It’s no secret that Los Angeles and its surroundings are a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors. From stunning, pristine lakes to golden beaches and towering mountains, countless adventures are just a drive away.
Hiking is a top activity for both Angelenos and visitors, and now we know one of the world’s best trails is just hours from L.A. According to AllTrails, the High Sierra Trail ranks among the 25 best hikes globally. This multi-day, point-to-point route crosses the Sierra Nevada, from Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal in Sequoia National Park, America’s second-oldest national park, established in 1890.
The Park is famous for its towering giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth by volume. The park’s vast wilderness features rugged mountain peaks, deep canyons, and pristine alpine lakes. Summer offers the best weather to explore the High Sierra Trail, with most snow melted and the trail fully accessible.
Tips for Hiking the High Sierra Trail
The itinerary, recommended by All Trails, mentions that the hike starts at Crescent Meadow, with an alternate start at Wolverton. The trail climbs a steep ridge with views of the Kaweah River and Alta Peak.
The next section crosses exposed alpine terrain, passing Bearpaw Meadow (which has a backpacker camp) and descending to Lone Pine Creek. Along the way, you’ll see granite formations like Valhalla and Angel Wings, and reach Hamilton Lake, a popular camping area.
Later on, the trail crosses Kaweah Gap on the Great Western Divide and then descends through Big Arroyo with several campsites before climbing to Chagoopa Plateau and reaching Moraine Lake, great for swimming and camping.
The trail continues through forested areas with distant views of Mount Whitney and Mt. Kaweah, passes an old cabin and burnt trees, then descends steeply into Kern River Canyon, where rattlesnakes are common.
Following the Kern River, the trail arrives at Junction Meadow before merging with the John Muir Trail. The final stretch is the climb up Mount Whitney, which can be started from either the Muir junction or Guitar Lake. Along the way, campgrounds like Trail Camp and Outpost Camp provide ideal resting spots before you summit the highest peak in the continental U.S. or make your way back down to Whitney Portal.
Be sure to plan your trip before the end of September, as this is when the weather is at its best and the trail is open. From October to June, the High Sierra Trail is usually closed due to snow and harsh conditions.