how early does the High Sierra Trail become doable ?
- Satchel Buddah
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how early does the High Sierra Trail become doable ?
hi all. Delighted to join this forum.
I am trying to figure out a time window to hike the HST. I likely will be out of the country this summer and I was wondering if it was doable in spring, and how early.
I know doable means a lot of different things to different people What I have in mind is basically no deep snow (no ski, no snowshoe, no snow camping). Gaiters, microspikes and some navigation is ok.
obviously it's highly dependent on snowpack conditions but what would an average year look like ?
Thank you!
I am trying to figure out a time window to hike the HST. I likely will be out of the country this summer and I was wondering if it was doable in spring, and how early.
I know doable means a lot of different things to different people What I have in mind is basically no deep snow (no ski, no snowshoe, no snow camping). Gaiters, microspikes and some navigation is ok.
obviously it's highly dependent on snowpack conditions but what would an average year look like ?
Thank you!
- robow8
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- maverick
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Re: how early does the High Sierra Trail become doable ?
Hi Satchel,
Welcome to HST! Please read: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4205
Welcome to HST! Please read: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4205
Spring may be way too soon this year if we continue to rack up on these snow storms, you can forget about May without snow gear/snow camping, especially past Hamilton Lakes.I am trying to figure out a time window to hike the HST. I likely will be out of the country this summer and I was wondering if it was doable in spring, and how early.
What I have in mind is basically no deep snow (no ski, no snowshoe, no snow camping).
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
- markskor
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Re: how early does the High Sierra Trail become doable ?
This season, probably mid June would work for most of our Sierra...HST though, a few high passes might still be problematic.
Mountainman who swims with trout
- balzaccom
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Re: how early does the High Sierra Trail become doable ?
especially at the higher elevations, July still might be early. Perfect is August or even early September.
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-R ... 0984884963
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-R ... 0984884963
- Satchel Buddah
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Re: how early does the High Sierra Trail become doable ?
thank you for all the advice and the links. Noelle's report from may 16 is helpful as it gives me an idea of what to expect. I guess I'll wait for may to look at the snowpack again, september would be probably best for me but it's so far away ;-)
A little more about me - I am a 1 year old solo backpacker with a handful of short jaunts in various wildernesses, with a mix and match of ultralight and old school gear. I am semi fit, mid 40's, usually well prepared and studied, can navigate, no snow camping yet. Have done quite a bit of summer peak bagging in the french alps so familiar with the alpine in general, but the high sierra is still a bit of mystery to me. I am inexperienced in risk assessment on high altitude snow, and fording strong snowmelt torrents/rivers and snow bridges does sound a bit scary. I have been in love with Seki since I moved to California from France 16 years ago.
A little more about me - I am a 1 year old solo backpacker with a handful of short jaunts in various wildernesses, with a mix and match of ultralight and old school gear. I am semi fit, mid 40's, usually well prepared and studied, can navigate, no snow camping yet. Have done quite a bit of summer peak bagging in the french alps so familiar with the alpine in general, but the high sierra is still a bit of mystery to me. I am inexperienced in risk assessment on high altitude snow, and fording strong snowmelt torrents/rivers and snow bridges does sound a bit scary. I have been in love with Seki since I moved to California from France 16 years ago.
- Lumbergh21
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Re: how early does the High Sierra Trail become doable ?
Welcome to the club! I also started backpacking in my mid-40's after many years of day hikes and occasional peak bagging. After hiking the JMT in 2015, I also became hooked on the Sierras. I did a loop in 2016 that started off on the High Sierra Trail. If you can wait, I'd recommend a September start date over a May start date, based on how the snow pack is shaping up. At least that's what I'd plan for. The hike from Crescent Meadows up to Kaweah gap is very beautiful, and the view I had of Big Arroyo from Kaweah Gap just as the sun was dipping below the western peaks was special. I also highly recommend a soak in Kern Hot Spring followed by a dip in the ice cold river. After a couple of days on trail, it made me feel like a new man.
- Tom_H
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Re: how early does the High Sierra Trail become doable ?
There is no way to know yet. Snow could continue to pile up and not melt until some time in July. On the other hand, one of these storms could be so warm that it rains and melts the snow currently in place, providing the conditions you seek by May. It is best to have several scenarios planned out as possibilities, then be flexible as you wait and see what happens.
- TehipiteTom
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Re: how early does the High Sierra Trail become doable ?
As of this morning, SWEQ (snow-water equivalent) was at 187% of normal-to-date in the "Southern" area (that's San Joaquin south). I wouldn't bet money on getting out early in the southern Sierra this year.
- Stanley Otter
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Re: how early does the High Sierra Trail become doable ?
SB,
Not sure if you know about the CA Dept of Water Resources web site – I have this page bookmarked to watch the snow water content updates:
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cdecapp/snowap ... art.action
A good planning tool and a fine spectator sport for those far from the action.
Dennis
Not sure if you know about the CA Dept of Water Resources web site – I have this page bookmarked to watch the snow water content updates:
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cdecapp/snowap ... art.action
A good planning tool and a fine spectator sport for those far from the action.
Dennis
Roaring in my ears,
the mountain temple's silence.
Nobody else here!
-- Edith Schiffert
the mountain temple's silence.
Nobody else here!
-- Edith Schiffert
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