I have two permits for the JMT the second week of July; one northbound one southbound. Any strong feelings out there whether I should start in Whitney or Yosemite? I am giving myself three weeks regardless of my starting point.
Mike O
Go North or South?
system
#2
Mike - i have hiked the JMT in both directions (missing only a small section on my first hike). I much preferred heading South, finishing on Whitney. There’s no substitute for finishing a trail on the summit of the highest peak in the contiguous US!
PS. Climbing Half Dome is a wonderful short side trip, unless you have a fear of heights…
Happy Trails
freebird
system
#3
I agree with Freebird…going south and summiting Whitney was a great experience. It also gave time to get used to the elevation.
You’ll start at about 4,500 feet high and end up at 14,500 feet high going south.
I met a few nobo’s that couldn’t make it up Whitney and said they wished they had walked in the other direction instead.
Have a great walk which ever way you go. :happy
Stumpknocker
system
#4
I guess I am one of a few each year that hikes the JMT North, as I did it last year. (My journal is posted on this site) There were a couple of times that I wished that I was going in the opposite direction, but overall I am glad that I went North. The JMT is tough enough, regardless of direction. It is very mentally challenging as well as physically. Another issue, is the length of your hike and your rest/resupply days. If you have alot of time, the direction really does not matter in my opinion. The most important factor is to enjoy the hike.
Still another issue is your physical condition. I am an ironman triathlete and in very good condition. Being in condition, I did not have to worry about the hiking distance. Lastly, the elevation of the hike does bother some. If it does, going south may be the best. Yes you start at 4,500 feet, but you need hike up along way to get out of the valley. That’s my two cents.
TRI Hiker