to the base of the Kern Canyon, it turns east, hiking parallel to Wallace Creek, to the junction with the John Muir Trail, 49 miles (79 km) from the kick-off point. After that, you can stick to the John Muir Trail about 13 more miles (21 km) to reach the peak of Mount Whitney. Read more: Does Antarctica Have Countries?
How to Go:
Prepare to stay on this trail for about 10 days, and factor in a couple extra if you really want to enjoy it.
Day 1 - to Bearpaw Meadow (18.2 km)
Day 2 - to Big Arroyo Junction (17.6 km)
Hamilton Lake
Outside of Big Hamilton Lake, there is certainly no place to go but up! The ascent starts with several sweeping switchbacks over the hills to the northern part of the lake, just before moving east in the direction of the sheer-walled avalanche chute called Hamilton Gorge. In 1932, Park Service engineers constructed a steel suspension bridge along the Gorge, but during winter of 1937, an enormous avalanche ripped the bridge from its moorings and took its twisted debris right down to the shoreline of Big Hamilton Lake. You could still view the bridge’s concrete footings and some scrap metal remains, but the trek now runs through the corner and tunnel blasted by the Civilian Conservation Corps the following summer, in 1938. 
Precipice Lake
East of Hamilton Gorge, the path gets into the alpine life area of the Sierras. This spot is somewhat barren for part of the year, as the short rising season, avalanches and the absence of soil make life all but impossible for vegetation besides herbs and low bushes. Precipice Lake, which happens to be situated under the northern wall of Eagle Scout Peak, normally remains frozen, even in mid-summer. Past the lake, the path goes by several shallow glacial wetlands, to eventually reach Kaweah Gap over the Great Western Divide (20 miles/32 km). Out of this pass at 10,700’ (3261 meters), it is just several hundred or so vertical feet into the open valley of the Big Arroyo. The path goes on a comfortable to moderate descent towards the camping grounds at Big Arroyo Junction (22.5 miles/36 km).
Day 3 to Moraine Lake (8 miles/12.8 km) or Upper Funston Meadow (12 miles/19.2 km)
(To be continued…) Don’t forget to read our Essential items for camping and Trekking!
