I am planning on hiking the JMT this summer. I have hiked the section from Tuolumne meadows to Reds meadow twice so was thinking of doing the PCT from Tuolumne to Reds. I believe that they share the same tread for much of this segment but was wondering where they diverge and wether it is worth the detour or not.
JalanJalan
The two trails diverge between Thousand Island Lake and Red’s Meadow. I think the PCT takes a shorter, more direct route to Red’s Meadow via Agnew Meadows, with less elevation gain and loss. I think it stays fairly close to the river between Agnew and Red’s, so the final few miles to Red’s are probably more pleasant than that hot, dusty final descent to Red’s on the JMT. But that said, I really love the JMT between Thousand Island and Shadow Lake. I’ve hiked that section countless times, but I still wouldn’t want to miss the views of Ritter and Banner reflected in Garnet Lake or the view of Ritter and Banner from the pass in between Garnet Lake and the Ediza/Shadow Lake basin, or the experience of lying in the meadow by the creek that flows between Ediza Lake into Shadow Lake, looking up at the mountains towering around you, so I’d probably choose to hike the JMT section again … and again … and again … and again … But either way, you really can’t go wrong! Wish I was there now!!
Kanga
I agree with Kanga. But I would also suggest you consider not cutting off at Shadow Lake and continuing south from Ediza Lake towards and past Iceberg Lake, Cecile Lake and Minaret Lake, including, of course hiking past (and practically at the foot of) the Minarets, ultimately ending up at Devils Postpile National Monument. I believe it parallels both the JMT and the PCT but this little section is one of those many spectacular hikes in the Sierra’s, one not to miss. Ironically, itwas Day 2 of a 5-day hike I was heading from Thousand Island Lake to Ediza Lake on Sept. 11, 2001 and had no idea what had happened for two more days until I got to the Ranger Station at Devils Postpile. Talk about a paradox…
sherpa steve
During my 04’ PCT thru, I wound up hiking up the valley on the River Trail that splits the land between both trails, the PCT being on the east side and the JMT on the West. It wasn’t very scenic at all and there was very little camping. Very nice trail, but I wished I had found the right trail ( either one would have done ) and seen more. Speaking with hikers that have done both the PCT and JMT sides, everyone said that the JMT is harder and better. But if you have already seen it…
Little John
The section of trail that connects Ediza, Iceberg, Cecile, and Minaret lakes is absolutely spectacular. I hiked it in reverse a few years ago in order to connect to the JMT and found myself in awe the entire time. This is one of my all time favorite sections of trail, but perhaps this is because it was my introduction to hiking in the Sierras.
Tumblina