Planning an epic backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail is not only essential to a successful trip; it’s also part of the fun. Learning about where and how to ship resupply packages; planning your itinerary; poring over the maps and elevation charts all add to the sense of adventure and excitement. Having the right […]
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, I will share […]
Mile… Mile & A Half
The team working on their multimedia documentary of their 2011 John Muir Trail hike has finished the official trailer, and it’s beautiful. Now titled Mile… Mile & A Half, the trailer gives you a little glimpse into what it’s like to hike this epic, 211-mile trail. Even after hiking the JMT twice, watching this trailer […]
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. […]
Day Four on the John Muir Trail
Just a quick update from the John Muir Trail. We reached our first of four resupply points last night — Tuolumne Meadows — giving us a chance to eat burgers and a cold beer. The trip so far has been fantastic, with great weather and a couple amazing side trips up both Half Dome and […]
Memorial Weekend in Yosemite
Over the Memorial Day weekend, Joan and I met up some new outdoor friends to go camping and hiking in Yosemite National Park. Jeff A., our third partner in our upcoming John Muir Trail adventure, introduced us to a terrific group. I had never attempted to visit a national park on Memorial Day weekend, but […]
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 […]
