JMT Questions.....
Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 1:37 pm
After seeing all of the JMT hikers in Mammoth last July, my wife decided she wanted to hike the JMT in the summer of 2016. I said “let’s do it” and when we got back to Fresno, we ended up doing a 6 day 45 mile test trip through Bench Valley and Red Mountain Basin to see if we could do multi mileage days in a row at elevation. Trip went great with no real issues. So last fall I started reading lots of past JMT trail reports on this site and others, had my wife read the JMT book by Elizabeth Wenk and purchased the National Geo JMT map guide. We came up with a loose trip itinerary (TM to MTR in 8-9 days depending on if we stop at VVR and MTR to Whitney in 9 days), applied for a permit and got one of our days: June 19. Yes it is early and I am guessing that we will not know for sure if it is possible due to snow until around June 1st or after some trail reports from the PCT groups. Regardless, in my search for info, I have a few questions that I hope the community here at HST can answer (I can list our itinerary if that would help).
What areas would you suggest not to camp at due to high wind areas, high bug/animal areas, too many people camping, etc?
Besides the ford at Evolution Creek in Evolution Meadow, are there any other water crossings that might be high and possibly dangerous in late June/early July? I can’t seem to find too much on other fords we may face.
If we do decide to visit VVR, which trail would be a better option to join back up with the JMT: Bear Ridge or Bear Creek?
Blayney Hot Springs: definitely worth stopping at or more of a on the trail decision? (If we stop at VVR, not really as much of a “need” I’m guessing).
The no name lakes north, south and west of Forester pass, any fish in these lakes and/or would they be worth fishing?
Time permitting, I would like to fish the western Crabtree lake before making our last night camp at Guitar lake. Would we have to follow the trail back towards the Crabtree Ranger Station or is it possible to off trail it to Timberline lake, then up to Guitar? Or would Hitchcock Lake be a better lake to try and fish to finish out our last night?
Any other suggestions you would make for us?
What areas would you suggest not to camp at due to high wind areas, high bug/animal areas, too many people camping, etc?
Besides the ford at Evolution Creek in Evolution Meadow, are there any other water crossings that might be high and possibly dangerous in late June/early July? I can’t seem to find too much on other fords we may face.
If we do decide to visit VVR, which trail would be a better option to join back up with the JMT: Bear Ridge or Bear Creek?
Blayney Hot Springs: definitely worth stopping at or more of a on the trail decision? (If we stop at VVR, not really as much of a “need” I’m guessing).
The no name lakes north, south and west of Forester pass, any fish in these lakes and/or would they be worth fishing?
Time permitting, I would like to fish the western Crabtree lake before making our last night camp at Guitar lake. Would we have to follow the trail back towards the Crabtree Ranger Station or is it possible to off trail it to Timberline lake, then up to Guitar? Or would Hitchcock Lake be a better lake to try and fish to finish out our last night?
Any other suggestions you would make for us?