My buddy and I are wanting to hike part of the JMT. Well how could we resist with all the wonderful stories and pictures we have heard and seen!! He is wanting to go in February, but I can’t find anything written about anyone hiking during that month. When is it unhikable? Could we do January or should we wait until summer. We are both experienced hikers, although neither of us have ever hiked in the snow. Advice welcomed!
marley972
Don’t even think about attempting the JMT in January… February… March… April… May… June is the earliest you’ll want to give it a go though I’d recommend waiting until July or August.
TwoCan
Most years you won’t be able to hike the JMT in February. You may be able to snowshoe or ski it but not hike it. There will be close to 100% snow, likely unconsolidated. Plus there are no resupply options open. In addition to the months listed by Twocan, September is also very nice though the weather (snow) could give you a surprise.
gg-man
I’m not usually part of the “impassable!” crowd, but unless you have experience with avalanche conditions it’s not safe up there until at least May. Depending on the year, May may be possible, June likely possible (but difficult and beautiful), July through September good, October depending on luck, and November in very rare years.
markv
Of course, if you just want to do PART of it in winter, you very well may be able to negotiate the Yosemite part. It starts low enough and doesn’t have any steep terrain until you get south of Tuolumne a ways. Valley to Tuolumne could be a winter adventure by itself.
markv
Tioga Road into Yosemite is closed from at least Dec until June. Last year it didn’t open until mid July. I suggest you wait until August or early Sept…I hiked last year and there was snow at virtually every pass even in August.
Red Hat