John Muir Trail Trip Planning 2007

*** I AM CURRENTLY WORKING ON AN UPDATED PAGE OR SITE THAT WILL ATTEMPT TO BRING LINKS TO JMT TRIP PLANNING ALL TO ONE SPOT, INCLUDING THINGS LIKE TRANSPORTATION,LODGING,RESUPPLY, ETC. IF YOU HAVE ANY WEB PAGES YOU RECOMMEND FOR ME TO ADD THE LINKS FOR PLEASE FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AT jmt@tucohiking.com . THANKS!

There are a few big issues surrounding any backpacking trip, and some specific to the JMT. On this page I'll discuss these issues, my thoughts while planning, and after the trip discussing how my plans fared.

WHEN TO GO

Originally this trip was supposed to be in 2008, but with a daughter entering college that year the time and costs made it impossible to do then (although I'll be doing a trip through Maine's 100 Mile Wilderness and Mt Katahdin in 2008). After researching the trail, I decided on the middle to the end of August. Benefits to this time of year are 1) bugs issues are low, 2) water crossings are lower, no snow on the trail, and moderate temps. On the other side, I finish around Labor Day so I could see some crowds at the end, but I still like the timing.

HOW LONG TO ALLOW FOR HIKE

I read a lot of trip reports to try and figure out how long I needed to plan for. The one thing I learned is it really depends on the individual. At fist I planned for 15 days, 15 miles per day. Then I kicked it up to 16, and finally decided to allow for 18 hiking days, or a little over 12 miles per day. If I finish earlier thats fine, I don't want to stress over having to put in mileage beyond my physical limits on any given day.

TRAVEL PLANS

This was the toughest part of the planning. Read tons of trip reports to find the best way. To Yosemite, I decided on a flight to Fresno, Amtrak to Merced and YARTS bus to Mariposa day 1. I could go to Yosemite Day 1, but I wouldn't get to the Post Office until the next morning. In Mariposa, I'll be shipping supplies to the hotel so the next morning I can get the first bus into Yosemite and have all my supplies ready the night before. The next morning I just need to get my permit and I'll be off. Leaving Whitney Portal took the longest to decide on. I will be hitching to Lone Pine and staying the night. Next day take the CREST bus to RidgeCrest (only runs 3 days a week so I must be careful on this. You can get a "cab" ride to Inyokern Airport and then a flight from there to LA and back to sunny New Hampshire. If a hitch presents itself I could change but I need to have a complete backup plan. There are many other options; I liked this because rather than spending a full day traveling to the airport Inyokern is about 1.5 hours from Lone Pine. Most of the day can be spent relaxing. Travel links are listed below:

Amtrak: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage

Yarts Bus http://yarts.com/

Crest Bus: http://www.countyofinyo.org/transit/CRESTpage.htm

Ridgecrest Dial A Ride: http://www.ci.ridgecrest.ca.us/transit.asp?id=37

Update- April 24, 2007. "The Best Laid Plans..." So after all this time of planning, I get notified by Expedia.com that my flights have changed and that they no longer will meet my connections in Fresno. Wow. After a few hours of researching, I came to the conclusion that no Flight from Manchester NH would get me to Fresno in time for my Amtrak connection. So, I changed plans and will fly out of Boston and still return to Manchester. And a BIG thanks to Sapblatt who will get me to the airport Sunday morning. That really makes my life a lot easier- and saves a bit of $$$ as well. Thanks Mike! Hopefully there will be no more suprises.

Update-May 30, 2007- Change of plans at the end of the trail. Rather than hitch into Lone Pine and take the bus to the Inyokern Airport, I will be sharing a ride with OregonBeerman (thanks!) from Whitney Portal direct to the Airport August 31. I got a site at the Whitney Portal campground for the night of the 30th, I can now enjoy as much time as I want on the summit, weather permitting. Additional cost is minimal, more for the cab ride, but no more hotel room.

RESUPPLY

My first set of supplies will be sent to Mariposa. I'll carry enough to get me to Red';s Meadow. A lighter pack to get out of Yosemite should help. From Red's Meadow I'll resupply with enough to get me to Muir Trail Ranch. Those supplies will have to get me to the end. I won't be stopping at Vermilion Resort, I'd prefer as much time in less civilized areas as I can get. I will stop at Tuolomne Meadows to eat and will definitely a burger (or 2) at Whitney Portal. Resupply links below:

Reds Meadow: http://www.redsmeadow.com/pdf/PackagePickUp.pdf

Muir Trail Ranch: http://www.muirtrailranch.com/resupply.html

PERMIT

In order to stay in the backcountry a permit is required. You can try for a reservation for 24 weeks prior to the date that you plan on leaving on your trip. I have read that the rangers do in fact ask to see your permit as you move through the trail so its best to not mess around. If you can't reserve a permit as only 60% are reservable, you can also try and walk up and get one on the day you are leaving. I'd prefer not to do this, but I also have read getting a walkup permit for the same day or following day is successful so if I have to take one day off my trip I have no problem with it.

You can find info on getting a permit at the following site:

http://yosemite.org/visitor/wild.html

UPDATE- February 26, 2007- Called and reserved my Wilderness permit for my August 13, 2007 hike start date. Hit the redial button from 8:30 to 9:00 am PST and the call was answered. If you have the time and keep on trying I guess there shouldn't be too much trouble getting through.

FOOD

I'm not picky, but always like to have pleny to eat. I have taste tested dehydrated meals for months and have settled on ones I like. Still working on perfectin breakfast, lunch and snacks. Food I brought will be listed on the JMT Gear and Food page. I'll carry 2 1 liter Nalgenes and a 3 liter bladder. Don't have to fill the bladder, but its nice to have around camp for extra H2O.

FOOD PROTECTION

After looking at the alternatives I decided to rent a Bearikade Expedition Bear can to carry my food. They have what I consider a good deal on a can that has never been broken into. They will rent it for the length of your trip including shipping times for $55. Shipping costs $11. I have an older model Bear Vault, which has been getting broken into these days. Wild- Ideas will ship your can so it gets to you before the day you leave for your trip. The Expedition will hold up to 9 days of food, perfect for the Muir Trail Ranch to Whitney portion. Fairly light at 2lbs, 5oz.

http://www.wild-ideas.net/index2.html

GEAR

WIth a year of planning in advance tons of things to think of. I have purchased some new items with still more to go. Weight is not the main issue, although if I can I will bring lighter items. A list of my gear and how they performed will be on the JMT Gear and Food Page.

GETTING IN SHAPE & DIET

To get the most out of trip I'd like to be in the best shape possible. Losing 10 pounds before the trip is a goal, from 199 down to 189. Already at 194 but that can change quickly. The goal also is to work out 4-5 times a week and hike 2x per month, with some long hikes with a heavy pack as the trip gets closer. Working out will include the incline trainer, stepper, light weights, sit ups and the heavy bag.

After the trip there will be a full trip report/journal with pictures and a link to my photo website. I'll double back to this page to rate how my planning went.