Staring at TM? - John Muir Trail

imported
#1

I’m consindering starting at TM.

The reason being that time is kind of a concern. I want/NEED to take time to smell the roses on this one.
I have three weeks to walk. I know that it is plenty of time to do the hole thing.
But with a day of travel on each end, thats leaves 19 days to do 211++(start at YV) or 19 days(atart at TM) to do 180+(both not including resupply walking). I was gettting 10 to 15 a day from TM to Tahoe.

So I guess what I’m getting at is the walk from YV to TM worth having to perhaps not smell as many flowers for the entire trip?

I’m not one that has to complete every mile of a hike to feel a sense of accomplishment. And I really like to sit on a rock when ever Ifell like it.

Here’s to taking it all in!

JW

#2

You miss out on Half Dome, and as you can see from the maps you criss-cross the highway, lost of people and campgrounds. Other than Half Dome, I found the first part of the trail, up to Reds Meadow, to be a dusty, pounded, somewhat crowded experience. Past Reds the crowds drop off and the trail itself is not so overused. Definitely get some gaiters, try Dirty Girl Gaiters, you can google the website. Due to the dryness and the traffic, the dustiest trail I have ever experienced.

LA

#3

We started at Happy Isles in the valley and loved the whole trail. We did meet some hikers that started at TM to miss the heavy crowds going to Half Dome and they were very happy with their hikes. Sounds like starting at TM would be good for you. Too bad you don’t have a couple of extra days just for travel.

unbreakable

#4

I might just have to work it out with the boss man. Did you take two or three days form YV to TM? It looks duable in two days, but is it enjoyable at that pace?

JW

#5

I skipped up to TM as well. Aside form the crowds and the time, its a pretty steep hike to begin the trail with.
Also, it was easier to get my permit starting from TM.

jalan

#6

thanks for the thoughts

I wasnt to concerned with the elavation gain, but it doesnt hurt.

I’m more concerned with the peace and quite more than anything else.
I use the time on the trail to help forget about the day to day nonscence (like most I assume).
So I would much rather walk with time to spare, than have to put a pep in my step, just to get back to work on time.

thanks again for your thoughts.

JW

#7

Here’s what worked for us during our July, 2009, JMT hike. Start at TM and hike “downhill” to YV while leaving most of your supplies in the bear lockers at the backpacker’s campground or permit station in TM. At Happy Isles trailhead, take the free Yosemite shuttle bus to the visitors center and catch the YARTS bus back to TM (5:00 PM, daily). The bus drops you off at the store in time for resupply and the backpacker’s campground is a short walk behind the store.

I carried a tent but cowboy camped all but three nights when it rained or was threatening…mosquitos were bad, but the nights were perfect for crawling down in my 30 degree bag without overheating. (This technique should continue to work until the mosquitos learn how to open zippers).

We sent mail drops to Red’s Meadows, VVR and MTR and this was definitely overkill. Either Red’s Meadows or VVR could be skipped as a maildrop, but I’d still stop for the other amenities. MTR had a great hiker’s box of about a dozen five gallon buckets of hiker’s foods and supplies (no guarantees) but with very limited resupply options or services, otherwise. We carried very heavy out of MTR to avoid the Kearsarge Pass/Onion Valley resupply hike and would do the same thing again.

usedtocould

#8

We took two days and it was enjoyable. We met hikers that told us they had returned many times to re hike this fantastic trail. You may want to consider putting your first resupply in a bear box at the Ranger’s station next to the trail for your first resupply. We then resupplied at Red’s Meadow and VVR. You may want to camp at guitar lake and summit Whitney early, Try not to hit Trail Pass too late in the day to do the 100 switchbacks to Whitney Portal. The cheese burgers are great at the store there.

unbreakable

#9

We’re leaving July 7th from Whitney portal and hiking northbound. Planning on 16 -18 days, probably only resupply once at Muir Ranch. Really looking forward. Anybody else out in july going north?

chris d