The almost unknown Sierra Crest Route
Posted: Thu Jun 18, 2015 8:40 pm
Leonard R. Daughenbaugh's guide to the Sierra Crest Route has been out since 2008. But it seems like barely anyone knows about it. I'd wager that it's too hard for most of us. And that the book is too rare.
Can we start some discussion about the SCR? It deserves at least a little bit of chatter on this forum. I couldn't find mention of it. Perhaps search wasn't working?
The website for the Sierra Crest Route: http://www.sierracrestroute.org/
The book is selling for $275 on Amazon right now. I bought my copy at Wilson's Eastside Sports back in 2009 for something like $10. I bet there are plenty of copies kicking around, probably unsold, and going to the source might be a way to pick one up. [EDIT: this seems like a better place to buy it.]
Amazon's description of Sierra Crest Route: and other routes less traveled:
"The Sierra Crest Route is a 228-mile, cross-country route that parallels the Sierra Nevada Crest from Haiwee Pass, west of Haiwee Reservour, which is 9+ miles south of Olancha, north to the Sawtooth Ridge, located southwest of Bridgeport. This Route never strays further than one mile from the Crest, but most of it lies either on or within 1/4th mile of said Crest. The objective difficulty can reach class 3, so it is not for beginners or individuals traveling alone. Also included are hundreds of miles of other cross country Sierra routes, which provide access to the rest of the Sierra. The Crest Route and these other routes also provide access to virtually every peak in the Range. This is the first time a cross country route of this length, complexity, and difficulty has been created. To successfully complete this route, group members should possess a highly developed sense of adventure. Too many Sierra guidebooks carefully shepherd travelers by giving exact directions as to where to go, the best way to get there, how long it's going to take, what will be seen, and, in some cases, what to think and feel about it all. Instead, travelers on this route will be given the opportunity to, for the most part, utilize their own initiative, skills, and knowledge to complete a difficult and sometimes dangerous route with a minimum of outside guidance. Whenever a group crests a ridge or peak, everything seen, thought, and sensed will be brand new, much like it was for the early explorers. No distances are included, and there are no photographs or route maps. Only the eight major points on a compass are utilized to tell general direction, and only the altitude, objective difficulty, and general location of the various features along the Route and its alternatives are given. Directions are only given for a South to North trek, which makes a traverse in the opposite direction much more interesting. This route will also expose each traveler to the true concept of wilderness. It is quite possible to traverse the entire route without seeing another person, just like it was in the early days of Sierra exploration."
What I've found is pretty limited. In 2012 Stephen Hoefler hiked it. His photos look sweet.
Can we start some discussion about the SCR? It deserves at least a little bit of chatter on this forum. I couldn't find mention of it. Perhaps search wasn't working?
The website for the Sierra Crest Route: http://www.sierracrestroute.org/
The book is selling for $275 on Amazon right now. I bought my copy at Wilson's Eastside Sports back in 2009 for something like $10. I bet there are plenty of copies kicking around, probably unsold, and going to the source might be a way to pick one up. [EDIT: this seems like a better place to buy it.]
Amazon's description of Sierra Crest Route: and other routes less traveled:
"The Sierra Crest Route is a 228-mile, cross-country route that parallels the Sierra Nevada Crest from Haiwee Pass, west of Haiwee Reservour, which is 9+ miles south of Olancha, north to the Sawtooth Ridge, located southwest of Bridgeport. This Route never strays further than one mile from the Crest, but most of it lies either on or within 1/4th mile of said Crest. The objective difficulty can reach class 3, so it is not for beginners or individuals traveling alone. Also included are hundreds of miles of other cross country Sierra routes, which provide access to the rest of the Sierra. The Crest Route and these other routes also provide access to virtually every peak in the Range. This is the first time a cross country route of this length, complexity, and difficulty has been created. To successfully complete this route, group members should possess a highly developed sense of adventure. Too many Sierra guidebooks carefully shepherd travelers by giving exact directions as to where to go, the best way to get there, how long it's going to take, what will be seen, and, in some cases, what to think and feel about it all. Instead, travelers on this route will be given the opportunity to, for the most part, utilize their own initiative, skills, and knowledge to complete a difficult and sometimes dangerous route with a minimum of outside guidance. Whenever a group crests a ridge or peak, everything seen, thought, and sensed will be brand new, much like it was for the early explorers. No distances are included, and there are no photographs or route maps. Only the eight major points on a compass are utilized to tell general direction, and only the altitude, objective difficulty, and general location of the various features along the Route and its alternatives are given. Directions are only given for a South to North trek, which makes a traverse in the opposite direction much more interesting. This route will also expose each traveler to the true concept of wilderness. It is quite possible to traverse the entire route without seeing another person, just like it was in the early days of Sierra exploration."
What I've found is pretty limited. In 2012 Stephen Hoefler hiked it. His photos look sweet.