JMT Hike

[mtnkngxt]

Well was planning on doing a PCT hike in '11, but now I'm thinking it would be much better to do a JMT trip August of next year.

Alot of the JMT sites I've tried visiting are down or haven't been updated in over a year.

I'm looking for any info people are willing to share.

Weather, Gear....

I've read up on the permits and the logistics of getting from Fresno to Yosemite and then back to Fresno.

How much did you alot cost wise for the trip?

I just want to fly in hike and then fly out.

[MOWGLI]

Well was planning on doing a PCT hike in '11, but now I'm thinking it would be much better to do a JMT trip August of next year.

Alot of the JMT sites I've tried visiting are down or haven't been updated in over a year.

I'm looking for any info people are willing to share.

Weather, Gear....

I've read up on the permits and the logistics of getting from Fresno to Yosemite and then back to Fresno.

Ask the questions that you want answers to. A number of folks here have hiked the JMT including me, Sly, Mags, Cookerhiker, Marta, and others.

Google YARTS for more info on bus service into Yosemite. Some hikers get to the trail via Merced. Buses and trains leave San Francisco to Merced daily. Also, you can get to Yosemite from Reno. There is bus service in the Eastern Sierra that will take you from Lone Pine or Bishop to Reno, or south to LA if you prefer. So there are any number of ways to get in & out of the area aside from Fresno.

[JohnF]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/johnmuirtrail/

Great source of info from active JMT users.

[Sly]

August will probably be busy. Better reserve a permit. I think you can up to 24 weeks in advance. Website is under maintenance but, here's the online reservation link.

https://www.yosemitesecure.org/wildpermit/

Harrison maps

http://www.amazon.com/John-Muir-Trai.../dp/1877689343

You could probably start with only 2 days of food and buy to Vermillion Valley Resort in Toulemne Meadows.

VVR charges $18 to hold a package since they need to drive it in.

http://edisonlake.com/site/content/view/25/42/

The boat to and from also cost about the same but you can hike in over Goodale Pass and out over Bear Ridge.

[mtnkngxt]

Ok....

Planning on hiking Leaving July 10th 2010 and being back in VA by August 16th 2010.

Weather related? What temps can I expect in general and what type of precipitation?

Cost Wise would 1500 dollars cover the trip before travel expenses?

Is an Ice Axe neccessary. I know how to use one and have one, wondering whether during this part of the year whether it would be neccessary to carry one.

Bear canisters. I know you have to have one, so would one of the Plastic see through Bear Vaults more particularly the 500solo be sufficient. How many days can I expect between resupplies?

Blazing and trail markings? Is it well marked like parts of the AT or is it more like the CDT and map and compass need to be relied on heavily?

How much water should one carry? What is the water situation like?

As far as Gear goes

ULA Catalyst
WM Summerlite though I think I may need a warmer bag?
Etowah Outfitters Tarp
Zrest Pad
Have a hammock setup, but have heard finding trees to hang from can be scarce in places
Petzl Ice Axe
Kahtoohla Micro Spikes
Bear Vault 500
Alcohol Stove settup
Capilene Base layers
Patagonia Down Jacket
Rain Pants and Jacket

Basically my AT setup minus the hammock and adding the Ice Axe, Micro Spikes, and Bear Canister.

Am I missing any big ticket items?

[MOWGLI]

$1500 is more than enough, unless you want to spend time in LA, Reno or San Fran.

Weather? July is generally dry, but you could get a storm or two. Freezing temps at night. Highs in the 80s during the day.

Ice axe shouldn't be needed. A bear can will. I used the BV500 for me and my daughter. That's overkill for the solo hiker. You can rent a can cheap at Yosemite.

The trail is well signed - but not blazed. Buy the Harrison maps. If you can read a map, you'll have no problem.

Water should be plentiful. There was one 6-7 mile section with no water last year. We cameled up. Not an issue. Again, look at the maps and carry what you think you need.

Resupply places?
Tuolumne Meadows - 2-3 days from Yosemite Valley
Reds Meadow - 3-5 days from Tuolumne Meadows.
VVR - 2-3 days from Reds Meadow.
Muir Trail Ranch - 2-3 days from VVR.
The longest haul is from Muir Trail Ranch to Lone Pine. That could be 7-10 days depending on your pace. You can also walk out at Bishop Pass and resupply in Bishop, or Kearsage Pass and resupply in Independence.

I resupplied in Mono Hot Springs last year instead of VVR. That skipped some mileage on the JMT but made for an interesting trip from my thru-hike in 2006.

[Sly]

I wouldn't depend on resupplying in Red's Meadow, since it's mostly canned or jarred camper food but the restaurant is pretty good as is the one at Toulemne Meadows whose store is fine for resupply.

VVR can get expensive (food, drink) even with a free nights stay, but it should be visited at least once. Some people love it, other think it's way over priced. With your budget it won't be a problem.

After travel expenses, I wouldn't expect to spend much over $500 and that includes a party for yourself in Lone Pine.

[MOWGLI]

I wouldn't depend on resupplying in Red's Meadow, since it's mostly canned or jarred camper food but the restaurant is pretty good as is the one at Toulemne Meadows whose store is fine for resupply.

VVR can get expensive (food, drink) even with a free nights stay, but it should be visited at least once. Some people love it, other think it's way over priced. With your budget it won't be a problem.

After travel expenses, I wouldn't expect to spend much over $500 and that includes a party for yourself in Lone Pine.

Sly, you can send a package to Reds. Or take the bus into Mammoth from Reds. I sent myself a package in '06 and rode the bus into Mammoth last year. Mammoth has a great supermarket (Vans) and the bus is cheaper than sending a package to Reds. Nice restaurants in Mammoth too. I wouldn't overlook that option.

[Sly]

Right, I was going to mention Mammoth, shuttles are cheap/free. Personally, I'd just do Valley> TM> VVR> out.

[MOWGLI]

Right, I was going to mention Mammoth, shuttles are cheap/free. Personally, I'd just do Valley> TM> VVR> out.

They ain't free shuttles into Mammoth. The bus from Reds to the ski resort is a fee. The bus from the resort to town is free. Then there are town shuttles that are free. All in all, it takes 3 buses to get from Reds to the Supermarket.
It is much cheaper than paying the postage plus $25 to Reds to hold your package. Plus, you can buy fresh food instead of packaged crap.

[Sly]

In '05 I met a person that spent the night in TM before starting and carried all their food (to VVR) back up instead of stashing in one of the bear boxes at the backpacker camp ground at TM. They were a strong hiker and did it in a day but, to me, it was kind of crazy to needlessly carry the food up from the Valley when they were there the day before.

[Sly]

They ain't free shuttles into Mammoth. The bus from Reds to the ski resort is a fee. The bus from the resort to town is free. Then there are town shuttles that are free.

Yeah, one cheap shuttle (to the ski resort) and a free shuttle (from there) to get into town. That's what I said.

Added: IIRC correctly you can just hop on the shuttle from Red's to the Ski resort (for free) and pay on the way back at the resort.

[mtnkngxt]

Oh wow thats a hell of a deal, I figured it would cost alot more than 1500. I've never been to the West Coast.

I'll plan to head out early to mid July. Flying from Tri-Cities in TN to one of the airports, with gas prices back up round trip airfare should cost me about 550 I'm planning on trying to spend no more than 2250 for the whole trip before Gear purchases.

I'm going to pick up a WM Ultralight or another 20 degree down bag.

Also pick up a new Alcohol stove same model as I'm using now but to avoid BS with TSA agents.

Probably pick up a Henry Shires or Six Moons Design Tarp Tent.

Then with those kinds of resupply mileages get a bear vault 450Solo.

Now anyone want to Go?

[Sly]

Bring deet.

[grizzlyadam]

Now anyone want to Go?

sure. if you're paying

[mtnkngxt]

Lol should have expected that. So far I have one other person commited to the hike.

Anyone know where I can find one of the UL trail stools? With having such a light pack weight I'd like to have atleast one luxury item.

Also anyone know any sites where I could get a deal on a Digital Rebel or other SLR camera. Not looking for professional quality, but I've heard not taking a decent camera to take pics of the Sierra Nevadas with is a crime.

[Sly]

Bear canisters can double as trail stools.

[Dogwood]

If U find your trip is becoming expensive flying into Fresno from VA, as Mowgli said, try flying into San Fran, then take a bus or the train to Merced and catch, I believe the YARTS bus, to Yosemite Valley. Stay at the backpacker campground(cheap and in a quieter location) not too far from the Ahwahnee Hotel and a short free Yosemite Valley bus ride to the start of the JMT in Yosemite Valley at the Happy Isles TH. If U have never been to Yosemite NP I strongly suggest U spend a day in the valley before U start the JMT. Lots to see and appreciate there. I know the crowds at that time of yr. will be stacked up, but it's well worth it, IMO, particularly if it's your first time to Yosemite. There is a PO that U can mail stuff to within walking distance of the backpackers CG if U don't want to haul it all on the plane or U have issues carrying fuel or knives on the plane. Hit the buffet for a pre hike cal fest and get that last shower in before U hit the trail. That's what I did from Hawaii and saved a lot of money doing it that way.

U will probably find all the beta U could need on the JMT in Guide to the JMT by Thomas Winnett and Kathy Morey. Unless U plan hiking off trail or U want to identify peaks and such the maps in the book R all U will need to stay on the trail. The trail is easy to follow. I bought and carried all the quads for Inyo Nat Forest, Yosemite NP, Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP, and the John Muir Wilderness - WAY OVERKILL. But, I do have them for the HSR this fall.

I never thought of it that way, but it's cheaper to go into Mammoth from Reds Meadow than mailing a package there. Although, U will lose some time getting into /out of Mammoth. But, Mammoth is one of the best towns along the JMT to take a break. It has all of what a thru-hiker usually wants, including a decent outfitter, all within walking distance. Bishop is another one of those towns great for a thru-hiker, but it requires a greater hike to get in and out of, although I've never had a problem getting a ride from Bishop Pass near the marina, particularly during the time of yr U R hiking. I think Dusy Basin is beautiful in itself.

20* down bag - great, tarp or tarptent - great, water - not usually an issue, unless U R really uncomfortable walking on snow and there was a high snow yr and it didn't melt and... - U will probably not need an ice axe or heavy crampons(probably no crampons) during mid-late Aug, bug dope - an absolute must(strongly consider bringing something like a sea to summit head net too), trail runners R fine if that's what U hike in, heavy boots R not required if U stay on the trail, sun protection(sunglasses and sunscreen) for when/if U do encounter snowfields or simply because U R at a higher elev.,

Hike from north to south. U have more time to adjust to the gradually increasing elev. and U R not starting your hike carrying a fully loaded pack up to the highest pt. near/on the JMT, Mt Whitney. And, yes, of course U will climb Mt Whitney; get it included on your permit.

Oh yeah, as far as the shelter, U could go with a hammock, but I will bet U that U will find a campsite with that awesome view that U just can't pass up, but there will be no trees or rocks to hang from. All fine to cowboy there IF the weather stays nice, which it probably will during Aug. in the Sierra, but fronts and lightning can blow through in Aug. IMO, bring along a tarp or tarptent.

I do a lot of pre-hike preparation reducing the bulk and wt of my trail food and I can only put about 6 days(6 breakfasts(oatmeal concoctions or something like a Pro Bar), no lunches(just constant snacking all day long), and 6 dehydrated or freeze dried dinners) - 20-22 oz/ day in a BV 450 solo.

Bring a fully carged and loaded camera! The JMT has some of the best scenery of any trail in the country!

[Dogwood]

Bring a fully charged and loaded camera!

[mtnkngxt]

I plan to. Hopefully will pick a 10megapixel EOS REBEL Digital and probably 1 filter.