Update on choosing the High Sierra Trail over the JMT for my 7-day trip

I had to pick between the full John Muir Trail or just the High Sierra Trail section for a week last August. Went with the HST from Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal, and the logistics were way simpler with just one permit from Sequoia. Anyone have a favorite 5-7 day loop in that area for next time?

3 comments

3 Comments

ben_fisher22d ago

Smart choice on the HST for a shorter trip, right? The permit thing alone makes it so much easier to actually pull off. For a loop next time, have you looked at the Mineral King area?

henry_anderson5422d ago

Yeah, the permit system for the HST is a game changer. Last year I got a walk-up for a three day trip with no trouble at all. Mineral King loops are amazing, but in my experience those permits are way harder to snag unless you plan months ahead. The Sawtooth Pass route is brutal but the views are worth it. Just be ready for some serious elevation gain right from the start.

nancy_west22d ago

Walk-up permits are basically a miracle, Henry. Ben Fisher, you're not wrong about the loops, but I'd rather not plan my life around a piece of paper six months out.