The California Sierra Triple Crown, a distinguished challenge comprising the High Sierra Trail (HST), Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT), and John Muir Trail (JMT), as the ultimate representation of the Sierra Nevada’s hiking legacy. The HST, spanning 71 miles with 13,303 feet of elevation gain, holds a unique place in Sierra history, originally marketed in the 1930s to affluent adventurers as a premier trans-Sierra journey from Sequoia to Mount Whitney, featuring challenging passes and unparalleled vistas that remain iconic today. The JMT, at 223 miles with 40,000+ feet of gain, embodies the essence of the Pacific Crest Trail’s California segment, traversing the Sierra’s core with renowned passes like Donahue and Muir, attracting global hikers to its legendary route. The TRT, a 171-mile loop around Lake Tahoe with 31,000 feet of gain, offers a distinct high-altitude experience through diverse terrains, from alpine meadows to volcanic landscapes, its circular nature adding a unique logistical dimension.
The TRT and the JMT overlap for a handful of miles. Both trails must be completed in entirety (the overlapping section will be completed twice). Please see the route pages for each trail for more details on each route.
This trio, totaling 459 miles and 84,303 feet of elevation gain, provides a balanced and comprehensive challenge—short and intense with the HST, extended and linear with the JMT, and circular with the TRT—capturing the Sierra Nevada’s full spectrum of hiking experiences.
