Can you hike the JMT alone?

Can you hike the JMT alone?

Don’t plan to be alone on this trail. Whether you decide to hike it solo or with a group, you aren’t the only hiker who dreamed of backpacking the JMT. It is so popular you must go through a lottery to score the permit required to hike the trail, which helps cut down on the crowding and preserves the environment.

Is it weird to hike by yourself?

Yes. Be prepared, tell people where you are going and when you will be back, research your goals and destination and just be careful. Every day people hike the mountains alone and provided they hike at the level of their physical ability and in preparation for the weather, they will be fine.

Is it safe to walk a trail by yourself?

Going alone: While a solo hike in itself isn’t automatically dangerous, Hendy says the most common mistake made by experienced hikers is taking off alone without notifying anyone. Hikers carrying PLBs should still trek carefully and tell someone ahead of time where they’re going.

Is the John Muir Trail difficult?

The main difficulty of the JMT is the terrain and length of the trail. Over the course of your trip you’ll ascend and descend 11 mountain passes, many of them over 12,000 feet. Altitude sickness can bother some hikers along the JMT, though it’s not a common complaint.

Are there mountain lions on JMT?

There has never been a confirmed mountain lion attack anywhere on the John Muir Trail, and there has never been an attack on a sleeping camper anywhere in California.

When can you hike the JMT?

According to the Pacific Coast Trail Association, the best time to hike the John Muir Trail is usually during June through September (after the majority of the snowpack has melted) for casual backpackers, though more hardcore hikers may choose to challenge themselves with substantial snowfall starting in October.

Is hiking alone worth it?

Hiking alone is just not safe The most important reason for never hiking solo is that it’s just not safe. You may be in excellent shape (I am fairly fit myself), you may be a survival expert, you may be strong and all the rest, but really – it is just not a good idea. And there are many reasons why it isn’t.

Is it safe to hike alone as a woman?

Solo hiking in the wilderness can intimidate anyone. If you get lost or injure yourself, help could be hours, or even days away. But for female hikers, there are often additional mental hurdles to overcome on the trail. Most women are taught that being alone is unsafe.

Can a woman hike alone?

Solo hiking in the wilderness can intimidate anyone. But for female hikers, there are often additional mental hurdles to overcome on the trail. Most women are taught that being alone is unsafe. From an early age, we are encouraged to travel in groups and stay in well-lit and well-trafficked places.

Is the JMT crowded?

The JMT is insanely crowded. While on the trail for only 13 days I counted over 1,800 people, and this doesn’t include the people in tents I couldn’t see. This means you should expect crowded tent sites.

What is the hardest part of the John Muir Trail?

Hardest: Glen Pass. It’s a long, steep climb, with a cruel psychological twist near the end. Just as you reach the top of a climb that seems to go on forever, you find what appears to be the top of the pass. As you sit there, resting, it occurs to you that you can’t see where the trail goes back down.

How difficult is the JMT hike?

It’s also a challenging trek as hikers need to hike 11 to 13 passes which are as follow (northbound): I completed my solo thru hike of JMT’s entire length of 210 miles plus 11 miles climb up from Whitney Portal starting from Whitney on July 29, 2018 and ending in Yosemite Valley on August 21, 2018, a day ahead of my schedule.

How long does it take to hike the John Muir Trail?

Most people complete the John Muir Trail in about 3 weeks. Although the official trail ending at Mt. Whitney is 210 miles, you’ll still need to hike down to Whitney Portal after you summit, resulting in an end-to-end total of 221 miles.

Where do I start my JMT journey from Yosemite?

EXIT TRAILHEAD – If you are completing the classic JMT route from Yosemite, you’ll choose Whitney Portal as your exit trailhead. DATES – You’ll be required to list your first and last desired start date (21 day range maximum). Having a flexible start date can greatly increase your chance of getting a permit.

How do you get thru-hiker permits on the JMT?

Lucky NOBO thru-hikers on the JMT. In applying for the permits, you will need to guesstimate your itinerary. The most important part is the entry date and entry point. In our case, we were seeking to secure the overnight Whitney permit for our desired date.