Re: On trail crowds
Posted: Sun Mar 13, 2016 9:35 am
I think the trail is more crowded in recent years than in 2008.
I walked a few sections of the trail in the last five years and when going south-to-north I never "waited in line" but did meet over 30 people coming the other direction. I think more people do it north-to-south so I was going against the flow. It will be interesting to see if the new permit limits out of Yosemite will reduce north-to-south hikers. If you hike faster than the average, you also will be passing people going the same direction. But, just about everyone you meet or pass is pretty polite and friendly about the encounter. I am probably viewed as the old grouch, since a "hi" or "excuse me" is about all I ever say when I meet someone. I feel no compulsion to strike up a conversation. If you like to socialize, fine, if not, fine too. It is your hike, do it as you wish.
The "crowd" issue is more of how much seeing lots of people during the day adds or detracts from your enjoyment than any actual delays. The only delay I have had is waiting a few minutes for a group to cross a stream on rocks. Tops of passes also can get quite clogged. The last few years I have seen more trail crowding due to day-use hikers and trail runners than actual JMT backpackers. Day-use is not controlled so as you near the trailheads it can get quite crowded. I have recently found the Minarets quite crowded. Early July could also see the tail end of the PCT hikers.
There is absolutely no reason to be crowded at camp if you are simply willing to move off the trail and avoid the established campsites.
I know a lot of people like the Hot Springs at Muir Ranch, but I thought the campsite was disgusting. I would get in and out of there as quickly as possible. That campsite really needs a solar out house.
Personally, I would only consider doing the JMT off-season. Particularly after Muir Ranch and Edison ferry close, there will be few people on the trail. But that is just me. All the chatty people I met on the trail seemed to be really enjoying themselves.
I walked a few sections of the trail in the last five years and when going south-to-north I never "waited in line" but did meet over 30 people coming the other direction. I think more people do it north-to-south so I was going against the flow. It will be interesting to see if the new permit limits out of Yosemite will reduce north-to-south hikers. If you hike faster than the average, you also will be passing people going the same direction. But, just about everyone you meet or pass is pretty polite and friendly about the encounter. I am probably viewed as the old grouch, since a "hi" or "excuse me" is about all I ever say when I meet someone. I feel no compulsion to strike up a conversation. If you like to socialize, fine, if not, fine too. It is your hike, do it as you wish.
The "crowd" issue is more of how much seeing lots of people during the day adds or detracts from your enjoyment than any actual delays. The only delay I have had is waiting a few minutes for a group to cross a stream on rocks. Tops of passes also can get quite clogged. The last few years I have seen more trail crowding due to day-use hikers and trail runners than actual JMT backpackers. Day-use is not controlled so as you near the trailheads it can get quite crowded. I have recently found the Minarets quite crowded. Early July could also see the tail end of the PCT hikers.
There is absolutely no reason to be crowded at camp if you are simply willing to move off the trail and avoid the established campsites.
I know a lot of people like the Hot Springs at Muir Ranch, but I thought the campsite was disgusting. I would get in and out of there as quickly as possible. That campsite really needs a solar out house.
Personally, I would only consider doing the JMT off-season. Particularly after Muir Ranch and Edison ferry close, there will be few people on the trail. But that is just me. All the chatty people I met on the trail seemed to be really enjoying themselves.