JOHN MUIR TRAIL: AUGUST 2022
My "Type 2" fun thru hike on the JMT: I applied for a permit in February but didn't get a "Donohue Pass Eligible" pass. I got lucky and got an online, "walk up permit" 7 days prior to my start date (8/15/22). I planned my trip in 5 days: borrowed/bought gear, shopped for/shipped food, booked flights/hotel/bus. I'm an east coaster so hiked SOBO for acclimation to elevation. I flew into Fresno (hotel for 1 night) then took the YARTS bus to Yosemite. Stayed in Backpacker camp the night before, hit the trail at LYV/Happy Isles. Upon completion at the base of Mt. Whitney at 4pm, I hitched a ride into Lone Pine. Hotel stay in LP for 1 night. I took the 6:10am ESTA bus to Reno Tahoe airport and flew back to Boston that afternoon. I resupplied at Red's and MTR. I had 10 days to complete the trip and finished in 9; averaged 22-26 miles/day. BE AWARE: the JMT is 210 miles. It officially ends at the top of Mt. Whitney (14,505 ft). After summiting, you still have 2 miles off the peak of Whitney to the pass, then 9 miles down to the parking lot (which took me 5 hours). The advertised 210 mile trail does not include the 1.5 mile walk to the start of the trail from Backpacker camp in Yosemite, or any off trail resupply miles. My journey totaled 223 ish miles. Pack sunscreen and a light jacket/shirt with a hood. Imo trekking poles are a necessity. Prepare/plan accordingly! Happy trails!