Precisely three years ago this day, my girlfriend and I and two hiking friends were driving up to Lone Pine, getting ready for a 22-day thru-hike of the epic 211-mile John Muir Trail. Over the next three weeks, I’ll be sharing a day-by-day guide to our JMT backpacking trek, with each day covered exactly on […]
Hiking the John Muir Trail: What to Wear
One of the questions everyone asks me about hiking the John Muir Trail is “What should I wear?” It’s not usually phrased so bluntly. Sometimes it’s couched in more specific terms, like “Should I wear down or fleece?” or “trail shoes vs. boots?” While I can’t tell you what’s right for you, Â I will share […]
Hiking the John Muir Trail in 21 Days
Back in 1980 I hiked the John Muir Trail with a group of four friends from church. I was 18 years old, but our group ranged in age from 13 to 50-ish. Thirty years ago I had just graduated high school, time was not an issue, and we spread the journey over 25 memorable days. […]
Training for the John Muir Trail
My top personal goal for 2010 is simple: Â hike the entire John Muir Trail. The John Muir Trail (JMT) officially runs 216 miles from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney. You hike over 13 mountain passes, several over 13,000 ft. Most people take three weeks or more to hike the entire length, making this backpacking trip an […]
Hell Week
A week ago we finished outlining our training plan for our epic 211-mile John Muir Trail backpacking trip. Being active and physically fit are the primary objectives, but we also want to know how our bodies will respond to day-after-day of hiking, carrying a backpack, and at higher altitudes than our normal sea-level existence provides. […]
Itinerary for the John Muir Trail
This was our planned itinerary for the John Muir Trail. You’ll note that the first day is a helluva hike, but a big part of the elevation gain comes without carrying a pack. We’re planning to stash our packs and ascend Half Dome as long as we’re there. Following this itinerary, our  average daily mileage […]
