Do Yourself a Favor - Avoid the JMT

[DinnerFer2]

Any alternative suggestions or just banter about how horrible this trail supposedly is?

[Hooch]

I can't wait. I'll be there in August 2012. I love a challenge!

I do believe I'll see y'all there, SM. Already shopping for a (GASP!) tent.

[Old Hiker]

Don't care - I'm still starting my thru there on 30 Feb 2014.

[Helmuth.Fishmonger]

Any alternative suggestions or just banter about how horrible this trail supposedly is?

not sure if you noticed, but that post is tongue in cheek - seems like he just wants more room for himself, so he can be chased by vicious bears and crazy rangers all by himself, and to make the rewarding getaway from Yosemite and its toursit masses and smelly shuttle busses, only to head south for those noisy military jets circling over Sequoia at night...

but then maybe he was serious I definitely appreciate his efforts to make this a more private experience for those who do go there this year.

[Sickmont]

not sure if you noticed, but that post is tongue in cheek - seems like he just wants more room for himself, so he can be chased by vicious bears and crazy rangers all by himself, and to make the rewarding getaway from Yosemite and its toursit masses and smelly shuttle busses, only to head south for those noisy military jets circling over Sequoia at night...

but then maybe he was serious I definitely appreciate his efforts to make this a more private experience for those who do go there this year.

I picked up the sarcasm and the tone immediately. I can't blame him one bit for wanting it all to himself either. I tell people all the time about the preserves i hike in down here in Florida as being, hot, humid, skeeter and gator infested swamps.

[Odd Man Out]

I will be at Yosemite in early August. Staying at the lodge and day hiking (wife is not able to backpack). Yes I know it is over run with tourons (tourist-morons), but it is the only week I can take a vacation. Should I never in my life see Yosemite just because I can't backpack in the back country in Fall?

I will be sure to wear shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. For the record, I really like Hawaiian shirts and don't most backpackers wear shorts?

[Red Hat]

my buddies and I can't wait till August/Sept for our hike! I, too, have forsaken my hammock for a tent on the JMT... I have a new Bearvault, and a Neoair... all set to go!

[Kanook]

I agree. Everyone should avoid the JMT. I'm an east coaster and in 2009 I had a terrible time on the JMT - they don't like us. I think they put something in the beer at Vermillion Valley Resort - it gave me a bad headache.

I will be going back to thru-hike the JMT in July 2011 just to warn people to stay away. It's terrible. Permits are impossible to get! I'm sure I only got a permit to warn others of the dangers.

[postholer.com]

Wandering Bob is probably laughing his a$$ off right about now!

The JMT and Yosemite Valley are one of those *must see* kind of places.

Even if you are not into hiking, Yosemite Valley is one of those stunning, jaw-dropping places that a person must visit.

Yes, yes, lots 'o tourists, but it is still absolutely magnificent!

[wandering_bob]

HUSH !

If you advertise it, they will come.......

No matter where you live, nothing exists on the other side of the Mississippi River. Live (and hike) where you are planted.

HYOH

[DavidNH]

is this a joke??

How can the JMT, with the finest mountain scenery in the whole country be so bad?

[DavidNH]

oh wait.. I just read further.. the post was sarcastic!

Nice try.. if the weather is grand (I hear it hardly ever rains on the JMT during summer) and the scenery is even better (best mountain scenery in the country the books say) then nothing is gonna keep me away for long!

[Sly]

oh wait..

and the scenery is even better (best mountain scenery in the country the books say!

Besides it's scenic beauty, and great weather, the High Sierra is one of the longest ranges, if not longest, before a road crossing.

However, it's arguable, as to whether is the most scenic. The Wind River Range in WY is truly outstanding, as is Glacier National Park, and the San Juan Mountains and the Weminuche Wilderness in CO.

For scenic beauty and wildlife, Glacier wins with the San Juans second.

[Carl in FL]

Let's throw in a few plaque carrying rodents

I assume they are handing these out for things like best tongue-in-cheek post and other awards....

[Iceaxe]

Besides it's scenic beauty, and great weather, the High Sierra is one of the longest ranges, if not longest, before a road crossing.

However, it's arguable, as to whether is the most scenic. The Wind River Range in WY is truly outstanding, as is Glacier National Park, and the San Juan Mountains and the Weminuche Wilderness in CO.

For scenic beauty and wildlife, Glacier wins with the San Juans second.

I totally agree.
I never thought anything would temp me away from the Sierra.
But you are right about the wildlife Sly. It's like seeing a UFO to see a Sierra Big Horn Sheep yet the things are all over the place in Glacier. I saw more Pronghorn Antelope than people while hiking the CDT through Wyoming.
As for the San Juans, I went through beginning March 31st. The snowpack and vast scale of those mountains dwarfs the narrow strip of mountains we call the Sierra.
The one huge thing the Sierra and JMT has going that those other places don't have so much.. LAKES!
The Sierra has incredible alpine lakes.Pacific Crest Trail 2009 495.jpgIMG_2436.jpgCDT2010 1011.jpgCDT2010 642.jpg
Pictures are from: PCT/JMT Marie Lakes Sierra Nevada Range, Big Horns in Glacier NP, Wind River Range Wyoming, San Juan Mountains of Colorado

[No Belay]

Sly I agree that Glacier is spectacular but it's hard to get away from people (permits) there. The San Juans are just raw wilderness, a boundless playground. When I die with a pack on my back, I wanna be in the San Jauns. The JMT is a "concession" hike but it still rocks as far as AHHs and the fishing is hard to beat.

TaTonka

[Mike2012]

mean people suck

[Summit]

I agree with the OP. Having been foolish enough to do the JMT, while there I couldn't get the Mississippi delta or the Kansas praries out of my head. Oh if only I had no views and rabid humidity. The ups and downs sucked. Give me that flat-as-far-as-the-eye-can-see country any day!

[Sarcasm the elf]

Have fun with your permits, but I'm goin to stay in Connecticut and still hike the JMT! http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/statep...eforestmap.pdf

[HYOH]

mean people suck

So do jugemental people !