JMT’ers: Which guidebook do you recommend? 1) The John Muir Trail: Through the Californian Sierra Nevada (Cicerone Guide) by Alan Castle, 2) John Muir Trail: The Essential Guide to Hiking… by Elizabeth Wenk, or 3) Guide to the John Muir Trail by Thomas Winnett. Thanks!
trek-or
I’d recommend The Essential Guide by Elizabeth Wenk. I used her book when I hiked the JMT this past September.
Phreak
We agree with Phreak the essential guide by Elizabeth Wenk. It worked so well we passed Phreak on the trail as he was heading north as we were heading south. I think it also helped Phreak bag a few peaks on the way.
Unbreakable & No Trace
We have hiked the JMT twice SoBo and the PCT through the Sierra NoBo a total of 4 times, always using Tom Harrison’s map pack without a guide. I think the maps are REALLY necessary because the trail can be under snow or water. Are the maps in the guides adequate?
Marcia