The High Sierra Trail

The Trail to Bearpaw Camp

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Well-marked and easy to follow, the High Sierra Trail is a moderate hike that follows a ridgeline of mixed conifers, offering spectacular views of the Great Western Divide and lush meadows along the journey.  Alternately rising and falling, the High Sierra Trail crosses three major tributaries before reaching Bearpaw High Sierra Camp^®.

Distance: 11.5 miles each way
Time: 5 to 10 hours, each way (average 7 hours)
Trailhead: Crescent Meadow, approximately 10 miles south of Wuksachi Lodge^®
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet

Recommendations

• Start hiking early!  A 7:00 a.m. start time is advised to avoid some of the mid-day heat and will allow enough time to shower and relax before dinner.
• Drink and carry plenty of water.  There are several creek crossings along the way; carry a water filter or iodine tablets.  Potable drinking water (safe to drink) is not available on the trail.
• Eat little but often.  Big meals sit heavy and demand oxygen for digestion.  Eat foods that are high in carbohydrates, and avoid fats and proteins that are hard to digest.
• Merhten Creek is approximately 6 miles into the hike and is a good place to stop for lunch.
• It takes the average person about 7 hours to hike into or out of Bearpaw Camp.
• It is wise to rest and enjoy Buck Creek (it has a concrete bridge) because the last 1.3 miles gains 600 vertical feet and is without water.
• As the High Sierra Trail tops the ridge, a sign identifies the campground.  DO NOT take the trail to the campground!  Stay left on the trail (toward Hamilton Lake).  The tent camp lies 300 yards ahead.  Walk around front of the dining hall for lemonade where camp hosts will greet you.
• Most people choose to hike the High Sierra Trails, but for a fee, mules are available via the Cedar Grove Pack Station.  Contact (559) 565-3464 for information.
• Personal items cannot be shipped on the Bearpaw weekly pack trains.  Arrangements must be made privately.
• The night before your hike to Bearpaw, we suggest you stay at the Wuksachi Lodge in Sequoia National Park to allow time to acclimate yourself to the higher altitude.  Stay a night after your hike as well so you can rest for your drive home.

What to Bring

• Warm hat
• Sweater and/or fleece jacket
• Extra socks! (laundry facilities are not available)
• Sweat pants, tee shirts, etc.
• Rain poncho
• Ball cap or sun visor
• Camp shoes or sandals (also good for crossing creeks)
• Map
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Water filter or iodine tablets
• Insect repellant
• Flashlight
• Water bottle and/or canteen
• Walking stick
• Toiletries
• First aid kit / blister kit

Note: If you have existing medical conditions that require medication, bring extra in case of unexpected delays.

What to Expect on High Sierra Trails

Mid- to Late June:

• Possible snow on trail and higher water levels
• Cool temperatures (low 40's to mid-70's)
• Fewer insects
• Possible thunderstorm activity
• Song birds
• Little trail usage (backpackers)

Early July:

• Some flowers
• Warmer temperatures (high 40's to mid-80's)
• Increase in insect activity
• Song birds

Mid- to Late July:

• Flowers
• Warmer temperatures (high 40's to mid-80's)
• Possible thunderstorms
• Insects
• Increase in trail usage (backpackers)

Early to Mid-August:

• Some flowers
• Warmer temperatures (high 40's to mid-80's)
• Possible thunderstorms
• Insects
• High trail usage (backpackers)

Late August Through Mid-September:

• Decrease in flowers
• Berry season
• Cooler temperatures (low 40's to high 70's)
• Decrease in insect activity
• Low trail usage (backpackers)

For High Sierra Trail conditions, maps, and information, call the Wilderness Office at (559) 565-3766.

For weather information call (559) 565-3341.