Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Continue climbing up nicely graded switchbacks, as a stream tumbles over
small boulders and tundralike grass. Just above 12,000 feet there is a glittering tarn
below the distinctive jagged spire of Junction Peak. From here, continue ascending
the impressive stone bridge notched into the side of the mountain supporting the
trail. There is little apparent life this high, but it's possible to spot the occasional
bird, marmot, and renegade wild currants thriving in the thin air. The route winds be-
neath a ridgeline (don't be deceived that this is the pass!) before ending with a series
of tight, steep switchbacks to a narrow windswept niche.
Forester Pass (13,120 feet) straddles the boundary between Kings Canyon and
Sequoia national parks. Officially, Forester Pass is considered the highest pass on the
JMT. This is because the summit of Mount Whitney, the trail's technical terminus, is
not a pass. However, these are just technicalities, because you must traverse Trail
Crest (13,656 feet) to descend to Whitney Portal. However, by all accounts, Forester
is an impressively high perch from which to admire the sweeping views below.
Descend on one of the most cleverly engineered paths of the JMT. Twisty
curves bend and wrap around near-impossible geography to create grades that even
sore knees can appreciate. Wind down this structurally incredible labyrinth of ser-
pentine switchbacks until they gradually give way to fast walking on a moderate des-
cent toward the timberline. Pass gorgeous tarns and boulder fields with plenty of ac-
cessible water.
Just past the junction for Lake South America, descend again and arrive at bear
boxes and campsites that boast stunning sunset alpenglow on the western mountains
next to rushing Tyndall Creek (10,890 feet). After fording the river, pass the trail to
the Tyndall Creek Ranger Station, and shortly thereafter come to a spur trail leading
to Shepherd Pass. Ignore this and follow the first signpost to Mount Whitney, 16.1
miles ahead. Begin a short but steep climb. Cross the outlet to Tyndall Frog Ponds to
find more tent sites and a bear box. Continue up- and downhill through shade and
open ridge, gradually rising into Bighorn Plateau. Enjoy epic views of Tawny Point
to the east and a desolate lake on your left. Remember this lake, as it's possible to
view it from the final stretch of trail toward Mount Whitney. Begin descending again
through woodland toward Wallace Creek.
Cross Wright Creek and continue rising and descending toward Wallace Creek
and the junction with the High Sierra Trail (10,405 feet). Use caution fording Wal-
lace Creek. There are bear boxes and campsites on the right. Ascend 500 feet
through forested benches, until the trail levels out at Sandy Meadow. Continue a
pleasantly flattish route along a forested ridge before climbing over a ridge and drop-
ping down through wooded thicket to the junction with a trail to Crabtree Meadow
(10,880 feet). This is where the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and JMT part ways for the
