Reddit reviews Sierra High Route: Traversing Timberline Country

You could start the PCT NOBO and get 700 miles of trail legs, but when you get to the Sierra there are many ways that you could deviate from the official trail and put together some high routes and alternate trails to link them together.

http://www.adventurealan.com/southern-sierra-high-route-soshr-guide/

https://www.amazon.com/The-Sierra-High-Route-Traversing/dp/0898865069/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

https://andrewskurka.com/adventures/kings-canyon-high-basin-route/

https://andrewskurka.com/adventures/yosemite-high-route/

​

After you finish rambling through the mountains you'd have a a good sense about whether you still wanted more high adventure and navigation or if you'd had your fill of it and wanted to continue on the PCT proper with it's smooth tread and more chance of company. You'd have the option to deviate and climb some of the massive peaks further north as well. A mixed trip like this sounds like an amazing way to spend 5 months.

I'm trying to do it in September but I've got a lot of prep to do. I just bought this book on it:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Sierra-High-Route-Traversing/dp/0898865069

I'd love to get in touch with anyone planning a trip or who has done it. Andrew Skurka did a good write up on it. I'm planning on buying his maps.

http://andrewskurka.com/adventures/sierra-high-route/

from the ridge above Black Bear Lake, which Roper describes as the best view on The Sierra High Route.