Definition

Proper noun A major mountain range located in eastern California, USA, forming a significant portion of the Sierra Nevada. It is renowned for its dramatic alpine scenery, including the highest peak in the contiguous United States.

Usage

The term "High Sierra" is used as a proper name to refer specifically to the highest, most rugged, and most iconic alpine region of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It denotes a geographic area rather than a general description.

Examples

• The John Muir Trail traverses the most scenic parts of the High Sierra.
• Many technical climbing routes are found in the High Sierra.
• Planning a backpacking trip in the High Sierra requires permits.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in tourism, recreation, and conservation contexts to evoke the area's wilderness character and challenging terrain.
• It can function attributively as a modifier (e.g., High Sierra scenery, High Sierra peaks).

Variants and Related Words

• The Sierra Nevada: The broader mountain range of which the High Sierra is the central and highest region.
• The Sierra: A common shortened name for the Sierra Nevada range.

Synonyms

• The Sierra Nevada (in its highest, central portion)
• The alpine Sierra

Notes on Meaning

This is a fixed proper noun for a specific region. It should not be interpreted literally as a generic phrase meaning "a high mountain range." Its meaning is tied exclusively to the Sierra Nevada in California.

Noun

1. a mountain range in eastern California; contains Mount Whitney