John Muir Trail

[don norton]

ok you sierra hikers I need some information. Will it be to late to start a hike August 22 am I taking a chance with maybe heavy snow. Thanks for your help in advance I know someone will have an answer maybe even Snow Nymph

[maverick]

You meant to early to start Don?
Even with the highest percentage of snow fall(135%) in the southern sierra you'll
be fine at the end of Aug.
Just checkout the trip reports here and on the pcta(Pacific Crest Trail Assoc.) site
for trail condition updates, and also the SEKI NPS, trail conditions section, on the site.

[The Other Tom]

Well, I guess it depends on how slowly you hike All kidding aside, some people start after Labor Day to avoid the heat, skeeters, and crowds. You'll be fine.

[TehipiteTom]

Is your concern about hiking in early-to-mid September? If so, I would say you'll probably be fine--with some qualifications. The later you get, the more variable the weather is; by mid-September there's a small but non-trivial probability of some pretty ugly weather. (I've been snowed on around September 15 before.) Also, it seems like there's often a storm system right around Labor Day (I've been snowed on at the end of August). The likelihood of 'heavy' snow--the sort of snow that would leave you stranded--is pretty minimal; if you're equipped to deal with rain and light snow, and you build a day or two of potential delay into your schedule, you should be fine.

[wannabp]

We did the JMT last year in 24 leisurely days, starting August 15th. It was a great time to be hiking. We saw one mosquito the whole time. Have fun!

[paul]

I would say that was the ideal time to start. the end of august is about the most stable weather of the year, almost always clear and nice. Early september is usually the same, and the people thin out after labor day. Skeeters are few, creek crossings are easy. I did the Muir trail in 1993, started Aug. 22nd, not one drop of rain the whole way, every single morning 100% blue sky, never even put on a windbreaker until the cool of evening, not even on the passes.