SUPER SIERRA HIGH ROUTE | An Off-Trail Adventure From Yosemite to Whitney

[@DanStenziano]

Hey there- a big thanks to everyone who has watched and enjoyed the video! One quick thing: a decent amount of people have asked me how to go about hiking this route, in terms of permits, logistics, resupply, maps, etc. Keeping in the spirit of responsible off-trail wilderness travel, I would encourage anybody interested in trying it to seek out the map sets and guidebooks for the individual routes, create your own itinerary, and then get in touch with the ranger station nearest your starting trailhead to obtain a permit. For some basic information and guidance, check out my trip report on Reddit, linked in the description.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I never even considered a trip like this, hiking over passes without trails and class 2 and class 3 climbing. I’m not adventurous and I’m much too much of a chicken to have ever attempted this kind of trip. Thank you so much for sharing this incredible adventure and experience!

[@DanStenziano]

Never say never :)

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@DanStenziano That is true Dan! I am really enjoying the 45 minute long trip on almost no trails across the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountains from northern Yosemite to Mt Whitney! I love Bishop Pass and have actually been there several times. We always stayed at Parchers Resort and drove up to South Lake to start our hike. The view at the Pass is awe inspiring, just the countless trail less passes on your 300 mile journey.

[@Casual_BackPacking]

Never forget 😂 guide books are written in sarcasm 😅

[@kraigadams]

well done

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks Kraig, means a lot coming from you

[@justinfowler4828]

Few minutes into the video I stopped watching it on my phone and switched to the tv. Kicked back on the couch and enjoyed the whole thing. One of the best trail videos I’ve watched.

[@DanStenziano]

That's what I like to hear! 😀

[@preston93lane]

I just did the same thing haha I said to myself this screen isn't doing the Sierras justice

[@DaKeithCody]

@@preston93lane Check out the Hiking Norweigian's videos on the big screen. They're great too.

[@frankespinosa7562]

Exactly!

[@aok1425]

Can we nominate this for an award? This is amazing!!! Thank you for sharing

[@klamathmountainultralight]

Had to watch it twice today, so good. Epic adventure, great cinematography, narration, and story. Standing applause, Dan. This is one of the best adventure films I've seen

[@DanStenziano]

Wow, thank you! I'm humbled and very glad to hear that!

[@uprightape100]

That was lovely......thank you. Fun fact: in the '80s my Bro and I were bushwhackin through Humphry's Basin and one morning the 6.4 MM Chalfant Valley Quake struck. The western flank of Mount Humphrys came down in a massive scree landslide. Very exiting.

[@DanStenziano]

Wow! That must have been incredible to watch.

[@jamesbadham228]

Had a moment between tasks today and did what I occasionally do: search KZbin for Sierra High Route. I've seen all the videos, but then wait, here's a new one. Needless to say, my next task did not get done. Instead I went full screen and watched this straight through. Great work. Quiet presenting style, fantastic shots, nice coverage of the passes. First shot was awesome and it never stopped. Your crew is humorously quiet and calm; chillin' and walkin' -and hungry. I'm 65 and will probably not ever do this; none of my friends even wants to do a section of off-trail stuff, so I'm glad to see you guys in your 20s doing this for my vicarious enjoyment. So cool.

[@GracielaT-SatoCaptainMama]

Find SOME part of this and go for it... :-)

[@lindsaynewell6319]

The filmmaking, editing and narration is high quality and engaging. It takes a special skill to provide something for everyone - the armchair hiker who is living vicariously through you, the trail hiker who may be inspired by it to stretch their comfort zone and the off-trail enthusiast who can now visualize the route and use it for planning their own adventure. As a hiker/trail runner/mountaineer, I would put this documentary up there with the best content from Mediocre Amateur, Billy Yang, Ginger Runner and other outstanding YT outdoor content creators. Congratulations and thank you.

[@DanStenziano]

Wow, thank you. Being a fan of those channels myself, that really means a lot!

[@jamesbadham228]

First saw this more than a year ago. Today, it just popped up when I opened something, so I watched, thinking it was a new upload. Though I've seen it before, I watched again. It is still, to me, by far, the best of the SHR vids I've seen. The imagery is great. No confusing super-fast pans. Lots of information about where and how far. Most of these videos suffer from either a lack of narrative continuity, poor technical skills and editing, sparse information that doesn't align with what is being shown, or some of these or all of them. This is great work. And your speaking style and manner and insights -- depth without trying to be "deep" -- are greatly appreciated. After hitting "save," I saw that my previous comment from a year ago is right below this one.

[@DanStenziano]

Thank you! A lot of care and effort went into this video, so I am always happy to hear when it is appreciated. Glad you've enjoyed it!

[@jimdopkus2139]

Thanks guys, great video!! Here i am in my mancave most 80 years old with my hiking days just about over, but your hike took me to places ive always wanted to go to, just not to the extreme you guys took. Very professionally done, thx again!!!

[@grantbentley4177]

Really a testament to having mates around when the adventure gets real. You stayed within yourself- a humble but competent thru hiker that brought us along the crest (I took my wife to White Bear Lake and Vee Lake one year so we know the area around Bishop really well).

[@PINEPUPPY]

Basically speechless. Incredible, breathtaking scenery. I could barely watch the cliff climbing. It would seem to me that completing that trip without a major injury would be about as likely as winning the lottery. Guess that's just part of being 70. The photography, editing, commentary, and soundtrack were really professional. A true, quality, mountaineering movie. Yet another feather in your cap , Dan. Hats off to you and your pals for an amazing journey and a wonderful presentation.

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks Charlie!!

[@nobodyhikes]

Beautiful work, Dan! Congratulations on conquering this beast of a route.

[@nseocompass]

Hey Dan! At 65 years old, I see this super adventure and I am very excited by its beauty and by the narrative commented during the video. It is a beastly route that very few of us could do. I congratulate you and your fellow adventurers with great emotion. Thank you for those moments that, on a smaller scale, I also experienced. Greetings from Spain!

[@DanStenziano]

Thank you so much. I’m happy you enjoyed it!

[@jb5-pct]

Outstanding! Absolutely brilliant! Can't thank you enough for working so hard to share this with others.

[@hikesteepfishhigh]

there is so much to see in the sierra nevada. watching this in October yearning for summer...

[@jaquestraw1]

Absolutely incredible. I knew so many of the passes and summits you encountered but never from the vantage points you had. Considering the level of difficulty, it's amazing that you covered over 13 miles a day! Fantastic footage, great story telling, thanks so much! I gotta get out, like tomorrow!! Alas, the Sierras are closed till the 18th. I'll have to wait 😐

[@DanStenziano]

Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you can get out soon. Scary situation in CA…

[@katherinestenziano3208]

Thank you for showing me this through your eyes! Always believe in yourself because you're capable of anything you put your mind to.

[@airbus001]

Incredible journey, I also tried the SHR solo and had to bail. Hopefully I'll conquer it one day.

[@damoncharles981]

I was feeling pretty down and trapped by this damn coronavirus today, and this totally transported and inspired me. Thanks, and best wishes from rainy Somerset, England.

[@DanStenziano]

Happy to hear that :)

[@stepheng6166]

Can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed this video..I’m a 50 yo Day hiker who’s considering backpacking in the next couple of years..obviously nothing like this, but very inspiring and absolutely breathtaking footage. Thank you

[@DanStenziano]

Glad you enjoyed it! Most important is getting out there, you can always work up to off trail travel

[@mikefry7258]

Wow! Blown away by how well this was shot and put together! Incredible! Great work! Greetings from Alberta, Canada!

[@MattShafter]

Love it. I have my eyes set on moving to Reno. I miss the Sierra so much I think it's the best move!

[@MattShafter]

@@hikinginjeans3221 Lol... Can you translate that?

[@DanStenziano]

Reno? How about Bishop :)

[@MattShafter]

@@DanStenziano Bishop is only 3 hours away. Could be there after work! Bishop is a BIT small for my tastes. Plus, Cali taxes!

[@jackfabulous758]

Beautiful and nostalgic. Cherish your friendships. Seriously. I just lost my best friend, no more like a brother. My hiking partner, my right hand. This video brought back good memories and a smile. Thank you. PS: we live forever

[@philmartz]

Dan, kudos to your awesome adventure and much thanks for this video! This is one of the best I've seen that goes beyond the usual to actually capture the boundless beauty, the emotions, and sense of wonder brought on by the Sierras. I've been backpacking and mountaineering in the Sierras for 50 years. Just explored Second Recess, White Bear Pass, even Gables Lakes and Indian Lakes this year. Was at Tulainyo a while back and Junction Pass. So, it was great to see them again in your video. One thing that I saw happen to you and happens to me every time, is becoming overwhelmed, and the loss of words, when trying to describe the feeling of day after day of unrelenting incredibly beautiful mountains!

[@DanStenziano]

Phil, so glad you enjoyed the video! Means a lot to hear that from a long time explorer of the Sierra.

[@studiosydneybondi9768]

Wunderschöne Wanderung! Wooww!! Wunderschön gefilmt und dokumentiert! Thanks, mates!

[@WhoMeWorry]

Dan, I've been all over this route over the decades, in winter and summer. Too bad fire smoke marred your views from Mt. Sill, it is a stunning vista on a clear day. This is the best video I've seen in my 50 years of hiking the High Sierra. You capture the essence of the high country, the visual beauty of its alpine settings, and the vibe of what it is like to trek with a tight group that feeds off each other's joy. I immediately sent links to several associates considering doing the a section of the Roper Route. If this don't spice up their salsa and Sierra chips, well I guess nothing will!

[@DanStenziano]

Ed, thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the video and share my appreciation for the Sierra. You’re right about Sill. Will have to come back one day for a redo!

[@brianfairweather7298]

This is amazing! Great video!

[@MacawAviculture]

Absolutely incredible journey! Thank you for sharing this incredible accomplishment with us! After moving to Colorado from Southern California in 1994, climbing 5 of the 14K peaks was an other incredible experience for me. Now I prefer to ride my KTM in the local desert, and spend the rest of my time playing with my Macaw family. Thank you again my friend, watching this video brought back many wonderful memories of my life in the High Sierras!

[@MidsierramusingBlogspot]

@32:13 Great that you saw the Bighorn Sheep near Pinchot Pass. There is a group near Mt. Baxter also. Great adventure told with honesty and humility.

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks, it was a highlight for sure!

[@mitchellmysliwiecphotography]

That was absolutely wonderful. What an adventure, much like the expression on your face revealed at the end, I didnt want the video to finish. (I grew up in Rochester and moved to CA for school. I've stayed and am enjoying the Sierras. )

[@gregquartucy1096]

Dan Thanks so much for producing and sharing this video. Truly an inspiration. I did two sections of Roper's High Route in the 90s in separate summers; all that i could handle then was a week at a time. Now, as i approach my 70's, getting out for a one week backpack on trails (with maybe some short, easy xc parts) seems like quite an accomplishment for me. Again, thanks so much for sharing your trip. Seeing some of the places that i visited many years ago made me smile. Cheers

[@DanStenziano]

Greg, really glad you enjoyed it! Appreciate the kind words.

[@marksheffield4941]

You do not do a lot videos, but what you do is the best. It was cool for me to see you at Horseshoe Meadow at the end. I was up there in the 1970's when the road was still dirt. I was last there is 1985 on a JMT pre-hike and it was still a very quite place. From the amount of cars, looks like things have change.

[@DanStenziano]

I bet the drive up to that trailhead was a little more interesting on a dirt road. Cottonwood Lakes is definitely a hot spot now, but thankfully there's still plenty of solitude to be had off of the popular trails.

[@Sheety33]

Really enjoyed this one and saw areas of the Sierra I have never seen before - felt like I was there! Very very well done and am inspired! Wishing you all the best in 2021!🤠

[@erickjuarez5044]

I hiked the PCT this year and have been aching for a different kind of adventure ever since. You guys are a true inspiration and have lit a fire under me to do something like this. Time to start planning! Cheers! -Alaska

[@MovinOnBob]

There are no words to express how awesome this video turned out. You did a amazing job on the edit and it looked spectacular on a 85" screen.

[@DanStenziano]

Thank you!

[@alexanderpatino]

This was so unpretentious and inviting. You three look like a great crew too. This was seriously great, raw, organic, and real. Love.

[@gailedavid9745]

Yes, always looked of to them distant hills from JMT and wondered why not give it a shot some day.... great job here.. true living, true adventure.

[@bendaniels8572]

This video was fantastic I was focused fixated by he composition. I work seasonally in the sierras. One I the most unreal place on earth.

[@YongsungKim]

One of the best hiking videos on KZbin I've watched in many ways, nice narration, great editing, beautiful scenery. Most of all, I like your adventurous spirit. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@blairhunewill3090]

So interesting you mentioned being glad Matterhorn pass was dry, I descended the east side in the rain and I will never forget it!

[@DanStenziano]

Sounds like type 2 fun :)

[@vinnymullin3484]

Finally out! So many incredible shots in there. Relaxing watch, getting me stoked to get out there this summer!

[@johnarthur5238]

Mate, you have produced a gem in this piece. The video was awesome on my big screen TV. I was reminded of how beautiful the Sierra are on, and off, the trail. We’ll done.

[@DanStenziano]

Thank you! Appreciate hearing that, glad you enjoyed it

[@LABoyko]

Congrats on the shot of a bighorn sheep. Very cool.👍

[@GregMcCahon]

This was excellent, so enjoyable. Thank you for posting!

[@brandonbolen7011]

This is the best video that I’ve ever watched on KZbin, thank you!

[@dwfpouqweojhfhoqwef]

Amazing stuff, fellas. Thanks for putting all the effort into filming and editing.

[@GregEdwardss]

Awesome Dan. Clearly an incredible amount of work put into this. Well done, came out great 👍

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks Greg!

[@teresaontiveros5243]

One of the very best!!! Amazing!! Thank you for taking us to places some of us can not even dreamed of hiking. Thank you 💜

[@troy204]

Thanks for making my morning coffee beautiful

[@ColemanOutdoors]

That was awesome...congratulations! Wonderfully shot and narrated.

[@stefanstrigler425]

Amazing! A-m-a-z-I-n-g! What an inspiration. I have to do this as well.

[@farrbelly]

Watched it again to get ready for your presentation next week. Looking forward to hearing of your insights and knowledge.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I just finished watching this incredible odyssey and I enjoyed every second of it! Thanks to everyone so very very much. Every step was amazing 🤩!

[@HubertGreinwalder]

One of the best trail videos I‘ve ever seen!

[@jaygriffin7124]

Great edit! Inspiring! Pretty bold rock hopping, and scrambling! There were a few spots that looked sketchy downclimbing.. reminds me of the places I’ve left my heart in the high places.

[@hiramaguilar5639]

This is just breathtaking! Love your camera work!

[@BackcountryTreks]

Incredible man! The work put into this is very inspiring. The videography and storytelling is top notch👍 Glad I found your channel. Just subbed!

[@DanStenziano]

Thank you!

[@matthewnguyen518]

This is absolutely spectacular! I hope to reach this level one day. I'm going to climb White Mountain and Mt. Williamson next week, so taking steps toward it. This is definitely in my bucket list! Thank you for showing us the beautiful views and inspiring us all!

[@terranceandcopper]

Holy Cow! what an adventure., Thanks for sharing.

[@elizabeth415]

Wow, I just came across your channel and subscribed! Thank you and your friends for the amazing views ! Awesome extreme adventures! Stay safe 🙏

[@gred808]

Nice work man! Got to get back to the 'range of light'. Thanks for posting! I have spent quite a few summers up in those isolated nooks and crannies in the alpine zones above the Muir Trail and the PCT, your video brought back lots of fond memories.

[@robertalynch5433]

The Sierras are amazing! Thanks for taking us with you.

[@adrivs.wild.pct23]

Thank you so much for this story ! Man, your trip has really inspired me.... Merci et à la prochaine like we say in my country :)

[@tj2351]

What a beautiful film! As a JMT and PCT hiker, this gives me inspiration for more Sierra adventure. Congratulations on completing the route and the film! 👏 Thank you so much for sharing it!

[@DanStenziano]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jimrlongviewer8963]

Incredible, and great visual work. I'd dreamed up something High from Carson pass to Toulumne, and popped on/off the Roper route further south. I'm too old for your version I fear, but it was great to see Lake Catherine again among other places. Thanks for the energy you put into the plans, the doing and the documentation.

[@vutEwa]

second time watching all the way through. this was very inspirational Dan!

[@joelmiller7295]

Man!!! Congratulations gentlemen! Whata route whata accomplishment! As long as you live you’ll all look back on this trip and have nothing but fantastic memories! Bravo!

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Incredible accomplishment and documentary. You should be super proud of yourself!

[@GjPeddy]

What a wonderful adventure and film! Thank you for sharing!

[@trombahonker]

Love it! Thanks for the great video; super enjoyable thing to watch while doing a couple hours of cardio training to be in shape for this summer!

[@jackattack2021]

Those mountains gave me goosebumps. Amazing.

[@jwebbw]

Enjoyed it immensely, make some more of these please !! I've watched this before and watching it again, it was great....thanks

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks! More is in the works!

[@seancurtispatrick]

Amazing work, man! Great documentation throughout as well! Keep doing ambitious and fantastic adventures!

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this 😎 excellent video. It looked to be a seriously awesome journey. Phenomenal scenery! Superb pics! Oh, to be young again!🙂

[@kendaljohnson6692]

So epic! You always had good tips for my Whitney!

[@mattfinch3895]

That's a classic route. Excellent job.

[@rynengland803]

Wow! This was so good!! Beautifully shot and wonderfully told. I loved every second of it.

[@gotsu21]

I usually am out on weekend hiking or scrambling somewhere. But today, due to high heat I stay home, watched this awesome video and lost as much calories with some sore legs for some reason. Great video out of Steve Roper's book and more! Wonderful dialogues and slow smooth talking. I will use it for english as second language learners/adventurers. Thanks for the wonderful Sunday afternoon. Now I am hungry ;-)

[@DanStenziano]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@erinlucey5149]

Thank you for sharing this! Your excitement on top of Snow-Tongue is palpable.

[@cq7415]

Hi Dan. This is an amazing video in all aspects. Super photography, super editing. Glad you all had a safe and enjoyable hike. And glad you all got along so well together. Seems like you are a very likable person yourself. Yes, we do miss the High Sierras. They are spectacular. I did subscribe too. Thanks for taking us along.

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks :) glad you enjoyed it!

[@taurus66]

My hat off to you guys. If i was in my twenties i would try to do it. Great job. I go fishing Owens river. Driving home to Los Angeles i always imagine myself on top of the mountains i see while driving and you guys did it.

[@gavins27]

Great video, this was fantastic. A few years ago myself and two friends hiked in the Sierras and had to quit our planned route early as the nights were so much colder than we expected or had the gear to handle it. It is unfinished business for us and plan on doing the high route next time with the right gear. An incredible part of the world that you need to hike in and live in it to really appreciate its beauty !

[@DanStenziano]

I know what it’s like to have unfinished business in the Sierra! Hope you can get back to it soon.

[@175thStreet]

Awesome video. Thanks for making it. Made me happy 😊

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Congrats on your accomplishment. Excellent video. Thanks for having us along.

[@carlosevangelistahappyhike4896]

Congratulations to you guys, what amazing adventure. Bravo.

[@GracielaT-SatoCaptainMama]

Dan, I'm so happy you got lucky and saw the Big-Horn sheep. :-) We're a family of five that regularly camps, fishes and hikes in the High Sierra. Thanks for showing us so much MORE of our spectacular mountain range! Will share this production with the family this weekend and plan our next trip!

[@BlakeBoles]

Wow! As someone who's done much of the SHR, SoSHR, and KCHBR-but only taken photographs-I really appreciate that I can share this video with my friends and family and say "THAT is why off-trail hiking in the Sierras is so epic!" Thank you for taking the time to shoot, edit, and produce this video.

[@makaveli54]

Great job guys! Awesome video and great to see you gentleman enjoying life 👍

[@BradleyEbert-j2x]

amazing hike and amazing accomplishment, congrats. Hope you have gone on to even more great adventures.

[@ManuelHerrera]

Incredible! Thanks for sharing 👍🏼

[@nedanother9382]

I think I've seen every single sierras video on youtube....this is the shit. Probably the best video out there. Awesome job. I'm getting a permit today for one last trip

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks! Wishing you good weather and low smoke

[@Castellanos334]

Wow Dan, great video.

[@divyanshpal2267]

Great film and some of the shots were amazing. Makes me want to go off trail in Sierra.

[@pradeepchandra6157]

what an incredible story telling!!!

[@WTC_2U]

Insane trip congratulations. I wouldn't have lasted after the first pass.... beautifully filmed.

[@nihilistmarmot]

Great service provided: the barren landscape cured me of any desire to do an extended trip above the tree line.

[@rigbyUnbound]

pretty much a perfect film of a hike.. the voiceovers.. bits to camera.. aktion & of course the awesome scenery. congratulations on putting it together & to you all for completing the route

[@maxmay5119]

Awesome! Such a beautiful route, scenery, footage, the whole video. Really great trail video, no bluff, no idle talk, loved it a lot. Thanks!

[@MikeWindsor]

Man this is so well done! Congrats on the epic route and fantastic film. My friend and I are planning a similar route for this summer, can’t wait!