WALKING THE WILD SERIES: Backpack the High Sierra Trail with David Skurnik

Have you ever wanted to climb Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the US (outside of Alaska), and tie it in with a great 1-week backpack trip? The High Sierra Trail could be right for you.

The High Sierra Trail (HST) is a 70-mile crossing of California’s High Sierras, starting from the west in Sequoia National park, summiting Mt Whitney, and ending in Whitney Portal near Lone Pine, California.  The HST is often considered the “little brother” to the more famous John Muir Trail. The HST, in fact, joins the JMT in Crabtree Meadows, just before the ascent of Mt Whitney. The JMT, at over 210 miles, is more of undertaking, and requires several resupplies. The HST, at only about a third the length of the JMT, can be done in a week or less, without resupply. In addition, it is much easier to obtain the elusive permits for the HST than it is for the JMT, or for 2-day summit of Mt Whitney alone.

The High Sierra Trail will enchant you with many of the same vistas and high-altitude camps as the JMT, but in a much more compressed schedule. From the grandeur of Hamilton Lakes Basin and Precipice Lake, to the awe-inspiring Big Arroyo and Kern River Valley, the HST is some of the best that Sequoia National Park has to offer.

Join Mountaineer David Skurnik for a presentation of the High Sierra Trail. Learn about the rich history of the High Sierra Trail, dating back to 1928.  Discuss route planning, gear selection, and travel logistics, and see a collection of photos taken along the trail.  The presentation will begin at 7PM and go until 8:30PM, with an opportunity for Q&A at the end.

An advance ticket is required for you to receive the zoom link to join the presentation.  You can get a free ticket, or choose a $10 or $20 contribution to help the Mountaineers' hiking and backpacking programs weather these difficult financial times!  

GET YOUR TICKET HERE!

David Skurnik BIO

David Skurnik is a member of the Mountaineers and is active in many different outdoor activities – hiking, backpacking, family camping, road and mountain biking, Nordic and Alpine skiing, and snowshoeing. In the summer of 2014 David and two others hiked the High Sierra Trail and is delighted to share the experience with you.