Which section of theJMT if I only have 10 days?

imported
#1

Hi everyone. I’m hoping to do part of the JMT this August while my son is at camp. I’ll have ten trail days and it looks like I’m already too late to get a permit to start at Happy Isles. Does anyone have any good recommendations for good entry and exit points that I could still get a permit for? I’d ideally like to put in 10 -15 mile days.

Any recommendations and / or tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

Linda

#2

I did Tuolumne to VVR the back to Reds on a different trail in two weeks. From Reds you can take a bus to Mammoth and then the YARTS back to Tuolumne. It was awesome. You can get a walk-in permit if you line up before 5:30 am. You may also get a no-show permit if you sign up for one right away. If you start on a weekend there are more people trying to get permits thus longer lines and less of a chance. Be flexible and prepared to leave from an alternate trail head.

Big B

#3

Why do you have to do a partial JMT? If I had 10 days I’d go in at Onion Valley, Shepherd Pass or Horseshoe Meadow and do a loop. Bubbs Crk, Upper Kern, Wright Lakes, Colby Pass, Miter Basin, Chagoopa Plateau - endless possibilities.

My choice: Shepherd, Lake South America, Upper Kern, Milestone Basin, Junction Meadow (along the Kern), Colby Trail, Bighorn Plateau, Wright Lakes, out Shepherd.

booger

#4

Thanks to both of you. I will definitely look into the loop you recommend booger. I’m not completely attached to doing the JMT. I’ve mostly been thinking about that particular trail because it’ll be my first longer, solo trip in about 10 years and as much as I love solitude in the wilderness, I’m thinking it might be wise to not totally isolate myself, and I know the JMT gets consistent use in August. Are the trails around the loop you mention pretty well used?

Thanks! Linda

Linda

#5

I would start at Muir Trail Ranch entering from Florence lake. (west side of the sierras) It’s the midway point. You can go south and see the famous evolution valley and do Whitney or go north and you can finish in Yosemite. South from there would be better in my opinion.

Jeremy Evans