Id like to thru hike the JMT SOBO starting around September 1st. So far Ive ordered the Tom Harrison waterproof maps. Is there a guidebook or other literature that would help me plan the logistics of this trek? When I did the Long Trail I didnt need permits.
marmot
Hi marmot,
When I did the JMT in '07, I used the book - Guide to the John Muir Trail (Winnett/Morey) in my planning. It is a pretty good book about the trail.
Your best bet is to browse the wealth of journals here on TJ.
You will need a permit for the JMT. You can reserve a spot no earlier than 24 weeks before your departure. You can obtain one online at the following site: http://yosemite.org/wildpermit/default.htm or you can call them at the number listed on the site.
You specify “Whitney Portal” as your exit.
There used to be a site: http://www.nps.gov/yose/rptFullTrailheadDates.htm where you could see what has been booked - however that site does not appear to be up (maybe too early yet)
Another good site is: www.backpack45.com/johnmuirtrail.html
Enjoy!
-martin
OregonBeerMan
This site helped my planning a lot…even more than the guidebook. You might have to recheck some of the transportation timetables since they’re old, and if something is listed as costing $10 it might now cost $15, but basically the info is all still accurate.
http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~rbell/johnmuir.htm
markv
Thanks to OregonBeerMan for the bear cannister update and to markv for the link. This is the detail I was searching for and will provide me with an outline to take that first step into Yosemite!
marmot