John Muir Trail Thru-Hike - Anyone Inter ested?

“Thanks for the info Camel! The way I understand it the earliest you can make a permit for next year is January 4, but not earlier than 24 weeks in advance of your departure date. So if we start the trip on August 3, then the earliest we can apply for the wilderness permits would be Feruary 16. If anyone knows that's not correct please let me know!”

“I'm hoping that anyone who plans to hike any portion of the JMT during the month of August will check our schedule before they go out . . . to see if we will be in the same area. I'd love to meet anyone from the area while on this trip. When I hiked the Long Trail in VT one of the things that made it such a rewarding experience was the fantastic people I met while on the hike.”

“Gforce, do you know if we have to apply for permits for each jurisdiction separately? Probably, why make it easy?”

“The way I understand it you only need to get the permit from your point of entry for the entire trip. Unless they change the fee, it's a $5.00 reservation fee per person. Then we will also need a Whitney Zone stamp, which you get with your permit and costs an additional $15.00 per person. All of this is done at one time under the same permit.”

“"The way I understand it you only need to get the permit from your point of entry for the entire trip. Unless they change the fee, it's a $5.00 reservation fee per person. Then we will also need a Whitney Zone stamp..."

Thats how it was done in 02'. I recieved a confirmation letter, then I had to sign in at the wilderness center in Yosemite valley for my permit w/ Whitney sticker. I signed in the day before my hike.

My permit lists entry and exit dates, and trailhead entry/exit. From my trip length they broke up the number of nights I "should" be in various wilderness areas. From my permit: Yosemite-4nights, Ansel Adems-2nights, John Muir-4nights, Sequoia-Kings Canyon-9nights, John Muir-1night. They also gave a brief talk reinforcing LNT, and Bears(don't even think about hanging-bring or rent cans). You can rent cans from the Wilderness center if you need an extra.

OT: (If I haven't mentioned it before)If your not staying in the Valley before you start, the Yosemite Bug Hostel is very nice. It's located just outside the park (maybe 40 minutes/1hr by bus to the Valley proper). There transportation page is very handy as well (more bus/train info to/from airports).”

“Camel, my husband LOVES the Bug Hostel. I like it, too, but don't like the drive in and out of Yosemite every day. The food is extraordinary--for the uninitiated, the fancy Yosemite chefs move to the Bug Hostel when they want less stress or so the story goes.

That's great about the permits, so much easier.”

“What a trip you guys will have! I did it in '71, in 28 days, 3 resupplies. We climbed 17 peaks along the way. Our planning for calories per day was short, and we were hungry a lot of the first two weeks, even though we had some good fisherman. We had 12 peopel, because the group just kept growing, and we didn't have the heart to kick someone out. A smaller group would be nice.

We packed up all our food, and had friends bring it up to high trailheads, and that worked out good. We also spent a day at the trailheads, for buying new socks, extra food, and washing clothes.

By the end of 28 days, climging 10,000' passes and 14,000' peaks, I was in awesome shape! Go for it!”

“Idaho Bob - carrying the right amount of food is a very difficult thing to predict. I've not had any problems with what I bring for breakfast or dinner, but I always end up carrying way too much for lunches. I'll have to work on that . . . especially with the limited amount of space in the bear cannisters.

Camel - wannabp: I was thinking of staying in Yosemite the night before we begin the trip. Is this hostel a better choice than Happy Isles?”

“By Happy Isles, I presume you mean in the car camping or do you mean in the backpackers campground? Unless things have changed recently, a permit gets you a space in the backpackers campground, which might be crowded, noisy, lots of bears, and interesting other hikers. The car campgrounds get reserved as soon as reservations are accepted. The Bug Hostel is less difficult to reserve, but would cost more than a campsite and is about an hour from the entrance to Yosemite.”

“If indoors is the goal, Yosemite Lodge is a good option. A standard room is about $110/night; reservations would need to be made as early as possible. Since you guys don't get to Yosemite every year, I think staying in the valley--camping or indoors--would be best so you can see the sites rather than be driving back and forth.”

“Gforce, part of our problem was we were trying to go cheap. We charged everyone $50 a head, for food for 28 days, and gas for our drivers. With that kind of budget, we had some pretty low end food. Plus, some of the guys with us were just a lot bigger than my brother and I, who planned the food, and they ate a lot more than we did. As weight loss vacations go, it was great!”

“Within hours of G-force getting the permit with the actual start date, I am going to start making reservations like the Yosemite Lodge.

As for food, I eat a lot so I intend to buy freeze dried food and bulk it up with some freeze dried chicken, turkey and beef.”

“I just looked at the Yosemite Lodging page. http://www.yosemitepark.com/bookonline.cfm?sectionID=22

No mention of Yosemite Lodge when I try to book for August 2, 2005. Not available? It does say you can book a year in advance.

The Bug Hostel http://www.yosemitebug.com/lodging.html does have rooms. It says 25 miles from Yosemite, but I remember it taking a while to get there, but it may be the best option.”

“If you plan to camp at any time in the valley you'll need to make a reservation 6 months in advance..and pay ($20) for them..I'd suggest North Pines campground but they're all a madhouse..that one was just a nicer madhouse, IMHO..I stayed in 4 of them June '01 from the 11th to the 19th. The earliest you can reserve for June 15th is Feb.15th..I couldn't ever get to their online reservations so went the phone route..I started calling 5 minutes before their office was to open and got a busy signal..I hit redial for 20 minutes..when I got through I had 4 sites left to choose from..don't dwadle..say "yes" to whatever you can get because otherwise it'll be gone by the time you make up your mind..I am not kidding.”

“I know, Matahari. We went there one Thanksgiving and the phone reservation system said they were not making reservations, so I figured it was first come first served and wouldn't be an issue. Novice that I was, I did not know that Yosemite is a big Thanksgiving destination. And the system was down because they were changing around the process. We got there after dark with the kids. There was a fair amount of snow on the ground and empty sites. The next morning we learned that the place had been full, but lots of people bailed because of the snow!
If we camp, it would be totally easier to do the backpackers campground. Unless it's changed, a permit to leave the next day guarantees you a space. And there are showers in Curry Village. Between the bears and the other campers, we'll be ready to go in the morning!!!
last edited: 12/18/04 10:08:58 AM”

“\"...The Bug Hostel http://www.yosemitebug.com/lodging.html does have rooms. It says 25 miles from Yosemite, but I remember it taking a while to get there, but it may be the best option...\"

Sounds about right distance wise, add in that the bus stops at designated spots along the way to pick up/drop off. I stayed in one of the dorms-cheap, clean. The food was tasty(easily restaraunt quality), and folks were pretty cool.-I've stayed at a bunch of hostels (cycle touring), and the 'Bug rates with the top as far as my favorites go.

\"Camel - wannabp: I was thinking of staying in Yosemite the night before we begin the trip. Is this hostel a better choice than Happy Isles?”..\"

I can't say, I didn't stay in the Valley-it'd be a tough call I guess. I don't think I'd sleep very well at a campsite there. If you can snag a room in Yosemite proper, then definitely! "Walk in" camping should be available the night before your trip(as well as a night after), without reservations (?crazy camp 4). I'd call and confirm this though, if I can find info-I'll post it.
last edited: 12/19/04 4:26:49 AM”

“http://www.nps.gov/yose/trip/camping.htm
Shows camp 4 in Yosemite as still being "walk in". No reservations accepted, first come first serve. I walked a loop trail in the Valley that went rite by there. There seemed to be plenty of space to set up, but I didn't ask the ranger what the actual regs were, or if they were at capacity.

I did end up camping at the "walk in" site in Tuolumne. I got there very late, so didn't bother to register, just ate+crashed. I paid in the afternoon, after picking up my drop box(cut it close, my package arrived that day).

That campground was pretty full, but there was still space to pitch without crowding anyone. The weather was so nice I didn't bother setting up my hammock as a bivy (one of many good "bag nights" on that trip for me).

--You all will have a blast!”

“The trip schedule has been updated, along with more detail, and the dates are firm as long as we obtain the necessary permits. We will apply for the permits on February 15 . . . so if anyone is interested in the last space on this trip please let me know.”

“Hi all,

I am doing most of JMT ( from Yosemite to Onion Vally) this summer and it looks like I'll be at VVR on August 12 too. Do you guys mind if I join your group from there to Viddett Meadow? I have done this trail solo, not always by choice, a couple of times and would love to meet more backpacking partners for the future trips. I will have my own permit and gear and just seek the company.
Either way Hope you'll have a great time,
Hamid”

“Hi, it's okay with me. When do you start? Aren't you also doing the HST?”

“Yes I am doing the HST too. I start JMT on August 5, but will be using trails somewhat parallel to it for some parts of my trip.”

“How come the parallels? I am excited to think I will cross the Sierra West-East, then North-South this summer. Should be a good year.
Will you finish the JMT when we do?”

“Well...I've done JMT twice before from Whitney to Yosemite and like to see some other spots along the way like Merced lake, High trail(PCT) at 1000 island, Iva Bell hot springs and Goodale Pass... and at the same time cut on time. Nothing fancy like peak bagging and cross country. I'll end that trip at Onion Valley.”

“hrez13 - it would be great to meet up for that stretch of the trail. Send me an email and we can keep you up to date for coordination purposes.”

“you lucky dawgs. Its an awesome trail. Just make sure you all have bear canisters. them bears are smart int eh west.”

“Hrez, I've been to some of those places. I was not impressed with Merced Lake. There are specified camping spaces that are crowded together. I thought I was awake and snoring !!!! until I realized the sound came from another tent.

I really liked parts of the PCT coming back from 1000 Island. Nice views west to where the JMT travels. http://community.webshots.com/photo/205400978/205400978CwPkMb

Where is Iva Bell? Sounds nice.

Did you read the article linked from the thread on getting lost? It's good, especially since you solo.”

“Thanks for the tip Wannabp and pictures. I might skip Merced Lake or that part of the trail all together and start at Tuolumne. That'll make my trip a couple of days shorter and my boss happier.

To get to Iva Bell hotsprings you'll need to go South from Red's meadow and after about 6 miles turn East and go another 6? miles. Hotsprings are uphill from the junction with Cascade vally trail.

Oh and I just started reading the "lost" article. Thanks.”

“Have you heard any other opinions about Merced Lake? It's a good late-season trail 'cause the water doesn't dry up and there are aspen groves. Parts of the way up were pretty.”

“Pic from Iva Belle a couple of years ago..
http://community.webshots.com/photo/51382208/51382208dIjJae”

“Sooz, I just saw your post tonight. You've got some good photos. I went ahead and looked at them all. Hope that's okay. I love the wine and hot springs. You carried those wine glasses a long way!
I'm going there one day.”

“im upgraded to a "yes". im 90 percent sure im going. is that good enough?

to put it another way, im going unless my work situation changes (i.e., i get a good job with paid vacations and insurance benefits, as well as better pay). the job im at now is a throwaway job. i can save up a few hundred dollars between now and august, drop out of polite society for a month, and get another one just like it when i come back.”

“Welcome, Crash Bang! You don't have to worry about getting a better job between now and then -- just don't apply for any...... Leastwise, no one ever offered me a good job if I hadn't applied.
Do you know something I don't? I thought Gforce and Prosecutor were polite society. Now I'm gonna start worrying. JKing.”

“G-force is polite society.”

“. . . the application for the permit is in . . . and now it's the waiting game . . . :)

crash bang - hope everything works out. Good job or the JMT? Sounds like you would win with either that happens.”

“gforce, you drivin or flyin out to cally?”

“We're going to fly out of Chicago to, most likely, San Francisco. I checked yesterday and ATA had nonstop flights out of Midway for $241, but I'm going to wait until we have the permit before booking a flight.”

“Crash, my husband has offered to be shuttler extraordinaire and ferry us to Yosemite and pick us up in Lone Pine. We have a 5-seater Honda Pilot. Actually, it has a 3rd row of seats, but only a midget would be comfortable in the 3rd row. It would be tight and might mean gear in our laps, but it's possible.”

“whats the longest stretch between re-supplies you have planned?”

“Take a look at the trip page. There is a resupply thread and Gary's itinerary. Trailtrekker has offered to resupply us between Vermillion Valley Resort and Whitney, around Vidette Meadows or Charlotte Lake. That will be the longest stretch. It looks like about 8 days. Do you have a bear cannister? I have a Garcia that I don't use if you want to borrow it.”

“Pros, you're not polite society? Ah, come on.”

“i have a wild ideas bearikade i was semi-infamous for on the AT. its not that much heavier than rope and a food bag, and the few extra ounces is worth not having to tie up food. on the itinerary the longest stretch looks like 6 days”

“Actually cb, everyone can plan to have their food drops where they would like them. Each location has a handling fee in addition to what it costs you to mail it there. For example, Muir Trail Ranch has the most expensive . . . a $40.00 (last year's cost) handling fee. Kind of expensive, but, then again, they have to bring your supply container by horseback from the post office and then store it for you. Also, the 8 days of food from V V R to trailtreker's resupply is 8 days worth of food, but you will eat one of those days before you have to store it at night . . . so only 7 days worth of food would need to be stored in the canister.”

“WannaBP, you don't win cases in court by POLITELY cross examining rapists, gangbangers and murderers.”

“impolite society is where i wanna be”

“on the itinerary there is a possible food drop day 13 at muir trail ranch and then again day 19 at vidette meadow, so thats only a six-day stretch. is there a problem with muir trail ranch, or is it a long way off trail?”

“the campsite by muir trail ranch is one of our overnight locations . . . so anyone that wants to plan a food resupply there is free to do so, as is the case with all the possible food drops. Red Meadows is the only possible resupply that we will not have an overnight stay planned, but we will go nearly right by the place during the day.”

“ok. an 8 day stretch had been mentioned twice, yet i had only counted no more than an 6-day stretch, so it seemed maybe you guys were shying away from the mtr re-supply for some reason. i tend to re-supply more than some people, because i tend to pack heavier and therefore tend to take less food at a time
last edited: 2/15/05 9:39:23 PM”

“I think 8 days was mentioned because it would be the longest possible stretch . . . not because anything has been decided. You can select food drop locations to meet your own individual needs.”

“wannabp is not Landscaper gonna do his with you? I would love to do this hike..just can't get the time off.. :(”

“incidentally, wild ideas have the lightest bear canisters (so they claim, but i believe them. mine is pretty light), but theyre the most expensive

Specifications:
• 1 pound 15 ounces
• 9" diameter base by 10" length
• 650 cubic inch volume
• Bearikade Weekender $195.00

theyre not see-through, if that makes a difference to anyone. the material is carbon fiber”