My boyfriend and I and two of our friends are hiking the whole 211 miles of the John Muir Trail this summer. Is there any specific advice you have for us? It’s our first time. Everyone in our group has been backing for years except for myself. This will be my second time backpacking and I am quite nervous. However, the JMT is something I want to accomplish more than anything!
Raimie
My advice would be for the 4 of you to decide on a pace that is doable for everyone and stick with it. In any group there are bound to be faster and slower hikers but as long as everyone is on the same page about the pace of the hike then there shouldn’t be any issues. I’ve also found while hiking with a group that you shouldn’t expect to be actually hiking together the entire time. It’s ok (and I prefer) to split up every now and then but designate meeting points throughout the day and your camp at night.
Also you might want to ease into the trail, don’t try to do too many miles each day, especially at the beginning.
Otherwise just relax and enjoy it. The JMT is one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in the world and hiking it is an experience that will change your life for the better! Have fun out there and happy hiking!
Garrett
it’s alot easier in late July, August, September than in June & early July ! Later in summer, there is alot less snow to conceal the trail & alot less raging snowmelt in the creeks you have to wade across (dangerous in June & early July when most PCT thru-hikers go thru there on the way to Canada). Scout the fords up & down river for where it is wide & shallow; or else where the gravel collects on the downriver side of a giant boulder !
Hold hands facing upstream as you cross to keep an eye out for wood & hikers being swept downstream!
inchworm plumber
Wrap a few winds (20") of duct tape around bottles or poles for blister first aid
Virginian