Sierra High Route: Traversing Timberline Country

If you know, you know. If not, well, this is the Bible when it comes to the central Sierra high country for those looking for something more adventurous in the region traversed more tamely by the John Muir Trail.The route described while well-trod now, is notional, and it's a route, not a maintained trail—nor even a set of maintained trails. Alternate routes are part of its definition, and route-finding and cross-country skills are mandatory for taking on many segments. The course suggested goes over some passes that to valley-frequenting JMT hikers like myself look at and think, that does not look like a pass, or indeed, passable.Scrambling, sometimes necessarily with hands, is expected. Talus-hopping and snowfield traverses, chute descents, ledge shimmying. Not for the faint of heart.But this book is a classic because for those not put off at the idea of doing such things while wearing a backcountry pack, it defined (literally) a now sacred high-country route in some of the most scenic alpine terrain in the country, if not the world.It IS however long in the tooth, and in somewhat dire need of a comprehensive update—not least or even specifically, wrt the digital age. I would happily pay afresh for a Kindle copy that came with a QR code or whatnot directing me to a full set of annotated topos with cross-references or (imagine it!) embedded links which took me to relevant moments in the text. As they say, take my money.Absent that, it should be on the shelf of anyone considering a night or few or dozen traversing the north half of the JMT, but gazing down on it from above. The scenery up there is, well, vast stark sublime and awesome in the original sense.Oh and for climbers it also offers a rich set of prospective climbs and routes, but notes first ascents and variations in route. It's not the equal of the (also mandatory) Elizabeth Wenk books on the Sierra in terms of natural history—but it betters it wrt contemporary history and the advent of climbing in the region.

My brother and I picked up the original version of this book, back when it was published as a small, grey Sierra Club tote book. I did sections with my brother and friends over the years, and then went solo on two of the most challenging sections. Over a ten year period I explored all sections of this 195 mile route. I've traveled some sections several times. Roper has written a wonderful guide book. He gives good advice on what routes to take, and what precautions to watch out for. Read it before you travel, then take it along and read it as you travel through the country. It's like having a mountain guide and a naturalist at your side.However, be aware that this route is meant for the experienced wilderness traveler. This journey goes far beyond backpacking on well maintained trails. It includes scrambling up and over mountain passes, stream wading, and route finding over rough terrain. We always bring our ice axes, trekking poles, altimeter watches, compasses and a great set of maps. (I still can't get myself to carry a GPS...spoils our route finding fun.)Summer weather on the route is often very pleasant. We've also had our share of rain, wind, snow and spectacular lightning storms. As a result, we tend to overpack, to be ready for any kind of weather.Ropers revised edition of the High Route is definitely an improvement over the original Sierra Club tote book. The route descriptions are more clear and easy to follow. The original book worked well enough for us though. This is definitely a great book for the savvy wilderness traveler.PS: I recently went back and completed the first part of the high route, after a 20+ year hiatus from this section. I was delighted to find it almost as pristine as it was back in the 1980's. In some places, there is a faint trace of a trail, but overall the terrain is still well preserved and litter free. I took along my original USGS 15 minute series maps, along with a couple of Andrew Skurka's 7.5 minute maps. Andrew did a great job of putting together a complete map set of the route, though I still prefer my original 15 minute series maps. Roper talks about how the 15 minute maps give you all the detail you need to navigate cross country, plus a great overview of surrounding mountains and other features. If you can find the 15 minute series maps, I highly recommend them. If you can't, Andrew's map set is probably your best bet.

If you are a backpacker with some technical experience (mountaineering and orienteering) this is a dream read and a dream adventure. Roper is a god and that's all there is to it. If you enjoy the Sierras, like a challenge, and are looking for your next bucker list hike...BUY THIS BOOK and make a plan to investigate the Sierra High Route!

Not only should it be required reading prior to the adventure, possession of appropriate sections should be in-hand when entering the high-country. It is like having a personal guide providing critical decision making information as you move along the Sierra High Route. I'd strongly suggest the purchase of two copies, ( One to keep and one to disassemble for trail use.) Since it is well written and enormously informative as to specific travel details.

I purchased this kindle version to replace my old paper version. I have followed most of this spectacular route of the last couple of decades. This route parallels the John Muir Trail but where the JMT goes "too low" this route diverges into off trail hiking. It gives just enough information to follow the route but not too much so the reader still has to have good route finding skills. A great way to see some beautiful Sierra Nevada scenery and at times avoid crowded trails.

Excellent and Informative guide on the Sierra High Route developed by Roper. I had a lot of fun reading the book while hiking the route. One needs additional maps however.

excellent - exactly as advertised