High Sierra Trail
~5 days · 72 mi · hard · Multi-day trek
Quick facts
What the High Sierra Trail is known for
The High Sierra Trail crosses Sequoia National Park from the Giant Forest to Mount Whitney, climbing from foothills through the Great Western Divide. It's known as a west-to-east traverse of the range and a quieter alternative to the John Muir Trail it joins near the end.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 6,778 ft to 10,650 ft over 72 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 22.7 mi · 48%
- Downhill 15.4 mi · 32%
- Flat 9.6 mi · 20%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the High Sierra Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the High Sierra Trail scores 32/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: July to September.
Permits: Wilderness permit required (quota-controlled).
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the High Sierra Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the High Sierra Trail in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 72 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the High Sierra Trail?
The High Sierra Trail climbs roughly 10,000 ft total — about 139 ft per mile, topping out near 10,705 ft.
When is the best time to hike the High Sierra Trail?
July to September.
Do you need a permit for the High Sierra Trail?
Wilderness permit required (quota-controlled).
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Distance/elevation cross-checked against NPS Sequoia & Kings Canyon. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.