About This Route
The High Sierra Nevada Section of the PCT runs from Kennedy Meadows North to Sonora Pass, spanning 240 miles of alpine glory with passes over 12,000 feet like Forester Pass (13,153 ft) and Muir Pass (11,955 ft). Highlights include Rae Lakes Loop views, Evolution Valley, and Thousand Island Lake. This segment demands high fitness due to 10,000-foot elevation gains and unpredictable snowfields lingering into July. PCTA data shows it's a thru-hiker bottleneck; day hikers tackle sections from Horseshoe Meadow trailhead.
Safety Considerations
Avalanche risk peaks early summer on north-facing slopes; consult Sierra Avalanche Center forecasts before crossing Glen Pass. Altitude sickness affects 20-40% above 10,000 feet per NPS: ascend gradually, hydrate, and descend if headaches persist. Black bears are common; use bear canisters like BV500 mandatory in Inyo National Forest. Lightning storms frequent afternoons July-August: summit passes by noon. River crossings at Palisade Creek swell with snowmelt; use wading sticks and link arms in groups. Hypothermia strikes quickly above treeline; REI advises layered wool base layers.
Essential Gear
Mandatory bear canister (BearVault BV500), microspikes and ice axe from Black Diamond for snow, GPS with offline Gaia maps, and a bivy sack for sudden storms. Water treatment via Aquamira drops for high lakes.
Emergency Tips
For altitude issues, drop 2,000 feet immediately to Reds Meadow; PLB activation essential beyond Tuolumne. Bear encounters: fight back aggressively per NPS.