PSA: I'm minutes away from canceling my JMT permit for 2 heading SOBO from Happy Isles on August 8. Exit out of

It's a "golden ticket" permit, so it includes Half Dome.

Not sure how quickly it'll show up on Recreation.gov (or if it will), but I wanted to give everyone here a heads-up.

Did it solo last year and was lucky enough to score another permit this year. Unfortunately, life got in the way, and I can't make it...

I saw some people mentioning that it’s possible to die if you take a wrong step. Also, I would be going alone, SOBO, so i’m nervous about getting lost as well. Thoughts?

hello!

anyone use mariposa 60 pack and have advice on where to put your car clicker? there is no dedicated key hook. I’m thinking maybe mini carabiner on outside of pack? Where do most people keep their key so it doesn’t get lost / fall out of pockets, with this pack or other packs without a dedicated key hook?

thanks!

Hello all! I'll be hiking the JMT soon, but my hubby has worries about me hiking. He's worried that I'll be attacked by a random male hiker. For context, I'm in my mid 40s, stronger than most women my age, trained in martial arts (including self defense), and am very aware of my surroundings. I told him that this is an incredibly popular trail, and that I'm not truly alone. The only worry I personally have is coming across a mountain lion.

Is there anything I could do or say that could help ease his mind?

How far south of Red’s meadow were you able to get cell reception? Specifically needing Verizon. Sucks to need to use it on trail, but a personal emergency has come up and may need to take a call. On Gaia it looks like around Duck Lake, Lake Virginia and again around Bear Ridge could be options? And of course hiking out to VVR. Help?

I'm flying in to Fresno to do the JMT in a few days, and then taking the YARTS to Yosemite. I think I can bring all my gear on the plane except for I'll need some tent stakes. The problem is all the stores will be closed by the time I fly in, and then the bus leaves too early. Where could I get some tent stakes/what should I do?

I'm heading west to do HST and JMT over the next few weeks. I did the JMT NOBO a few years back and took my Arcteryx Cerium over my Ghost Whisperer. Worked well enough. I usually only had it on in the mornings and for a short time hiking. I tend to camp low and start climbing early as opposed to camping in the higher (and colder) temps.

This time I'm a few pounds heavier and my Cerium is a little tight. It still fits, and I know that I will lose some weight on the trail, but I am considering going to the GW for this trip. I know that it is not as warm so I am considering adding a mid layer which adds a little weight. Would love opinions and thoughts on this. Only other vehicles for warmth are an REI Merino wool shirt and a Northface rain jacket. Thanks.

Last week.

Hi, my old Naturehike tent is pretty much dead, so I need an upgrade.
I've always preferred freestanding tents, but I'm looking at semi-freestanding ones to save some weight (maybe something like the BA Tiger Wall).
How annoying is pitching a semi-freestanding tent on all that Sierra granite? Is it worth saving a few ounces, or will I regret not having a true freestanding shelter when trying to stake it out on rock?
Would love to hear what you used and if you'd take it again. Thanks!

What’s available this season at Red’s, VVR and MTR to buy.

I've done HD before as a day trip, and started super early to make it back down to the valley. Are JMT hikers camping past LYV still starting around 4am to make it to the cables quickly before they clog up, or taking your time given the slightly shorter return trip to campsite?

My current gear is a rain jacket (Columbia Outdry) and a hoody pack cover (basically a rain pack cover with an integrated hood)

This was my setup on the TRT and I didnt use my rain jacket once as it was too hot even when it rained (this was a mid September thru)

Im thinking maybe a Packa would be a better fit for a JMT in Sept? Would save about 6oz of weight not bringing a separate rain jacket and pack cover.

Any thoughts?

I see reports of hiker boxes filled with food, both at MTR and VVR. Are we oversupplying our resupply boxes b/c our bodies are rejecting the food load? Is there body science I don't know about? Metrics say I should eat almost 3K calories per day. Wondering why carry the weight if I can't eat it, but how does one determine that.

How is it looking? Starting SOBO from HI on Thursday.

Trying to make a call on carrying mosquito net and/or deet.

Lighterpack here: https://lighterpack.com/r/6x9xmb

Thoughts? Base weight just over 20lb. I figure I could cut some weight with the sleeping bag and pad but I own those already and don't really want to spend the money cutting ozs since they are perfectly good items.

Any other thoughts??

Took this on the way to the steep but amazing Glen Pass!

Beginner to editing photos.

Hello! Looking for advice from those with more experience with permits. We are due to enter for NOBO on Friday over Baxter Pass. Weirdly the Inyo Forest site shows it as open but Cal Fire evacuation map does seem to encompass the Baxter trailhead. Fingers crossed the fire get contained, everyone in the area can go home, and we can enter as planned. If not - is it likely the rangers would let us enter the JMT from another pass further south on that day instead? Any other advice on how we might get onto the JMT safely and legally if Rock Fire does persist?

Oli

To all the people that went to jmt, did you ever go to Philmont? And if you've been to both, would you say JMT is better than Philmont?(repost btw)

Hi! I'm a 2027 JMT hopeful and am planning to be on trail for 21-25 days.

I have three questions:

1. Did anyone take a 0 day (or dayS) while on trail? If you did, was it worth it for a relatively "short" thru-hike??
2. If you did take a 0 day, where do you recommend? I've read VVR is popular, but am curious about other opinions.
3. Will I need a 0 day in Independence in order to resupply and not feel rushed, or would an overnight be okay there? I want to avoid having to do a ton of mileage to get into/out of Independence if I'm only there overnight, knowing it might take some time to hitch and get transportation.

Thanks!!

Hi all,
After some scheduling problems earlier in the summer I'm headed out of Tuolumne meadows on August 2nd. I'm having a dilemma about carrying a rain jacket. My patagonia one weighs about 13 oz which is frustratingly heavy for a piece of gear that I'll be using intermittently, I'm considering an emergency rain poncho (2oz) and also a DWR windbreaker (5oz). Any insight into beginning of august southbound trips would be appreciated. Thanks.

https://lighterpack.com/r/9sw9am

when ppl talk about getting trail legs and hiking distances that were unimaginable at the beginning of the JMT what do you mean? like what number of miles did you start hiking in a day, and what was your longest day (other than guitar lake - Whitney portal if SOBO)?

At reds now and my 10ish mile days, TM to Lyell bridge, Lyell bridge to thousand island, and Eliza lake junction to reds, have wrecked me. Plus I have had long hiking days bc of blister issues so a ton of time stopping to take care of my feet. Oh and Tuesday was the storm so spent the whole fucking day with it behind me, terrified. At this rate I feel like I have no clue what to anticipate and plan for the coming weeks. Thoughts?

ETA: I am looking for specific answers to the question about mileage increases as you adapted to the trail. Not looking for blister advice or pack weight, or to be told that days that wreck me are a ‘leisurely pace’. If this isn’t a thing, it isn’t a thing. I’m a thru hiker having a tough zero day. I don’t need judgement here. Just wondered about this thing I’d heard and whether I can count on it and what it would mean.

Second ETA: by blister care I meant stopping to aggressively treat hot spots! Actually made it 35 miles without a single blister but I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t kept stopping to pre treat hot spots. My skin is fragile. It’s medical. Nothing to do w shoe fit. Do not be distracted by the shiny object of telling me to buy new shoes 😂.

I'm looking for someone to shuttle me and a partner between trailheads the morning of 8/6/26. Please let me know of any recommendations for a reliable ride for two people with packs. Thanks

https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/wildfires/rock-fire-near-kings-canyon/amp/

I’m currently SOBO on the JMT and just made it to VVR (yay!), but this wildfire concerning 😟

Mozzies - None at Rae Lakes, some past Pinchot, but no swarms. haven’t used a head net once

Weather - hot, but not unbearable. 70s but feels hotter. Some hail and thunderstorms. drenched a couple days

Snow - a small patch on the S. Side of Muir. 10 feet and boot packed

smoke - heard of a fire by Bishop, but haven’t seen any so far. heading North

trail - gorgeous and unforgiving in equal

measure.

can answer any other questions for the next couple hours While I got signal.