Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports HST: High Sierra Trail and Pants Pass

On Sept 3 - 8, I hiked solo from Crescent Meadow in Sequoia National Park, on the west side of the Sierra Nevada, to Whitney Portal on the east side. I followed the High Sierra Trail part of the way, but at Kaweah Gap, where the trail crosses the Great Western Divide, I left the trail and hiked cross-country northeast across Pants Pass. That route took me to the headwaters of the Kern-Kaweah River, where I eventually joined the trail descending that valley from Colby Pass. At Junction Meadow, where the Kern-Kaweah joins the Kern River, I reconnected with the High Sierra Trail, and hiked to the junction of the John Muir Trail. Following the JMT almost to Guitar Lake, I again hiked cross-country up the Arctic Lake drainage all the way to the Whitney-Russell pass. I had hoped to climb the north slope of Mt Whitney, but couldn't see a route that appeared safe for a solo hiker. I then went over the W-R pass to Iceberg Lake, loaded up on 3 quarts of water (using freezer Ziploc bags), and climbed the Mountaineers Route of Mt Whitney, so I could sleep overnight in the summit hut. Worst day was taking the Main Mt Whitney Trail to Whitney Portal -- my feet were killing me (toenail problems), and a blister afterward caused my entire left foot to swell. Next time I'll have bigger boots!

Going on such an adventurous route, and with family having concerns, I carried a Spot satellite signal unit so people could watch my progress, and just in case, I could summon help if I got into serious trouble. The nice part of carrying the unit is that I can see my route on a map after the trip. Here's a link (be sure to zoom in): Spotwalla Map

Starting out, my pack weighed about 26 lbs, carrying about 12 lbs of food, and a pound of fishing gear. I did not carry any water treatment tools, only a Snow Peak cup to dip and drink. I carried a Gatorade bottle, nearly empty most of the time, only filling it when I expected long stretches without water. Using my cup, I'd dip and drink at almost every stream crossing I encountered.

The pictures below, and many more, can be seen in this album:  HST High Sierra Trail, Pants Pass

Day 1:

My wife and I spent the night at the Stony Creek motel along the General's Highway, and we ate breakfast at the swanky Wuksachi Lodge. I loaded up on bagels and bread there, as I realized I'd forgotten to grab the bread from home for the trip. We finally got to the trail head about 8:30, took several pictures, and I was off.

The pack is an 8-ounce cuben fiber pack from Zpacks.com. A bit fragile, but sure worth any extra trouble due to its light weight.

Between Crescent Meadow and the Bearpaw High Sierra Camp, the trail is gentle, and I encountered lots of wildflowers. Here are just a few. (Click on any of the pictures for a larger view.)

More pictures...

Piece of a hornet's nest.

Nice view across the Kaweah River gorge, looking at Castle Rocks.

More pictures and report coming later....