The Sierra High Route crushed the JMT for me last summer

I did both in August and the JMT felt like a highway compared to the High Route. Way more route-finding and about 12 sketchy stream crossings that kept it real. Anyone else ditch the popular trails for the rugged stuff?

2 comments

2 Comments

grant_palmer23d ago

The crossing just below upper palisade lake is no joke with late season runoff. Totally worth it for the solitude though. That granite bench traverse above Miter Basin is where the route really shines if you don't mind a little exposure. I'd say pack an extra pair of socks and a good sense of direction because the cairn placement can be straight up troll logic sometimes.

jesse8423d ago

Respectfully gotta push back on that one @grant_palmer. That traverse is nice but the exposure is way more than "a little" if you're not solid with your footing. I'd call the whole Miter Basin approach a solid "choose your own adventure" where the wrong choice means a sketchy retreat lol.