Bearpaw High Sierra Trail

Well-marked and easy to follow, the famed, 72-mile High Sierra Trail starts along a ridgeline of mixed conifers through rugged Sierra terrain. With roots dating back to 1928, this multi-day trek offers spectacular views of the Great Western Divide and lush meadows along the journey.

For those starting the full High Sierra Trail thru-hike from Crescent Meadow, or those simply interested in a relaxing overnight trip with a few creature comforts, Bearpaw High Sierra Camp marks a perfect end point to a day of hiking. Enjoy a hearty meal that will prepare you for the rigors to come. Then relax on the porch or by the fire with sweeping views of the Great Western Divide while reveling in the company of fellow hikers and High Sierra Camp hosts who love to share their knowledge of the trails and surrounding country.

From here, it can take up to a week to cross the Kaweah Gap into the Kern River Canyon before ascending on towering Mt. Whitney, taking in deep river canyons, high alpine peaks and lakes along the way.

The moderate hike to Bearpaw starts at the Crescent Meadow parking lot. A wilderness permit is required and can be obtained at the Lodgepole Visitor Center between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The permit is free for Bearpaw guests. With it, you can drive to Crescent Meadow even on summer weekends, when the road is closed to other visitors. If your wilderness trip includes overnight stays at locations other than the High Sierra Camp, such as continuing along the High Sierra Trail to Mount Whitney, you must obtain a wilderness permit and pay a fee; reservations are highly recommended. Permits need to be picked up in person at the Lodgepole Visitor Center.

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

Click map for an interactive version of the map as well as more detailed information of the trail.
Part of the Trail Map of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Generals Highway
(Redwood Hikes Press, 2013)

Click here to see the trailhead location in Google Maps or Google Street View.

High Sierra Trail Recommendations

Getting to Bearpaw High Sierra Camp - Day 1

• 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.
• 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.
• Mehrten Creek is approximately 6 miles into the hike and 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.

Beyond Bearpaw

What to Bring

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:

Early July:

Mid- to Late July:

Early to Mid-August:

Late August Through Mid-September:

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

For weather information, call (559) 565-3341.