IN THIS southern part of the Sierra the loftiest peaks are found, but a little farther south the range declines in both height and ruggedness. For this reason the Guide does not discuss peaks south of Army Pass on the main crest nor south of Franklin Pass on the Great Western Divide, although there are a few worthy peaks in the excluded area.

Much excellent climbing is to be found here. The east wall of the Sierra near Mount Whitney is one of the outstanding regions for climbing in the United States. The Kings-Kern Divide contains many fine peaks in a small area. The Kaweahs have a reputation for challenging faces of friable rock, contrasting with the granite peaks to the north and west in the Great Western Divide.

Most of this section, south of the Kings-Kern Divide, and west of the main crest, is within Sequoia National Park, and therefore boasts some fine trails, including the southern end of the Muir Trail, the Whitney Trail, and the High Sierra Trail which runs eastward from Giant Forest. The trails are described in more detail in the individual areas below, which are as follows:

The Kings-Kern Divide and the Adjacent Crests. Included are the main crest from Kearsarge Pass to Shepherd Pass, the Kings-Kern Divide, and the northern end of the Great Western Divide.

The Whitney Region. This covers the main crest from Shepherd Pass to Army Pass and adjacent peaks east of the Kern River.

The Kaweahs and the Great Western Divide. This describes the Great Western Divide south from the point where it is joined by the Kings-Kern Divide to Franklin Pass, the Kaweah Peaks ridge, and adjacent peaks to the west.

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