Down The JMT: Late July-Early August 2011
Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2011 10:24 pm
Greetings, all.
I'm planning a 21-day trip from Red's Meadow down the John Muir Trail to Whitney starting July 24. Of course I've been watching the snow levels like a hawk (actually that's how I found this board), and may postpone things, time and financial constraints permitting, if the present Siberian Daydream refuses to abate. As of right now, though, it's a go. I don't normally frequent or post on forums, but I couldn't help but notice the level of knowledge and experience, courtesy and camaraderie here and thought I'd see if you gentlefolks might have a little advice.
I've been camping, trekking and climbing for years and have always preferred cross-country rambling and exploring (climbing only when it was necessary or just plain fun) to more strict, hardcore-style climbing. I don't go ultralight. (Actually, I guess you could say I come from the Norman Clyde school, but new gear is so light that it doesn't really seem appropriate.) This trip I'll just be carrying essentials.
I haven't been on an extended trip for a while, and I've never hiked the JMT before, so my plan is to take it pretty easy. I figured around 8+/- miles a day. I plan to move cautiously the first week in order to acclimate, make the mental/physical transition and check out the conditions - maybe 6 or 8 days to Muir Trail Ranch. Hopefully, moving slowly southward will give the snow a chance to gradually recede, as well. The plan is to resupply at the Ranch, relax a bit, and make a decision whether or not to push onward and upward. I'm bringing a bear can, of course, and, heading south from the Ranch, I'll be carrying some extra food to hang for a few nights until reaching the restricted areas as it's a pretty long haul from there on out.
Generally, my concerns are probably obvious. Non-stop snow-slogging and I'll be headed for greener pastures. Not the end of the world but still disappointing. I'm wondering about the high passes - Mather, Forester, and Glen Pass in particular. My understanding is that Glen Pass is essentially a knife-edge and I'd hate to find a cornice there. I'd hit it around August 9th or 10th. Any other particular passes to be extra wary of? I certainly won't be relying on footprints to navigate, but it would be nice to have some trail broken over the passes. Is that likely? My other main concern, of course, is stream crossings. I understand there are several bridges along the way, but I'm not sure which crossings to look out for.
Any and all input is welcomed and very much appreciated.
Many thanks for reading, folks. And thanks for the great resource. I'm glad I stumbled in here.
Happy Trails,
Coolbreeze
I'm planning a 21-day trip from Red's Meadow down the John Muir Trail to Whitney starting July 24. Of course I've been watching the snow levels like a hawk (actually that's how I found this board), and may postpone things, time and financial constraints permitting, if the present Siberian Daydream refuses to abate. As of right now, though, it's a go. I don't normally frequent or post on forums, but I couldn't help but notice the level of knowledge and experience, courtesy and camaraderie here and thought I'd see if you gentlefolks might have a little advice.
I've been camping, trekking and climbing for years and have always preferred cross-country rambling and exploring (climbing only when it was necessary or just plain fun) to more strict, hardcore-style climbing. I don't go ultralight. (Actually, I guess you could say I come from the Norman Clyde school, but new gear is so light that it doesn't really seem appropriate.) This trip I'll just be carrying essentials.
I haven't been on an extended trip for a while, and I've never hiked the JMT before, so my plan is to take it pretty easy. I figured around 8+/- miles a day. I plan to move cautiously the first week in order to acclimate, make the mental/physical transition and check out the conditions - maybe 6 or 8 days to Muir Trail Ranch. Hopefully, moving slowly southward will give the snow a chance to gradually recede, as well. The plan is to resupply at the Ranch, relax a bit, and make a decision whether or not to push onward and upward. I'm bringing a bear can, of course, and, heading south from the Ranch, I'll be carrying some extra food to hang for a few nights until reaching the restricted areas as it's a pretty long haul from there on out.
Generally, my concerns are probably obvious. Non-stop snow-slogging and I'll be headed for greener pastures. Not the end of the world but still disappointing. I'm wondering about the high passes - Mather, Forester, and Glen Pass in particular. My understanding is that Glen Pass is essentially a knife-edge and I'd hate to find a cornice there. I'd hit it around August 9th or 10th. Any other particular passes to be extra wary of? I certainly won't be relying on footprints to navigate, but it would be nice to have some trail broken over the passes. Is that likely? My other main concern, of course, is stream crossings. I understand there are several bridges along the way, but I'm not sure which crossings to look out for.
Any and all input is welcomed and very much appreciated.
Many thanks for reading, folks. And thanks for the great resource. I'm glad I stumbled in here.
Happy Trails,
Coolbreeze