Hey, Labor Day thru hikers (like me), a section of the High Sierra Trail is now closed due to fire. No, not THAT fire. Another fire.

http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/trailcond.htm

Looking for workarounds...alternatives...sigh.....

And here I could already taste that burger, er, chicken sandwich. And fries.

(No, this does not affect folks climbing Whitney from the Portal. Only some of those who want to approach Whitney from the West, through Sequoia NP).

Even if the trail were open, I sure wouldn't want to be hiking it, with all the smoke in the area. Karin, you could hike across from Kings Canyon and come out at Whitney Portal, over Forester Pass and Guitar Lake.

Thanks, Steve. Do you have a sense of miles? Was looking at that...did go over Forester to Whitney last year though (from Onion Valley). Thinking maybe do a loop trip instead out of Crescent Meadow? Still see Precepice Lake, etc...?

As for Crescent Meadow: Seriously, I'd stay clear of anything that far south. I just think you would be disappointed due to too much smoke.

Out of Kings Canyon, you could be over Forester in 2 long days. Three more days to exit Whitney Portal. But then you have the transportation shuttle issues.

The 40-mile Rae Lakes Loop, out of Roads End in Kings Canyon might be the ticket. Probably tough to get permits over the long weekend, though. I'd call and ask about walk-ins and no-shows.

Great suggestions, Steve, thanks. I had worked out the whole trip as a thru hike using busses, shuttle services, a train, and a flight...no driving. I'll see what I can salvage. Rae Lakes loop would be new to me....

Hey Steve, do you know if there is a way to get to Road's End by public transport/shuttle? Would be a great way to start an alternative cross-the-Sierra hike, but I am not sure I have a way to get there....

I'm headed to roads end Thursday from San Diego. Planning on staying somewhere Thursday (Bakersfield, Fresno or something closer to roads end)If you could get to one of those towns Thursday night I'd be happy to give you a ride in Friday morning.

Wow. Wow. Wow. Yes! Will PM you.