High Sierra Topix

Have you ever taken the use path down Whitney Creek from Crabtree Meadow to the Kern River, arriving about 2 miles south of Junction Meadow? I'm planning a hike from Horseshoe Meadow to a loop around the Kaweahs then out Shepherd Pass. My current plan is to continue north on the PCT past Crabtree Meadow to the High Sierra Trail, go west on the HST to the Kern River Trail, then south on the HST/KRT to Junction Meadow. The use path down Whitney Creek might save several miles, dependeing on its condition, difficulty, etc.

I'm not sure that a such a use path exists, but I believe there are a few threads on this forum describing the general route. The gist of the threads, if I remember, is to take care not to get hung up in some of the cliffy terrain. Do a search, you'll find the thread.

Mike

A Ranger of the area told me Whitey Creek is very doable. She told me of a nice surprise in the area also that you'll just have to go to see for yourself. I don't know more about the route though then that.

She said some people try Rock Creek which is off your path but she said that is so dangerous there is actually signs down the creek that say do not attempt it. People with ropes have died taking that route.

Here's a thread describing some routes down to the Kern, including one from Crabtree:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1797&p=11427&hilit= ... ern#p11427" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mike

Many thanks, all, especially Mike for the link.

Hi Slade

Welcome to HST!
Yes, it is doable, and like the previous older threads pictures, and descriptions point
out, it is not all that difficult (class 2) as long as you navigate with caution, and like
others said, do not even think about descending Rock Creek, even if you have climbing
experience.

¡Muchas gracias, Maverick!