California 7 days on the Sierra High Route(-ish) In early August 2022, we headed to the High Sierra backcountry for a backpacking adventure that combined spectacular off-trail sections with highlights of the JMT
Backpacking JMT: Crabtree Meadows to Mt. Whitney I started my final section of the JMT at 3 am from Crabtree Meadows. I summited Mt. Whitney a little after sunrise to complete my 14-day JMT journey.
Backpacking JMT: Forrester Pass and Crabtree Meadows Trip report of the JMT section from Bubbs Creek to Crabtree Meadows: Forester pass, Tyndall Creek, Wallace Creek.
Backpacking JMT: Rae Lakes and Glenn Pass The JMT section from the Woods Creek bridge to Bubbs Creek features some of the most stunning scenery on the JMT: Rae Lakes and Glenn Pass.
Backpacking JMT: Palisade Lakes to the Woods Creek bridge The JMT section from Palisade Lakes to the Woods Creek bridge has two passes over 12,000 ft: Mather and Pinchot, which means a lot of climbing. And views.
Backpacking JMT: Evolution Lake to Upper Palisade Lake The section from Evolution Lake to Palisade Lakes features some of the most iconic JMT landmarks: Muir Pass and hut, Le Conte Canyon, and the Golden Staircase.
Backpacking JMT: Senger Creek to Evolution Lake Over halfway! A quick resupply at Muir Trail Ranch, before entering Kings Canyon and Evolution Valley. My campsite on Evolution Lake was the best of the JMT.
Backpacking JMT: VVR to Senger Creek I had a pancake breakfast at VVR before starting the climb up Bear Ridge. Bad idea. I planned on camping at Sallie Keyes Lakes, but mosquitoes drove me farther.
Backpacking JMT: Virginia Lake to VVR Virginia Lake was a spectacular campsite. From there, I continued over Silver Pass and toward Lake Edison. It was fun to hang out with other hikers at VVR.
Backpacking JMT: Red's Meadow to Virginia Lake I took the shuttle to Red's after breakfast in Mammoth. I stopped to fish at Purple Lake, continuing on to Lake Virginia to set up camp.
Backpacking JMT: Garnet Lake to Red’s Meadow and Mammoth A short section from Garnet Lake to Red's Meadow. I took the shuttle into Mammoth to resupply food and fishing gear, and to enjoy some town food.
Backpacking JMT: Lyell Canyon to Garnet Lake Donohue Pass was the first real pass of the JMT. The views got more amazing as I climbed higher into the Sierra, into Ansel Adams and past Thousand Island Lake.
Backpacking JMT: Upper Cathedral Lake to Lyell Canyon On the third day, I stopped for resupply and a burger at Tuolumne Meadows and camped in the beautiful Lyell Canyon.
Backpacking JMT: Little Yosemite Valley to Upper Cathedral Lake After Little Yosemite Valley, you feel like you're on the JMT. The Sunrise trail offers amazing views, the Cathedral spires surround impossibly green meadows.
Backpacking JMT: Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley Finally, after months of planning and training, I was heading up to Yosemite Valley to start the John Muir Trail!
Gear My (almost) ultralight JMT gear list The pack, shelter, clothes, cook system, and electronics I used on the John Muir Trail. Even with a bear canister and fishing rod, I was able to stay at 16 lbs.
Backpacking How I got my JMT permit – tips One of the biggest challenges of hiking the JMT is getting your permit. If you really want to hike the John Muir Trail, you can't leave it up to a lottery.
