Day 3 on the John Muir Trail and we were starting a long way from where we originally planned to camp. Our unauthorized off-trail camp dubbed The Middle of Somewhere was beautiful and quiet, but we had 3.5 miles to hike just to get to Sunrise High Sierra Camp, where we should’ve been starting. If you do the math, that means that yesterday’s little excursion to Clouds Rest turned today’s easy 8.6 mile trek into a more rigorous 12.1 miles.
Cumulative Distance: 30.5 miles
Total Ascent: 2,124 ft
Cumulative Ascent: 11,095 ft
Harrison Map Sheets 13 and 12
GPX file
The water on Sunrise Lakes was still, reflecting like a mirror. We hiked quietly, passing only a few other backpackers, and felt as though we had the mountains to ourselves.
From Sunrise Lakes, we pass over a saddle and down to Sunrise High Sierra Camp. Finally we were back on the JMT. We stopped for lunch but didn’t linger — the mosquitos were as hungry as we were.
From here the trail winds along the perimeter of the meadow, slowly and steadily climbing towards Cathedral Pass — the first of many mountain passes on the JMT. From the pass it’s a well-shaded, downhill trek to the Tuolumne Meadows.
When we reached Tuolumne Meadows, it was tempting to think we had “arrived.” We caught glimpses of Tioga Road through the trees and could hear passing cars. There were more casual hikers in the area, but we still had a full mile yet to go before we would reach the backpacker’s campground. It was one of those times when a mile seems longer than it really is.
Hari and Jeffrey were already there and had staked out a spot for us. Unfortunately the Tuolumne Post Office had closed about 15 minutes earlier, so we would have to wait to pick-up our resupply package until the morning. Fortunately, the diner was open. We feasted on cheeseburgers and fries. We earned it.
Three days on the John Muir Trail were under our belts. We summited Half Dome and Clouds Rest. And we made it to our first resupply point — Tuolumne Meadows.
You might wonder why you would bother resupplying at Tuolumne — a mere three days into a three week trek on the JMT. Consider this: you will carry on average two pounds of food, per person, per day. The next resupply point is Reds Meadow — three days further. Skipping this resupply point would mean carrying an extra six pounds. The math says, resupply at Tuolumne.Middle of Somewhere to Tuolumne Meadows
This map details our journey from our off trail camp to Sunrise High Sierra Camp, over Cathedral Pass and down to Tuolumne Meadows.
JMT Day 3 Photo Gallery
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Tomorrow, we head up Lyell Canyon.
Originally hiked on July 29, 2010.
Oh those pix are stunning! My brother thru-hiked the AT and the PCT. Changed his life – for the better. Enjoy it all. Clearly you do!
Thanks! Thru-hiking the Triple Crown — the AT, PCT and CDT — is on my bucket list. Trouble is, they each take roughly five months to hike! My plan for now is to stay active and healthy, and hike them when I retire.
Hello Jeff
I have a few questions if you don’t mind, I’ll be doing part of the jmt in august with my cousins and i would like to know if a 3 day bear can is sufficient for food from mammoth red meadows to Yosemite i think it will take us about 6 to 7 days this is my first long trip and i would like to know if i can buy more food at toulamne meadows store. I need some tips from you. if you can thank you
Renato
Hi Renato! You can get food at the Tuolumne Meadows General Store, although it tends to cater more to car campers and tourists vs. backpackers. Don’t expect a lot of freeze-dried foods. As for a 3-day bear can, I’m not sure what that is. I assume someone is listing the size as suitable for carrying 3-days worth of food (for one person)? If so, how many days will you be taking from Reds Meadow to Tuolumne? If it’s more than three days — I think you have your answer. 😉
Hey Jeff,
Quick question about the TM backpacker’s campground. I’m coming across this lot late June before they officially open the lot in July (from what their website said). Would you happen to have an idea if I’ll still be able to stroll in and pay for a campground or are they pretty strict about keeping it closed til their official open date? I’m trying to determine if i need to make adjustment to my itinerary. Thanks in advance!
Gene, the backpacker’s campground should be open by May 30th for 2015. This comes directly from their website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
The actual open date will vary from year-to-year based on snow conditions and when Tioga Pass opens up.
If you got there before the “official” opening I’m not sure why you would stay there, since the post office and market probably wouldn’t be open either. But I suspect you could — there wouldn’t be anyone to chase you away.
Preparing to thru hike the JMT early fall 2017. I look forward to reading through your adventure. Thank you in advance for sharing your experience. Wonderful photography btw