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

The ultimate High Sierra backpacking adventure- a link-up of the Yosemite High Route, Sierra High Route, and Southern Sierra High Route, starting north of Yosemite and ending south of Mt. Whitney for a total of 305 mostly off-trail miles over 23 days. I hope you enjoy, and maybe find some inspiration for your own adventures.
For more information on the route, check out my trip report on Reddit:
/ trip_report_the_super_...
Gear list (with links) for this trip, including camera gear:
www.lighterpac...
Note that if you would like to help my channel at no extra cost to you, the Amazon links are affiliate links which means that if you purchase anything after clicking through, I will get a small commission. Thank you!

[@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 😅

[@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!

[@kraigadams]

well done

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks Kraig, means a lot coming from you

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@hikesteepfishhigh]

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

[@aok1425]

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

[@airbus001]

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

[@nobodyhikes]

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

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@alexkarulin]

Amazing video. If you pause it pretty much anywhere, it's desktop photo worthy.

[@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

[@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... :-)

[@SteffenThomsen]

This is def. big screen tv material.

[@DanStenziano]

Didn't shoot it in 4k for nothing 😎

[@SteffenThomsen]

@@DanStenziano just watched it on my 55" it looked fantastic.

[@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!

[@uclimb3]

Awesome. Very inspirational. 👍👍👍.

[@sarahsimon1253]

Amazing video! I love your explanation of the "High Route" at the beginning!

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks :)

[@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!

[@gingoesplaces]

Wow! That’s amazing! Congrats 🎉

[@martybober291]

Congrats on your achievement. Great 👍 video, enjoyed watching it very much...

[@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.

[@terrycline8689]

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

[@wellseasonedhiker]

What a great video, so inspirational. Heading up for the SHR this August. This video has me amped but somehow disappointed we're not doing the entire Super SHR. Maybe next year. THANKS for this BEAUTIFUL video. VERY well done!!!

[@DanStenziano]

Hope you have a great trip on the SHR!

[@CTP1111]

Wow, incredible job and incredible video, I do day hikes in the sierra and haven't even come close to doing anything like this, just amazing!

[@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!

[@2kdei]

Wow. So stunning. Thanks. Now Im hungry to hike (again). 🤙🙂

[@IntoTheWild369]

Thank you for sharing

[@Bayplaces]

Watched this twice in its entirety, once by myself and another time with my girlfriend. Thanks for the great video.

[@GjPeddy]

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

[@BBQDad463]

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

[@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!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Well done! Love to be able to do this.

[@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!

[@thesuperioraffection4502]

Beyond beautiful, beyond brutal! Congrats on the achievement and great work on the film! Just came across your channel, looking forward to checking it out.

[@keithlaurenz3774]

Lol omg my ultralightjerk sticker made it in the video fuck yes. I slapped that on there from my 2019 SOBO PCT hike.

[@DanStenziano]

Hahaha that's amazing!! I was hoping someone would mention and even better- it's the guy who left it there.

[@lmergenti]

Great film. Great adventure. Well done! Thanks for sharing!

[@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!🤠

[@scottstevens6380]

More, please!

[@ryanbrooker464]

Great job I loved it. Looks like you guys did good with gear I dont think i could of done it so light

[@patrickwhalen5502]

Amazing accomplishment

[@2546478]

It is so inspiring that I'm actually considering to do this trail before the PCT :) Love the videography the editing and the little speaking segments. I'm truly grateful that you shared your adventure with all of us!!!! Happy Hiking everyone ;)

[@alwaysforwardyt]

12:39 I really like this shot. The image quality improvement from the a5100 to the a6600 is hard to believe. Your editing/voice over skill has also improved a lot (compared to the CDT videos). l guess you also had more time for filming than in the CDT... Great stuff, looking forward to the next video! ATB!

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks! Appreciate the positive feedback 🙂

[@RachelArchelaus]

SOO GOOOOOOD! Thanks for sharing this. I could watch 20 hours of this.

[@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).

[@travel2walk]

Great video and awesome hike. I think we all have a friend like Mudslide who is always hungry and pretty is thinking about food the entire time. lol

[@DanStenziano]

lol definitely!

[@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.

[@Mark_Jacobson81]

You’re a hardcore dude Dan! Just watching some of your sketchy class 2 stuff... as soon as you showed that pic you can see that one slip and you’re in a world of trouble with a rock slide. hard to appreciate it this side of the camera.

[@JoshuaCrippsPhotography]

Wow!!! Spectacular. The scene at 2:09... if you don't mind sharing, where is that?

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks! That is Deer Lakes, very close to the town of Mammoth Lakes

[@JoshuaCrippsPhotography]

@@DanStenziano Haha, seriously!?! How did I not recognize that? I live in Mammoth and have hiked past Deer Lakes a few times.

[@Fuhgit-lu4tj]

@@DanStenziano my dad and I used to ride our dirt bikes up to laurel lake. Rip pops. He’d love watching this.

[@mausefuss7480]

Wonderful shots! Congrats on finishing that incredible high route!

[@jordanPRS89]

Dang, this is so good! Crazy route, and an amazing and entertaining film to watch. Thank you very much for sharing!

[@notoriousox9719]

Congrats man! Mind blowing

[@camilomoreno6895]

Good stuff

[@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…

[@danieloakland927]

Dude. Amazing job, fantastic effort!

[@convbcuda]

I'm hoping to do the Yosemite High Route this year with Andrew Skurka. Thanks for this fantastic video!

[@DanStenziano]

Cool! That will be a blast I'm sure.

[@vinnymullin3484]

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

[@RollingTree2]

Really well done! Enjoyed it tremendously.

[@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.

[@JEFFDI]

Great share. Thank you!

[@GregMcCahon]

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

[@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!

[@stefanstrigler425]

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

[@dwfpouqweojhfhoqwef]

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

[@2ddw]

Good on you! Epic!

[@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 :)

[@mikefry7258]

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

[@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!

[@jeffbaker123]

Russel to blue lake pass in one day? With sluggo and foester in between? To me that’s gotta be one of the days you've gotta be most proud of. Were there other day sections like that?

[@DanStenziano]

That was one of the tough days. Other than that, the day we did Mt Baxter stands out. That mountain is slow going! But honestly, every day on a xc route is pretty hard lol

[@jeffbaker123]

@@DanStenziano Just gotta say this is still the best high route video on youtube. Cheers for making it something I can share with family members and friends to have them know what I'm tryna solo, and why I'm both thrilled and intimidated each time.

[@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 :)

[@jaredj631]

Wow. I’m jealous in a way

[@studiosydneybondi9768]

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

[@briansaucy4871]

Amazing!

[@jb5-pct]

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

[@JordanGreenPNW]

What an incredible film! I've always wanted to try some off trail adventures but have no idea where to start. Any tips?

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks! To start, I would plan low risk trips where you can practice the skills (terrain association, compass use). I watched a ton of videos on navigation and basically every time I went hiking on a trail, I would try to work on my terrain association, even if I didn’t need it to follow the trail. You may need to get creative depending on where you live. I’m in upstate NY, so whenever I went to the Adirondacks, I’d sit on the summit of whatever peak and take compass bearings to other peaks I could see as well as just look at my map and really study how the contour lines look in real life. After a bit of that, I would do an off trail dayhike (good to bring a friend). Anything is fine, my first one was in some random patch of forested public land and I just tried to get from point A to point B in the woods following a compass bearing. Also, using gps is fine, especially as you’re building confidence.

[@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!

[@LeopoldElwes]

Hello from Vorarlberg Austria 😄 🇦🇹 Summary: Up down, up down, up down. End of trail "hungry" Kind regards Leopold 🤗

[@brandonmoffitt4627]

Brother - how'd you get all this time off from work?? Genuinely curious, hahah. Great video!

[@DanStenziano]

I’ve always worked flexible jobs so I can hike. Substitute teaching for years, REI and freelance video more recently.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@brianfairweather7298]

This is amazing! Great video!

[@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

[@seancurtispatrick]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@elizabeth415]

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

[@ColemanOutdoors]

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

[@GregEdwardss]

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

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks Greg!

[@LiveHardxLoveHard]

There's just nothing that quite compares to hiking in total solitude. We've managed to work around the crowds by hiking in the off season or heading out at odd hours, but ... creating your own route will also do the trick 😂 Seriously inspiring, Dan. I'm sure you just added to the bucket lists of thousands of hikers across the globe. Thanks for sharing the route and the tale! - Elise

[@rynengland803]

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

[@WildEdgar]

These trail mixes are kinda "dry" in nutrition. Could add pumpkin, sesame or chia seeds for proper protein gain. Pumpkin seeds got 35/100gr etc. I understand that supermarket has to be really large to get these specific things but...its worth to look when in larger town coz you gonna save tons of space plus gain energy

[@hiramaguilar5639]

This is just breathtaking! Love your camera work!

[@tomlauren2009]

Great video! Quick question: When a screen caption says something like "Day 12. 148 Total Miles", is that the total miles at the start of the day or the end of the day?

[@DanStenziano]

Thanks! The number is referring to the miles at the start of the day, so w/your example it would be 148 miles at the end of day 11.

[@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!

[@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 💜

[@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. )

[@jimrlongviewer8963]

"Ambitious" is a fine descriptor for improv backpacking. I've used it a few times!