Brandon writes:
I am just beginning some planning for backpacking half of the JMT. The reason for hiking half of it is because my group won’t have enough time for the entire trail. Where would be the best entry point around the 100-115 mile mark? Is it even logistically possible to get on the trail in that range (I.e. parking, trail access, terrain, etc.). Again, I am early in the planning stages but just wanted some guidance at the outset.
First, I’m going to assume you want to go southbound, since this is what probably 90% of JMT hikers do.
Muir Trail Ranch is right around that point, but the trouble is, you get there from the west side of the Sierras, while you exit at Whitney Portal on the east side. Makes shuttling extra challenging.
Probably the best option would be to come in from Bishop, either over Piute Pass or Bishop Pass.
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