HIGH SIERRA TRAVERSE

SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK

One of the most coveted ski and splitboard traverses California has to offer, the High Sierra Traverse is a trip you will not soon forget and a bucket list adventure for many backcountry enthusiasts. The High Sierra Traverse begins in the Eastern Sierra, in the small town of Independence, and ends on the western slops of the Sierra in Sequoia National Park. This coveted traverse takes upwards of 6 days to complete, traversing some of the most pristine and picturesque high country alpine terrain Sequoia National Park has to offer, taking you across the breathtaking Western Divide that splits the High Sierra. While California lacks an appropriate hut system, the High Sierra Traverse more than makes up for the absence of a hut system and is an adventure you will cherish for years to come. The High Sierra Traverse is roughly 42+ miles with over 16,500’ feet of elevation gain, so if you’re ready to meet this challenging route and are in peak physical shape with an appetite for adventure, then let’s strap on those skis or splitboard and head into the backcountry for a trip of a lifetime!

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HIGH SIERRA TRAVERSE GENERAL INFO

COST: $2,595 - $3,895 (GROUP SIZE DEPENDENT)

LOCATION: SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIonAL PARK, CA

TRIP LENGTH: 7 DAYS (with travel)

One Person $3,895
Two People $2,795
Three People $2,695
Four People $2,595
Day 1 - Your first day will be spent traveling from the western slopes from Sequoia National Park over to the Eastern Sierra via a shuttle service that is included in the cost of your trip. Depending on your guide(s) and the group, you will either hike a short distance in on the Shepherds Pass trailhead and camp for the day, or you will camp at the trailhead.
Day 2 - This will be one of the more challenging days as far as endurance is concerned as we will be looking to ascend Shepherds Pass. Day 2 has us camping just above or below Shepherds Pass.
Day 3-6 - you will embark on the adventure of a lifetime as you cross over the Western Divide via the High Sierra Traverse route. From atop Shepherds Pass, the High Sierra Traverse will take roughly 4 days to complete, ending at Wolverton Parking lot in Sequoia National Park.
Day 7 - Your final day of the High Sierra Traverse has you ending at Wolverton parking lot where you originally began your trip. Altogether the High Sierra Traverse is roughly 42+ miles with over 16,500’ feet of elevation gain.
Commercial and wilderness permits for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and Inyo National Forest.
Professionally trained AMGA Guides.
Shuttle service from Sequoia National Park to Independence in the Eastern Sierra.
Ice axe, harness, and helmet if needed.
All meals during the traverse (breakfast, lunch, dinner). Meals will consist of dehydrated meals from Mountain House and an assortment of meats, cheeses, nuts, granola and other snacks. All guests will be responsible for their own daily snacks during the traverse and any meals during transportation from Sequoia to the Eastern Sierra.
Cost also includes a 20% discount on snow travel rental equipment at our partners retail store, Mammoth Mountaineering.
The High Sierra Traverse is a high endurance trip that will test even the best backcountry travelers who are in exceptional shape. All guests looking to attempt the High Sierra Traverse must have a minimum of 3 years of experience with backcountry skiing and/ or splitboarding, with single day tours exceeding 4,000’ feet in elevation gain. All guests must also have a good foundation of mountaineering experience using an ice axe and crampons and must have used ski and/ or splitboard crampons on previous trips. All guests must be in peak physical shape to be considered for this trip. There will be no exceptions for the above prerequisites due to the the duration and endurance needed to complete this trip.