USA — Bishop
Sierra High Route: A 312km high-altitude traverse through California's rugged Sierra Nevada wilderness. This demanding, multi-week route, conceived by Steve Roper, offers unparalleled alpine panoramas and pristine wilderness, far from conventional paths. Expect challenging ascents, rocky ridges, and remote passes, a true test for seasoned hikers seeking an isolated mountain adventure.
Distance: 312.2 km
Elevation Gain: 36576 m
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Duration: 3-4 weeks
The Sierra High Route (SHR) is not a trail in the traditional sense; it is a vision of high-altitude travel through the most rugged and spectacular terrain of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Stretching approximately 312.2 kilometres from the lush floor of Kings Canyon to the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Ridge near Twin Lakes, this route is the brainchild of legendary climber and author Steve Roper. Unlike the well-trodden John Muir Trail (JMT), which stays primarily in the valleys and crosses passes on engineered switchbacks, the Sierra High Route stays as close to the timberline as possible, frequently hovering between 3,000 and 3,600 metres. It is a journey defined by granite, talus, and alpine meadows, where the path is dictated by topography rather than a blazed trail. For the experienced backpacker, it represents the pinnacle of wilderness travel in the United States, demanding expert navigation, physical resilience, and a deep appreciation for the raw, unmediated landscape of the High Sierra.
The Sierra High Route is often described as the "anti-John Muir Trail." While the JMT is a masterpiece of trail engineering, the SHR is a masterpiece of route-finding. It was designed to provide a more intimate, challenging, and solitary experience of the Sierra Nevada. The route traverses the heart of the range, crossing 33 major passes and staying almost entirely within the high alpine zone. Because it avoids the valley floors where most trails reside, the SHR offers a continuous panorama of the "Range of Light," as John Muir famously called these mountains. The scale of the landscape is immense: you will find yourself surrounded by 4,000-metre peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and ancient foxtail pine forests that have stood for over a millennium.
The physical demands of the SHR are extraordinary. With over 36,000 metres of total elevation gain, the route involves constant climbing and descending. Much of this movement occurs on unstable surfaces—shifting talus, steep scree, and slippery granite slabs. There are no bridges over the numerous creek crossings, and no signposts to guide the way. Success on the SHR depends on a hiker's ability to read a topographic map and interpret the landscape. You must identify the "line of least resistance" through complex glacial basins and over formidable ridges. This is a journey that rewards the patient and the observant; it is as much a mental challenge as a physical one.
Solitude is one of the SHR's greatest gifts. While the JMT can feel crowded during the peak summer months, it is entirely possible to spend days on the High Route without seeing another human being. You will share the landscape with marmots, pikas, and the occasional bighorn sheep. The silence of the high basins is profound, broken only by the sound of wind through the granite spires or the roar of a distant waterfall. For those seeking a true wilderness experience, where self-reliance is the primary currency, the Sierra High Route is unsurpassed.
The Sierra High Route was first conceptualised and documented by Steve Roper, a prominent climber and historian of the Sierra Nevada. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Roper sought to create a route that captured the spirit of the early Sierra explorers—men like Josiah Whitney, Clarence King, and John Muir—who moved through these mountains before the existence of a formal trail network. Roper’s goal was to stay high, avoid the dust and crowds of the JMT, and follow the natural logic of the terrain. In 1982, he published "The Sierra High Route: Traversing the Timberline," a guidebook that remains the definitive resource for the journey. Roper’s writing is famously understated, often describing terrifyingly steep passes as "straightforward" or "interesting," which has become a point of humour and caution among those who follow in his footsteps.
Before Roper, the High Sierra was the ancestral home and seasonal hunting ground of several Indigenous peoples, including the Paiute (Monache) to the east and the Yokuts and Mono to the west. These groups utilised high-altitude passes for trade and travel long before European surveyors arrived. Many of the names found on modern maps—such as Piute Pass or Mono Pass—honour this deep history. The route also passes through areas shaped by the "Golden Age" of Sierra climbing in the mid-20th century, when pioneers like Norman Clyde and Jules Eichorn made first ascents of the jagged peaks that now serve as landmarks for SHR hikers.
Today, the Sierra High Route is recognised as one of the premier long-distance routes in the world. It has inspired a new generation of "high routes" across the globe, from the Wind River High Route in Wyoming to the Pyrenean Haute Randonnée in Europe. Despite its growing fame, the SHR remains protected by its inherent difficulty. It cannot be "conquered" in the traditional sense; it must be negotiated with respect and humility. The land is managed by the National Park Service and the US Forest Service, and its preservation as a wilderness area is a testament to the environmental movement that John Muir helped ignite over a century ago.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The window for a successful Sierra High Route thru-hike is narrow, dictated by the melting of winter snow and the arrival of autumn storms. Because the route stays at such high elevations, snow can linger on north-facing passes well into July, making certain sections dangerous or impassable without technical ice gear. Conversely, by mid-September, the first major winter storms can arrive, bringing freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall that can trap hikers in the high basins.
Late July to Early August: This is the prime season for wildflowers. The alpine meadows of the Evolution Basin and the Bear Lakes Basin erupt in a riot of colour—lupine, paintbrush, and columbine. However, this is also peak mosquito season. In wet years, the insects can be relentless, particularly near water sources and in the lower forest sections. Hikers must be prepared with head nets and repellent. Snow patches will still be present on the highest passes, such as Frozen Lake Pass and Snow Tongue Pass, requiring careful footwork.
Mid-August to Early September: This is widely considered the "Golden Window" for the SHR. The mosquitoes have largely subsided, the snow has melted from the passes, and the weather is generally stable. Days are warm and sunny, while nights are crisp and cool. This is the best time for high-altitude photography, as the air is often at its clearest. However, hikers must remain vigilant for afternoon thunderstorms. These "monsoonal" patterns can bring sudden, violent lightning and hail, which is particularly dangerous when you are exposed on a high ridge or pass.
Late September: The Sierra begins to transition into autumn. The quaking aspens in the lower canyons turn brilliant gold, and the light takes on a soft, amber quality. While the days are beautiful, the nights can drop well below freezing. The risk of a significant "early season" snowstorm increases significantly. Only highly experienced hikers with cold-weather gear should attempt the route this late in the year. Water sources also begin to dry up, requiring more careful planning for campsites.
Stage 1: Kings Canyon to North Lake (The Southern Wilderness)
Stage 2: North Lake to Red's Meadow (The Heart of the High Sierra)
Stage 3: Red's Meadow to Tuolumne Meadows (The Ritter Range)
Stage 4: Tuolumne Meadows to Twin Lakes (The Northern Wilderness)
Important Notes:
Planning for the Sierra High Route is a multi-month endeavour. Because the route is 70% off-trail, you cannot simply "show up" and hike. You must possess advanced navigation skills, including the ability to read topographic maps, use a compass, and interpret terrain features. It is highly recommended to practice off-trail travel in the Sierra on shorter 3–5 day trips before attempting a full thru-hike. Fitness is equally critical; the constant scrambling over talus and the high altitude (averaging 3,300 metres) place immense strain on the cardiovascular system and the joints.
Logistically, you must coordinate your transport between the southern trailhead (Road's End) and the northern terminus (Twin Lakes). These locations are several hours apart by car. Many hikers use the Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) bus system, which runs along Highway 395, to move between Bishop, Mammoth, and Bridgeport. Basing yourself in Bishop for a few days before starting is wise; it allows for altitude acclimatisation and last-minute gear checks at local outfitters.
There are no huts, lodges, or permanent shelters on the Sierra High Route. This is a pure wilderness experience requiring self-contained camping for the duration of the trip. You are responsible for finding your own campsites, which must be located on durable surfaces (granite slabs or established dirt sites) at least 30 metres from water sources.
Camping Realities:
Securing permits for the Sierra High Route is a complex process because the route crosses multiple jurisdictions, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Inyo National Forest, Sierra National Forest, and Yosemite National Park. However, you only need one permit from the agency where you begin your trip. For most thru-hikers starting at Road's End, this means applying through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. If starting at North Lake, you apply through Inyo National Forest.
Booking Process:
Specific Requirements: You must list your entry date, entry trailhead, and exit trailhead. While your exact nightly campsites on the SHR are flexible, you must provide a general itinerary. You are also required to confirm that you possess an approved bear-resistant canister.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Sierra High Route (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Sierra High Route, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The Eastern Sierra is a world-class destination for outdoor enthusiasts. If you have extra time before or after your hike, consider these activities:
Navigation and Route-Finding: This is the primary safety concern. Getting "cliffed out" (reaching a point where you can neither descend nor ascend safely) is a real possibility. Always scout your line from a distance before committing to a steep slope. If the terrain looks harder than Class 3, you are likely off-route.
Altitude Sickness: Much of the SHR stays above 3,000 metres. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect anyone, regardless of fitness. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. The only cure is descent. Allow at least 2–3 days of acclimatisation before starting the most strenuous sections.
River Crossings: In early summer (June/July), snowmelt turns small creeks into raging torrents. Crossings like Bear Creek or the South Fork of the Kings River can be life-threatening. Always cross at the widest, shallowest point, unbuckle your pack's waist belt, and never cross alone if the water is above mid-thigh.
Lightning: The Sierra is prone to afternoon thunderstorms. If you see dark clouds building, avoid being on high passes or ridges after 1:00 PM. If caught in a storm, descend immediately and avoid standing near lone trees or large bodies of water.
Wildlife: Black bears are common but generally shy. Use your bear canister religiously. Mountain lions exist but are rarely seen. Rattlesnakes may be encountered in the lower canyons (like Copper Creek) but are absent from the high alpine zones.
The Bear Lakes Basin: Often called the "Crown Jewel" of the SHR, this basin contains a series of stunning lakes named after bears (Big Bear, Little Bear, Teddy Bear, etc.). It is a granite wonderland that requires crossing Feather Pass or White Bear Pass to enter. Spending an extra day here to explore the hidden tarns is highly recommended.
Mount Abbot and Mount Mills: For those with mountaineering experience, these peaks near Mono Pass offer relatively straightforward Class 2/3 scrambles with some of the best views in the central Sierra.
The Minarets: These jagged, gothic spires in the Ritter Range are perhaps the most photographed peaks in the Sierra. The SHR passes directly beneath them. A side trip to the base of the Minaret Glacier offers a close-up view of these incredible geological formations.
The Incredible Hulk: A massive granite monolith in the Little Slide Canyon (Northern Section). It is one of the most famous climbing walls in the world. Even if you aren't a climber, standing at its base is a humbling experience.
The High Sierra is a fragile ecosystem. At high altitudes, the growing season is incredibly short, and damage to vegetation can take decades to heal. Because the SHR is off-trail, the responsibility to "Leave No Trace" is even greater.
Core Principles for the SHR:
