Sierra High Route: An Off-Trail Documentary

The Sierra High Route is said to be one of the most challenging and beautiful hikes in North America. I've wanted to hike the SHR since hearing about it on the John Muir Trail, though I didn't think that plans would come through during such a challenging year. So sit back, grab a drink, and come join us on this adventure!
Gear List (PDF): bit.ly/2PMMdgA
Gear used on this trip:
Sierra Designs Flex Capacitor backpack: amzn.to/2x5rJns
Sierra Designs High Route 1 FL tent: amzn.to/3iTa4J1
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm: amzn.to/2fAF1SN
Soto Amicus stove: amzn.to/2KtJLtD
Outdoor Research Sun Runner hat: amzn.to/3ebWPPJ
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is at no cost to you and helps support this channel.
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Music by Whitesand ( / whitesandcomposer )
Music by Matthew Morgan ( / matthewmorganmusic )

[@steelheadranger]

Incredible vlog of a world-unique journey. The California High Sierra at it's finest in all of its resplendent glory just as Roosevelt, Muir, Clyde, and so many others hoped to preserve it. Roper planned this route meticulously for the unique apline trek and views with taste of off-trail adventure and it fulfills the promise. This old mountaineer, previously concerned with peak bagging, has it on his bucket list. The MInarets were some of my best adventures from Iceberg Lake! Thanks for sharing. "Really rocks! Take it for Granite"? That's is Dad humor...Now get off my lawn, Whippersnappers!

[@annechome]

I'm 45 minutes in and and trying to savor as I know the end is coming up and don't want it to end.. Jimmy, you make the hike seem so easy, though I'm sure it's not. You and Karl must be in incredible shape to whip up and/or down passes in 50 minutes. Thank you, I'm grateful that you name each pass and lake, and it's especially helpful when you use your hiking pole to point out the notch/pass that you'll be heading over. Keep up the wonderful work and thank you for sharing such an adventure (love your other vids, too).

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks so much for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it, stay tuned for more!

[@shawn3902]

I wish I knew people who would be willing to do a route or hike like this with me. Such an amazing video!

[@aaronnorlund7110]

Me too! I have friends who are happy to do 40-50 miles, but 200 and 60k vert is another story.

[@rosemoreno2817]

Same here I dont have no hiking buddies I always have to do solo treks but it's way more fun with someone to talk to and have company!!!

[@RobbyTripp]

If any of you live near the Sacramento Valley( I guess this part isn’t really important). I’m looking to start this trail later this year and would be willing to hike it with others.

[@TimoteoDelCielo]

​@@RobbyTripp did ya make it out there in the heavy snow year? I'm looking to 24'.

[@rogelioolagaray]

Hi! Im looking forward to do it this summer, I just dont know anything about the permits, the start of the route and I only have 7 days available to do it. Do you know what I can do?

[@socalflyfishingjunkie]

I love you guys man. Keep on keeping on and be safe !

[@johnhallford239]

Great adventure! Thank you for sharing!

[@noahcockroft6859]

Thanks for sharing your journey, this was completely awesome to experience

[@TheBaleadaMan]

I need to see Karl’s hiking itinerary and stuff that he brought mostly for the clothing because his looked very nice and cool!! As well as yours ofc but Karl’s!

[@lukesalvato5172]

Finally came across this. Great video, good memories. I enjoyed Duncan and my brief cameo too, of course ;)

[@HikingNerd]

Fun times man!! Glad you found the video

[@kennyle8640]

I'm REALLY looking forward to following along on this great adventure! Can't wait!!

[@MisterXomen]

this video is quite frankly AMAZING. thank you!

[@brainanator]

This was an absolute pleasure to watch. Thank you for sharing.

[@bhendrikabel]

I’m only at minute 12 of this video, but…. This must be one of the most beautiful scenery i’ve ever seen. What a treat. Amazing. Got to go now and watch te rest of this vid

[@ndeemtns]

That brought back fond memories...thank you!!!!

[@thriftstorejunkee]

I always enjoy your sense of humor and enthusiasm in your videos!

[@downdog70]

You guys are beasts. I can't believe how many miles per/day you hiked through some difficult terrain. I've done a bunch of bits of this hike but never in one long piece like you did. I have always savored and sought out the off-trail stuff, and resonate with what you said about the difference between the trail walking. I couldn't agree more. You have a new subscriber. Thanks for doing such a great job with this video.

[@EpicTrailsandTales]

Great video nice company and lovely editing. Congratulations

[@aeropilot4419]

Brilliant video, thank you for taking us along! As a younger man I solo hiked portions of Roper's High Route, most notably in 1984 the traverse across the Minarets, Reds Meadow to Thousand Island Lake ... it was still truly off the beaten track back then and, sadly, as Roper had hoped would not happen, the way has been impacted by many many more feet since ... tundra damage has occurred in areas where I would least expect to see it, granted it's been over 40 years since his guidebook was published : ( I also made the trip up to Grouse lake (in '88 I think) saw a lot of bear scat and turned around ... it took me two days to make it that far as I started late from Zumwalt Meadow ... now I wish I hadn't aborted the trip but as a lone hiker I guess I felt a bit vulnerable. Loving the updates from every pass ... the way seems quite nice to Horseshoe Lakes my planned loop-trip turn around point.

[@xmetal280]

Boy, each day of that journey just brings another amazing views. The scale of the passes, the blue of the lakes... wow. Thanks for filming and sharing for all of us that can’t make the trip ourselves.

[@sicsempertyrannis9024]

BY FAR my favorite outdoor/hiking channel. You never cease to amaze me with your vids. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us!

[@HikingNerd]

Thank you, J.R. Happy New Year!

[@sicsempertyrannis9024]

@@HikingNerd Happy New Year!! 🤙

[@SteveA25414]

Thank you for showing me the places I walked in as a young person! The chips around the neck is precious. Thanks again!

[@gainesy_walks]

A great watch, really enjoyed that. I visited Yosemite and the Sierra from the UK many years ago when I was 15. I'd love to return. TFS, David

[@kw2764]

Magnificent. That's some talus.

[@seoulstice]

Awesome video!

[@christinerolle3876]

Woohoo..Jimmy well done awesome !! Envy you guys.so..jealous

[@jamespyle9606]

Excellent presentation of a route I have done pieces of. Thank You,

[@jasonissertell]

Great video guys! SO MUCH TALUS on the SHR... "Talus Cowboys", hilarious!

[@ronniewest838]

Great Adventure well done..!

[@Sheety33]

Nice job guys!👍👏

[@vinnyandrocky]

Boy, wish I can do that. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this excellent video of your trek through some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth. 😎

[@HikingNerd]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@craigparrott305]

Excellent video and route. It must be a lot of fun to be a Talus Cowboy! Keep up the good work.

[@Rudy1150]

heck yes, reminder set!

[@mukundtibrewala5104]

This is so beautiful and inspiring!

[@rocketdog4539]

So cool, thank you for this...

[@butch1254]

Absolutely incredible journey! I loved watching all of it! Thank you!

[@greyghost4457]

Living the Dream !💎

[@NorwegianXplorer]

This is so awesome, I did several parts of this route over the summer, and its so great to see this area again and get inspired to follow in your steps at some point!

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks man! I plan to follow in some of your steps too :) keep up the good work on your channel

[@remyconner1260]

InstaBlaster.

[@NorwegianXplorer]

@@HikingNerd Awesome!! you too:-)

[@jed8553]

Great job with the video! And congrats on completing the SHR- what an adventure.

[@saltydog6241]

Epic. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!

[@rayzergarcia3692]

Awesome video guys thank you so much for that used to love to hike but I have knee injuries now trying to build up so I can at least do short hikes used to rock climb don't Half Dome twice there's nothing like being out there and seeing the most beautiful scenery God created for us to enjoy and I love the ocean also anyway awesome hike keep those videos coming God bless you guys may God angels always guard you guys when you're out there hiking great job

[@socalflyfishingjunkie]

I love you guys . Keep on keeping on and I hope to see you guys on the trail one day . I’ll have a sixer hopefully 😂

[@shawntwilson99]

Great job guys! Wonderful, inspiring. and extremely enjoyable. Kudos!

[@jinsjewelry]

Can't wait, Jimmy! 😲

[@mhaskins3769]

What a great adventure you had. Thanks for spending the time putting it together and your guys great attitudes during your hike!

[@HikingNerd]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching :)

[@moeputterman1992]

I'm a year late, but what an awesome video!

[@freshoneco.fishingandcampi6553]

Thanks for the adventure,makes me want to hike!

[@1Q2WSX]

Fantastic video and hike. I miss the High Country so much! Thanks for sharing your experience. Old Hiker.

[@liljoe23la]

You guys were a great duo. You should make more vids with him! BEASTS!

[@dychui]

Im only on day 2 of your video and I’m loving it so far !! As a landscape photographer, I can tell how much effort you put into capturing these scenes! Love the time lapses

[@HikingNerd]

Thank you!

[@Martin_G]

Wonderful trip!

[@jamesbadham228]

You guys are a great team. Man, you slammed that trail (and talus). Good vibes all around.

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Amazing adventure.

[@W6MDE]

Dude I’ve watched a lot of your videos and this by far is the best one.

[@mdsheppard2]

Simply awesome! I really enjoyed this video. Nicely done .

[@joeldavid7462]

Go team Talus Cowboys. You guys rock!

[@smileycamel5635]

Great job guys, really enjoyed your video, and found it very informative to understand what to expect on the SHR, which I will be doing summer 2022. Thanks.

[@danielwaldner5412]

Great video and very cool hike! I have read about it and you did a good job documenting your trip.

[@LukesHomeTube]

Really cool to finally see your hike! You beat my upload. Crazy how we were so close at the time as we were doing the Rae Lakes Loop in late July, early August. Loved your hike! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@dperry7309]

That was pleasure to watch. I don’t know if you’ll remember, but my daughter and I stopped to chat with you two on your way from Reds Meadow to Superior Lake. The wait for this video was worth it! Hope to run into you again soon!!

[@HikingNerd]

I do remember you both! It was great bumping into you on the trail and also nice to see you found this video :) Hope we cross paths again in 2021

[@cadenraymond6477]

Great video! Makes me want to get up and go!

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks Caden!

[@douglassmith2946]

Beautiful trail and very well done production. Thanks for sharing

[@HikingNerd]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@douglassmith2946]

@@HikingNerd curious as to what camera you used to film. Really spectacular

[@HikingNerd]

Just my iPhone X (upgraded since then)

[@johnhelmuth9718]

Years ago, went from mosquito flat over to 4th recess lk and pioneer basin. So, we also endured mono pass twice. Lol LLV is amazin! Thanks again for sharing this vid!

[@VandrefalkTV]

Oh man.. knowing that I will never get to experience this in person makes me sad, but mostly in awe of nature and how incredibly beautiful it is, and can be. Thank you for sharing, yet again! :) Cheers from Norway

[@nedanother9382]

Come stay with me in San Diego, we'll go together.

[@laurahayes7722]

Loved this! TY!

[@cubweekly]

I loved the quick map tutorial. I appreciate seeing map reading, because I get lost even if I'm using gps. looks like it was a great trip.

[@jodylowe8476]

Great video nerd. Thanks.

[@SkyDawg108]

That strange formation you encountered has a name: The Talus Phallus. 🤣

[@YongsungKim]

Great job Jimmy. Marion Lake looks amazing.

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks Yongsung! It really was astonishing

[@rocketdog4539]

Watched it twice, now. Totally subscribed, thank you for taking us along.

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@jerrypeevey]

Nice stroll in the mountains... Inspires and old man. I am building a cabin up there soon and will be doing some of that I hope.

[@aeropilot4419]

SHR is hardly a stroll, lol

[@Fallfishtenkara1]

Great video I really enjoyed it. Super cool to have run into you guys out there. Cheers

[@jakobee.6962]

Dang, these dudes were CRUSHING peaks

[@aaronnorlund7110]

Thank you for this wonderful video! I hiked section four last summer with a couple friends. The Sierras are so powerful - just watching that section of your video made me cry from the memories. I'm planning to hike the whole high route summer 23 or 24 - still looking for someone who wants to tackle it in one go! Didn't watch your other sections though; don't want to spoil it with anything other than Roper's guide!

[@jimrlongviewer8963]

Wow I miss the Sierra :-o thanks for getting me back there! Several familiar spots, and several I now know I'll not be visiting under my own power; thanks for the great video work and including everyone on your journey.

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks James! Glad you enjoyed coming along with us virtually

[@matthewparker7515]

Wow, just ... wow. Congratulations on your amazing feat and superb documentary. I have been section hiking the SHR since 2015 and just got 1 more pass to tackle, Snow Tongue Pass. You really caught the essence of the SHR in this documentary and watching it makes me ache to get back on the SHR. I watched the entire video in one sitting and enjoyed every second of it. I really like how you detail each SHR pass. I have been up to Snow Tongue Pass on both sides but both times fear got the better of me and I didn't get up and over. I was standing on the top of Snow Tongue (after approaching from the south side) about a month after you went over it and decided the descent was just too steep and what appeared to be quite loose rock. 1 year ago I got to the bottom of the final 300 ft ascent (after approaching from the north) and turned around as it just looked too sketchy to go up it. So, you know what that meant ... I got to go through that oh so fun massive talus field north of Wahoo Lakes twice in 2 days. That was fun. Got any advice/tips on Snow Tongue? While I have an alternate around Snow Tongue via Lamarck Col & Piute Pass, which is a beautiful alternate, it would be nice one day to get up and over that final SHR pass. Great job guys, this was a pleasure to watch. Take Care, DoubleTap

[@thatsounditmakes9177]

New sub here, just found your channel a week ago. Armchair backpacker here, wish I knew someone who does what you do, I'd love to try it for myself, but I have enough hobbies/responsibilities. Love your content, and quality. Thank you!

[@HikingNerd]

Welcome!

[@goofsaddggkle7351]

Just found your channel and love your passion for hiking, and this trail looks like a dream to me. Regarding this trail sounds amazing but you absolutely lost me at “5000ft altitude gain day one” 😂

[@clarkansas6590]

Very good

[@josephfortney9875]

Really enjoyed this guys, did bits of it year’s ago north to south. Route finding out of Bench Canyon was sketch:)

[@nicoleandjoshbaldwin4228]

Dude! I’m currently watching this and it’s seriously epic! I’m loving this. This is one of the best adventure videos I’ve seen in a long time

[@HikingNerd]

Thank you! Hope you enjoyed it :)

[@chazzer1969]

Just can't believe my eyes how beautiful SHR, plus Mother Nature is. Wish I am fit enough to complete the hiking like you guys. Americans are so lucky, wish we have got a national park like Yosemite here in my country. The most favorite place for John Muir and The POTUS Theodore(Teddy) Roosevelt.

[@randyholloway920]

The Talus Phallus is too cute. 🤫

[@calywil]

Great Video man, thanks for sharing. I want to hike the JMT so bad.

[@uclimb3]

Wow. Awesome. Now you guys have to do it in reverse next year. Hey just a thought. 👍👍👍.

[@johnhelmuth9718]

Was looking forward to how you captured this trek. Really enjoying it and only 1/2 way thru so far. Hoping to hike a very short section of the SHR this summer (between french canyon and bear lake) while on a loop trip out of florence lk. There is also some trail finding past 7 gables from vee to bear lks.

[@Casual_BackPacking]

The time is now to get fit 💪 and climb some epic sht

[@AmericanIdolElise]

One of my favorite videos of the sierra and I most appreciate the absents of the over blaring music used in most Y Tube Videos. Good Job!🤙🏼

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks Terry!

[@brianparks440]

I really enjoyed watching this. I’ve been on a lot of those passes and lakes on my early backpacking trips. My brother had a copy of Steve Roper’s book when I was a kid and I read it in awe. I don’t know if he still has it. But I’d like to do this route before I get too old. Hopefully I can find a partner to do it with. Anyway, thanks for the great video and congratulations on your accomplishments, both the hike and this documentary!

[@assassin295]

Stoked!!! I’ve always wanted to do this route and plan on doing the JMT next year. Starting the year off hot with a mt Shasta summit late January!!

[@HikingNerd]

Nice! I don’t know your background / experience but hope you’re taking all the appropriate steps to be safe. Which route are you planning on?

[@assassin295]

@@HikingNerd most likely avalanche gulch depending on conditions. I’ve spent a lot of time in the mountains but consider myself a beginner lol

[@HikingNerd]

@@assassin295 Gotcha. If you don’t already know, I would make sure to keep tabs on the Avalanche forecast so you know what the snow layers look like. It’s called Avalanche Gulch for a reason. I don’t go out there until the snow has consolidated, usually April.

[@trailkrum6750]

How did I miss this? Well done! Neat to be tracking your hiking progression since your first video. What’s next? I hope to finally do my first full high route this summer in the Winds having had to cancel travel plans last summer. Happy trails!

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks Nick! I think uploading it around the holidays was poorly timed but glad it seems to be popping up in people’s recommendations. We’ll have to figure out how to get together on a trip one day. I’ve never been out to the Winds but it looks epic - have fun out there!

[@davepenaphd4300]

Came across your videos when I was looking up six pack peaks in socal 5 years ago. When I saw Karl... I thought omg is that the dude from cucamonga peak who slept on the cliff??? Alas no.. that was Jake

[@HikingNerd]

Hahaha Karl actually enjoys his sleep

[@AnthonyOttati]

Hi Jimmy, I met you in Leconte canyon while we were on the high route and you were on the JMT in 2017. Really cool to stumble upon this and see you hiked the high route and so much more. Let me know if you are ever in Bishop, California! - Mugwort

[@HikingNerd]

I remember you guys! You guys were the ones who seeded this idea in my head of how cool it would be to do the SHR. When I was planning this one, I was thinking back to how you guys had planned to hike as much of it as you could before you had to go back to school. I’m surprised to hear that you remember me after all these years (there were so many JMT hikers). Small world!

[@kailenamooney8347]

I did the route solo this year in August - there was soooo much snow, I didn't really fully realize it until watching you go though all the same places with practically none. My thought at the time was the snow helped but I don't know. Descents where probably easier at times but the ascents and traverses were tough. My main mistake was doing a big carry all the way from Onion Valley (where I started - Road's End was closed) to Red's Meadow - just too much weight period, but especially for the start.

[@HikingNerd]

Awesome work! Karl and I talked about whether snow would’ve made it easier or harder and we didn’t have a clear conclusion. Sounds like based on your experience, it’s also maybe a wash.

[@Keyoff89]

10:50 Did you know Ansel Adams took a shot of Marion Lake from almost this exact same viewpoint in 1925?! I only know because I had to look up this lake after seeing it in your video! So rad!

[@HikingNerd]

Sweet! What’s also crazy is that the Sierra Club took mules down this same route to the lake. We’re following in big footsteps these days.

[@Marcus-ym8wl]

Great routes, I’m headed to spuller lake Friday. Also cool you were able to see a grouse out there above tree line. May I ask where abouts, I’ve only seen them on the Whitney mtnr trail? Cheers MV

[@kernriverheadwaters]

Steep Ravine!!! how appropos.

[@Jemazzy]

Hello, Great Video! Great Job on your Adventure. Congratulations on a completed hike. Now the huge question…do you happen to have locations you camped at and mileages??? Would be a huge help thanks…

[@conniechao3550]

Thanks for the video! Really enjoyed it and brought back memories! My friends and I hiked a portion of the SHR a few years ago and the northern portion of YHR so it was awesome being able to revisit some familiar backcountry scenes. How much did your pack weigh at the start of the trip btw? And, I love the chip bag around the neck hack. I MIGHT steal that :)

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks Connie! I have a YHR (south loop) video too if you haven’t seen it. Pack weighed 33lbs at the start of the trip.

[@wellseasonedhiker]

You carried the book!? Anyway, both you guys are STUDS! Great video! We hope to tackle this next summer. Any tips?

[@HikingNerd]

Have the best time!

[@georgemaxwell3997]

Hi, this sure reminds me of the beauty of High Sierra. I've enjoyed many of your videos, but I would like to make a suggestion how to improve their impact. Think of yourself as an eye watching the mountains and a body moving through them in a kind of trance, but take out all the distracting personal comments, high-fives and other such stuff. Watch some of Kraig Adams' videos to see how to make a quiet but powerful impact.

[@HikingNerd]

Thanks for the feedback, George. You're not the first to say this but I appreciate the way you delivered it. You're totally right - there's a sizable audience for the style of video that helps viewers really get sucked into the environment. It may even be a more popular style as folks turn to KZbin to supplement or replace their own time spent outdoors. For me, I want my videos to find that balance of sharing the beauty of these places but also providing information for those who may want to do a similar hike. I also find joy in sharing what I'm experiencing while outdoors with others - to me, the experience is not just about the sights and sounds, but also the thoughts and shenanigans that I have while I'm out there.