Guide to Backpacking the High Sierra Trail

The High Sierra Trail is a 60-mile backpacking trip from Crescent Meadow in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park to the top of Mt. Whitney (14,505'), the tallest mountain in the Lower 48.

The HST was designed to be the easiest route from west to east across the Great Western Divide, a shorter and less crowded trail than the John Muir Trail.

Continue reading to learn more about backpacking the High Sierra Trail, written by Liz Thomas.

Contributing Author

Liz Thomas

Treeline Review staff writer.

Treeline Review: Guide to Backpacking the High Sierra Trail

Woman with braided hair and a child carrier standing outdoors near water and fall foliage.

Liz Thomas

Last updated:

June 14, 2026

| 5 min read

Panoramic view of rocky mountains with trees under a clear blue sky during sunset.

Guide to Backpacking the High Sierra Trail

The High Sierra Trail is a 60-mile backpacking trip from Crescent Meadow in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park to the top of Mt. Whitney (14,505'), the tallest mountain in the Lower 48.

The HST was designed to be the easiest route from west to east across the Great Western Divide, a shorter and less crowded trail than the John Muir Trail.

Continue reading to learn more about backpacking the High Sierra Trail, written by Liz Thomas.

Contributing Author

Liz Thomas

Treeline Review staff writer.

Contributing Author

Liz Thomas

Treeline Review staff writer.

view author profile

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Treeline Review: Guide to Backpacking the High Sierra Trail

Liz Thomas

Last updated:

June 5, 2026

| 5 min read

Guide to Backpacking the High Sierra Trail

The High Sierra Trail is a 60-mile backpacking trip from Crescent Meadow in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park to the top of Mt. Whitney (14,505'), the tallest mountain in the Lower 48.

The HST was designed to be the easiest route from west to east across the Great Western Divide, a shorter and less crowded trail than the John Muir Trail.

Continue reading to learn more about backpacking the High Sierra Trail, written by Liz Thomas.

Contributing Author

Liz Thomas

Treeline Review staff writer.

Contributing Author

Liz Thomas

Treeline Review staff writer.

learn about the author

Media Mentions

Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad MembersSquad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.

We build products withindustry-leadingstandards and technology, designed to keep you outdoors for longer. Explore what others are saying about Sawyer.

News fromSawyer HQin Tampa Bay, FL, including product resources, updates in technology, and recent brand developments.

NewThere’s nothing like seeing hearing from those who are personally touched by the promise ofclean water. Explore their stories and lift your soul; you’ve made this work possible.

Stories and experiences encompassing a spread of outdoor enthusiasms, from theBackcountry to the Backyard^TM. What keeps you outdoors?

Trail tips and packing list guides for backcountry travel, gear choices.Trail guidesfor hiking, biking, thru-hiking and more.

Read aboutproduct reviewsfrom various media outlets, customers, community members, and outdoor gear websites.