Illustrative artwork — an impression of PCT — High Sierra & Forester Pass, not a literal photograph.
The Pacific Crest Trail's push through the High Sierra crosses Forester Pass at roughly 13,200 feet, the highest point on the entire PCT, deep inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo National Forest. There are no lodges out here — this is remote, high alpine wilderness shared with the John Muir Trail, and every night is spent at an established backcountry camp near a lake or below a pass. A PCT long-distance or local wilderness permit, plus a bear canister, is required before you reach the trailhead.
Why hike here
Forester Pass earns its reputation the moment you see the trail itself, a narrow shelf blasted into a near-vertical wall of rock, climbing toward a notch with nothing but sky beyond it. Below, the basins hold a chain of alpine lakes so clear they mirror the granite peaks stacked around them, and camps at their edges put you to sleep at elevation under stars that feel closer than usual. This stretch shares its tread with the John Muir Trail, so you're walking country that has drawn hikers for a century, through terrain scoured bare by glaciers and lit gold at sunrise on the passes. Snow can linger into midsummer here, which only sharpens the sense that you're crossing something genuinely high and genuinely wild.
Getting there
The nearest gateway towns are Lone Pine and Bishop, both in California's Owens Valley on the eastern side of the Sierra, with hotels and motels for hikers coming off the trail to resupply. Because this stretch of the PCT runs through remote wilderness with no road access along the crest, hikers typically exit and re-enter over a side pass, Kearsarge Pass being a common choice, to reach a trailhead and a ride down into the valley. Fly into the nearest regional airport and plan on a road transfer from there.
Where to stay
The realistic options, closest-to-the-trail first. Book through the official links — we don't list prices or availability because they change all the time.
Illustrative — evokes the setting, not a specific property. For example: Established backcountry sites near lakes and below the passes
Thru-hikers and JMT/PCT backpackers — it is all wilderness camping.
A PCT long-distance permit or a local wilderness permit is required; bear canisters are mandatory.
Wilderness permit (PCT / Recreation.gov)For example: Hotels and motels in the Owens Valley towns used for resupply
Hikers coming off the trail over the side passes to resupply and rest.
Hikers exit over side passes (like Kearsarge) to reach Lone Pine or Bishop.
Nearby-town lodgingPermits & rules
This is remote, very high wilderness with no lodges — a PCT long-distance permit or a local wilderness permit is required, and bear canisters are mandatory. Forester Pass is the highest point on the PCT; snow can linger into summer, so check conditions and carry an ice axe when needed.
Gear you'll want for this trip
Matched to the terrain and conditions here. Real products — check current price on Amazon.
Common questions
Are there any lodges or huts along this stretch of the PCT?
No. This section through the High Sierra has no lodges, huts, or commercial accommodation of any kind — it's protected wilderness inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and the Inyo National Forest. Every night on trail is spent at an established backcountry camp, usually near a lake or just below one of the passes.
What permits do I need to hike over Forester Pass?
You'll need either a PCT long-distance permit, if you're through-hiking, or a local wilderness permit for this specific section, along with a mandatory bear canister for food storage. Apply well ahead of your trip, since permits for this stretch of the Sierra are limited and quota-based.
When is the best time to hike this section, and how do I resupply?
Aim for July through September, and expect that window to shift later in heavy snow years, when drifts linger on the passes and an ice axe becomes worth carrying. For resupply and a bed, hikers exit over a side pass such as Kearsarge to reach the Owens Valley towns of Lone Pine or Bishop.
Complete gearsets for this trip
Full curated kits built for exactly this kind of hike — what to bring, why, and links to similar gear.
Lodging details are compiled from official parks, refuge associations and reservation systems and can change without notice. We publish no prices, availability or ratings — always confirm current information on the official site before booking or setting out. Product links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; prices and availability are shown on Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.