Planning My High Sierra Trail Camp Sites

[ralfmalf]

I have a two fold question. I was wondering if there are good camping sites shortly after Kern Hot Springs as I would like to put in an extra two or three miles to that section of my hike?

Basically the same question for after Guitar lake. Is there anywhere decent to camp after Guitar lake?

thanks.

[stevet]

North of Kern Hot Spring is Junction Meadow. A bit past that there is a Shorty cabin that has enough flat area to camp nearby (probably less traffic there). Beyond Guitar Lake if early enough in season about one mile above the lake there is a creek, or maybe 1/2 mile off trail from there are the Hitchcock Lakes. There are also some bivy areas further up the trail and Mt Whitney summit but you would need to haul all your water.

[ralfmalf]

Perfect, thanks stevet.

[maverick]

Hi Ralfmalf,

Welcome to HST!

Junction Meadow is at least 7 miles from Kern Hot Springs, if you are carrying a bear canister, then you can find campsite along the Kern, otherwise Junction Meadow is your next location with bear boxes after the Hot Springs.

You do not need to go all the way to Hitchcock Lakes, there are some tarns above Guitar Lake and some on the way to Hitchcock, that have decent campsites with water, beyond that you will have to carry water, because there is no available water higher up.

[RoguePhotonic]

There are plenty of places you can find good camping as you move your way up the Kern before Junction Meadow.