Relax. There is almost nothing to worry about. The only place where you might find yourself getting a little uncomfortable, if heights tend to make you that way, is for about five to ten minutes coming down from Forester Pass (if you are hiking southbound).18 Apr 2016
Are there grizzly bears on the JMT?
A: You don't have to worry about bears! First, no grizzly's in the area. Second, be careful with your food and they will be more afraid of you than you are of them! A few things to remember and a few tips: if you leave your food out for bears they will become habituated to human food and seek it out.25 Jul 2016
Is the JMT hard?
Difficulty. The JMT is well-maintained, well-signed, and easy to follow, so navigation is rarely an issue. The main difficulty of the JMT is the terrain and length of the trail. Over the course of your trip you'll ascend and descend 11 mountain passes, many of them over 12,000 feet.11 Feb 2019
Can you hike the JMT alone?
My JMT Family Some JMT family members were paired up, but most were solo hikers, four of whom were women. Some would hike ahead and others might take a more leisurely day or two, often rolling into camp later that evening or the next.11 Feb 2019
How difficult is the John Muir Trail?
John Muir Trail is a 210.1 mile heavily trafficked point-to-point trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from May until October.
What is the best time to hike the John Muir Trail?
According to the Pacific Coast Trail Association, the best time to hike the John Muir Trail is usually during June through September (after the majority of the snowpack has melted) for casual backpackers, though more hardcore hikers may choose to challenge themselves with substantial snowfall starting in October.31 Mar 2019
Can you day hike John Muir Trail?
3 Best Day Hikes on the John Muir Trail. The John Muir Trail runs 211 miles north/south along the high Sierra Nevada peaks. You could hike from one end to the other or break it up into smaller day hikes. Either way your sure to see some of the country's most beautiful landscape along this famous trail.25 Feb 2019
How much does it cost to do the John Muir Trail?
In all honesty you should probably expect to spend closer to $1,200+ including additional travel costs (many people have to fly to California first), extra food prep items, and the various additional equipment you will need for the JMT versus your regular weekend backpacking trips (like a bear canister, new boots, a 12 Nov 2018
What do I need to hike the John Muir Trail?
To hike the John Muir Trail SOBO, you will have to apply for a Yosemite Wilderness Permit. These can be obtained up to 24 weeks (168 days) in advance through the Yosemite JMT Lottery application online. The fee for a southbound John Muir Trail permit is $10.21 Aug 2021
Can you carry a gun on the John Muir Trail?
Possession of weapons, including bear spray, is prohibited. Possession of firearms is subject to state regulations. In all wilderness areas along the JMT, proper food storage is mandatory. Properly store food items when not in use to prevent bears and other wildlife from becoming conditioned to human food.
Can you hike the JMT with a PCT permit?
If you have a PCT long-distance permit, you don't need an additional permit to hike on the portion of the John Muir Trail that's also the PCT. If you're wanting to camp on the JMT between Crabtree Meadows and the summit of Mount Whitney, you'll need an additional permit from Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park.
Does JMT and PCT overlap?
The John Muir Trail covers 210.4 miles, from Happy Isles, in Yosemite Valley (elevation 4,000 ft.), to Mount Whitney (elevation 14,505 ft), and overlaps with the PCT for approximately 160 miles. The JMT was completed in 1938, though construction started in 1915 (and scouting began in the late 1800s).7 May 2018
Is the JMT the PCT?
For most of its length, the John Muir Trail uses the Pacific Crest Trail. There are three places where the JMT and PCT are different: Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows, Thousand Island Lake to Reds Meadow and Crab Tree Meadow to Mt. Whitney. For approximately 170 miles, the JMT travels the Pacific Crest Trail.