High Sierra Trail Out and Back to Sequoia

[WandererWade]

After reading the 'directions', here goes.

Backpacking level of experience: Level 3 (not much x-country travel but comfortable with the it just so long as I'm not doing a Bear Grylls)

Terrain Comfort: I'd say Class 2 mainly due to the 13 yo

Interests: Lakes, big scenery

Trip: Late July starting at Crescent Meadow and follow HST to Whitney, then return to West side either as yo-yo or another route (most preferable). I do not have permits yet as the SEKI site says March 1 is the earliest date to apply. I am traveling from Atlanta Ga with 20 yo son and now the 13 yo is dying to come as well. We are all suitably equipped and follow the UL spirit of backpacking. Both boys are very experienced in backpacking and are in great shape. We have been on many trips in the east as well as the Rockies. Yes I know altitude kicks butt for several days. We are not interested in taking excessive risks but would be open to x-country if not too risky. We do have a GPS and orienteering knowledge. Some of the photos on this thread and the prospect of washing machine size bolders flying around may be too risky for us and especially the 13 yo.

Matterrington had a good suggestion of a return to west side return via Forester/Bubbs Creek to Road's End. Has anyone done this trip? Looks pretty good on Google Earth. Is this more scenic than the yo-yo??I searched but cannot find transportation from Roads End back to Crescent Meadow other than hitchhiking. Probably would be tough with 3 people and packs. Apparently the shuttle bus does not go to Roads End. Any other transportation suggestions?? I would like to leave the car at Roads End so I dont have to worry about transporation at the end of the trip.

We have plenty of time to do this route. We will not resupply but our food is typically light weight fare and should not be too bad to carry. Plus the load lightens each day.
Thanks for everyones help and suggestions. Thus far the Sierras are my favorite destination.

[Mike M.]

Wade, I like the idea of looping back via another route -- either that, or doing an incomplete loop, like the one you are considering over Forester Pass and down Bubb's Creek to Road's End.

There are many options. For a loop, a nice option would be to double back to the Kern via the JMT and the Wallace Creek trail, then hook up with the Colby Pass trail, go over Colby Pass and circle around to Elizabeth Pass and then back to your starting point. The view from Elizabeth Pass is one of the best in the Sierra and this area is generally lightly traveled. All this is Class 1 trail.

Regarding getting around the park from Road's End: hitch-hiking is a great option. Always do it alone -- it is too hard for most potential rides to fit more than one person (with gear) in a car. What we do is leave the rest of the group with the packs and one of us (usually me) hitches (always with my pack) alone. I'm usually able to get a ride by asking around at the trailhead, as people come and go. If you do have to thumb it, having your pack with you instantly gives you credibility (you look like a backpacker! -- and not some dirty, smelly bum no one in their right mind would want to let into their car).

I wouldn't try to plan trips using Google Maps. You need topo maps for sure -- I favor the old U.S. Geological Survey 15 minute maps (no longer manufactured -- 80 feet elevation per contour line) over the 7.5 minute maps (40 feet per contour line). HST has a link to an on-line database of these maps for the entire Sierra.

Mike

[stevet]

I completed an out and back a few years ago. My trip report can be viewed here: https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=12c136b9 ... 45E4%21501" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If you choose to resupply for the return, packers will come up from the south to meet you at Crabtree, expect to pay almost as much as a return shuttle. If you leave yourself a resupply, should you follow my route then leave it in the vicinity of Junction Meadow.

[sparky]

Wade, just want to make sure you understand when and where you need a bear cannister....im assuming there is plenty of bear boxes along the HST but you might not encounter them on the return trip

[Wandering Daisy]

It is my understanding that regardless of bear boxes you are REQUIRED to carry a bear cannister on much of this route. Inyo Forest web site has a good map on where exactly bear cannisters are required.

[RoguePhotonic]

I don't know about new maps but canisters weren't needed for any of the HST other then the Whitney Zone. But on the other hand I looked at a Forest Service zone map around Rae Lakes and it showed that canisters where needed in the whole area including areas like Gardiner Basin and I didn't know about that so I can't say for sure.

[AlmostThere]

You will absolutely need a canister - in the Whitney Zone, it's mandatory, as it is also in the Rae Lakes loop area and along the JMT. Was checked by a ranger each day (different ranger each time) between the Charlotte Lake/JMT junction and Crabtree Meadow.

Sequoia/Kings will be making them mandatory above treeline everywhere, soon. So saith the rangers I was getting permits from in 2011. Judging from the bear scat at Moose Lake (10,000 feet, no trees, just alpine, rocks and pikas) there is A Reason(tm).

[WandererWade]

Thanks to all replies. I am working on a circuit for Crescent Meadow to Whitney and back. Lots of great advice was received from you all. I will post the route once I get it final and get permits. Maybe there will be additional tips from the folks that love the area so much.

Just for the record we will have approved bear cannisters for the entire trip. I did not mean to start a debate on the topic. Me and the boys prefer not worrying about bears or fines during our trips and dont mind the extra 2.5 lbs to protect us and the bears.

[mattherrington]

Wade,

Just a quick FYI re. canisters. You can rent one/many for $5 ea. for the duration of your hike from the Lodgepole visitor center where you'll pull your permit. (I've never had ANY problems with availibility.) I've been spooked before about getting there and not getting one but late summer at Road's End and Lodgepole they've always had a bunch. I've also rented from REI because I was concerned about the above and spent $25 wk (thus $50) and was eventually irritated at my lack of faith.

SEKI uses the Garcia one which a.) doesn't have any real 90 degree edges so there's nothing rubbing weird in your pack or poking you in the back; and b.) is also a great seat. Cheers!

[Mike M.]

I think they're $5 per week for each canister. They seem to stock the old Garcia canisters, which are relatively heavy and crappy for loading and unloading. Still and all, pretty cheap.

Mike