“The best view comes after the hardest climb.”
~A Land of Granite~
Dixon’s Southern Sierra High Route Thru-Hike September 17-23, 2018
Last week Dan and I hiked 7 days covering 104 miles from Bishop Pass to Cottonwood Lakes in the eastern Sierras. On this trek, we crossed 14 passes over 11,000 feet, climbed 2 peaks over 14,000 feet, climbed up and down a lot of class 3 rock, traveled on some trail but mostly off-trail, and climbed a total of more than 29,000 feet of elevation. This late season trip did not have a single bug or water crossing. In our amazing dry weather window, the days were cool and nights very cold. The fall light and colors made this trip even more special.
It is one of the better routes I have ever traveled.
Southern Sierra High Route was created by Alan Dixon as an alternative to the John Muir Trail. Alan did an excellent job organizing maps, timetables, route descriptions, suggestions for gear, and side trips and alternatives to the original route.
Dan and I chose to hike the original route with 2 additions: hiking directly to Iceberg Lake from Russell-Carillon Pass via the Whitney-Russell Pass and summiting the very airy and exposed 14,015 foot Mount Muir. We had intended on hiking the recommended Baxter/Acrodectes Ridge, but after cycling 2 century bike rides right before leaving on this trip, we needed more time to recoup. Another time…
All the Resources You Will Need to Hike the Southern Sierra High Route
Things We Loved
- No resupply needed. However, most hikers might want to take a bit longer than 7 days. One idea is resupplying via horse or human friend at Kearsage Pass.
- A great balance of hiking on and off-trail.
- Hiking the recommended south direction made it easier on the southern higher class 3 terrain with lighter packs.
- Fun class 3 chutes and walls. This definitely is a trip for hikers that feel comfortable on granite boulders, heights, and climbing using hand-holds.
Map of the Route
Photo Journal
I chose to do a photo journal with detailed captions for this trip. Sometimes I think it is the best.
My love for the Sierra, rock, and the stark openness of it all was like going home.
Day 1
September 17
South Lake to Upper Palisade Lake – 20.2 miles
Day 2
September 18
Upper Palisade Lake to Below Junction with Sawmill Pass Trail – 18.9 miles
Day 3
September 19
Below Junction with Sawmill Pass Trail to Golden Bear Lake – 20.2 miles
So Beautiful!
I camped at golden bear lake for a week in 1966 with high school friends. We hiked in from roads end. Thank God progress has not changed center basin in over 50 years!
Gorgeous photos, and just loved the video! What is the song/artist? It’s great, and really sets a fun mood.
You can’t loose those fluorescent yellow gloves can you!!
Looks as if the retired life suits you just fine. I’m about five years behind you. Is Dan already there too?
You noticed! Seriously, I am in love with those gloves. Truly, I am never looking for them. I think they find me. Man oh man I haven’t really been home long enough to know what it is like. Dan is 3 years behind me. I have lots of tread to walk before he retires. 🙂
I like this format and definitely need to make a fall trip into the Sierra a priority.
I recommend it highly, if there is a good weather window. It can snow up there! I loved the JMT in full colors, nice and mellow with no impending river crossings or ice chutes.
That is such an inspirational hike! I’m so intrigued by the high Sierra. I took my first hike there last year with my daughter. We entered via Bishop Pass. Our trip was much more modest because I can’t hike more than about 6 miles a day at high elevations – there’s just not enough oxygen in the air for me up there! Nonetheless I love that high country. Thanks for sharing your hike and photos.
I had that trouble too the first few days. My heart was racing and I was breathing way too heavy. It was miserable! I hiked a lot this summer in Canada, but the elevations were never over 8,000 feet. It was like starting all over again.
Congrats on hiking with your daughter! It can be life-changing. Great hearing from you.
Beautiful pictures and sounds like you had great weather. Thank you for sharing
Yes, we were very lucky. No clouds, just wind and cold cold nights. You are very welcome and thanks for commenting.