Getting ready to take on the John Muir Trail

I decided I wanted to ride the JMT sometime in 2025. Why? I can’t say exactly, other than the fact that it’s one of the shortest hikes in the US, and it takes me back to Yosemite and includes a summit of Mount Whitney. I’ve technically already set foot on the JMT in Yosemite, so any excuse to return is a good one, in my opinion.

Permissions

I started entering the JMT permit lottery in the final days of 2025. Since it’s impossible to know what kind of winter the Sierras will have this early in the season, all I could do was start entering the lottery and hope for the best. On my first try, I got an early June start date in Lylle Canyon in the Yosemite highlands. It was far from ideal, but it was something. I accepted that date, but re-entered the lottery for a later date in the next open window. I ended up getting what they call a “Golden Ticket” from Happy Isles with a start date at the end of June. Some people would consider this early since it is before July; Meh, I don’t cut hair on rare occasions. I accepted my later start date and waived my earlier date. And the floodgates opened! I was headed back to Yosemite. I was going to summit Mount Whitney.

Work

As so-called adults, we all face the challenges of dealing with how we pay the bills while pursuing our hiking dreams and goals. I was lucky and was able to accumulate a lot of free time from the previous year. As soon as I decided this was what I wanted to do in 2025, I started being very careful with my paid time off. I knew it would take a lot to achieve this goal. I was able to accumulate most of the time I needed for the trip and continued to be careful about how I used what I continued to earn. Then it was time to get approval to use it all at once. Well, let’s say they like me so they didn’t ask questions! And they know what I do for «fun», so they just move on.

Logistics and Replenishments

This is always the fun part! I don’t usually do long, remote hikes that require resupply, so this was really my first multi-resupply experience. I leaned on JMT guidance, a friend and mentor, and some of the JMT Facebook groups for support. I decided on the average daily mileage based on what I’m comfortable doing and placed it around common refueling points along the way. I plan to complete the trail in about 21 days, so I’ll only be carrying 7 days worth of food and supplies at a time, max. (I’m intentionally leaving something here that you’ll have to pay attention to learn about!) Getting to the trailhead at Happy Isles is a project. Public transportation exists, but it is not always that simple. I basically live at sea level, so I need to acclimatize to higher altitude in advance to avoid altitude sickness. This is not my first high altitude rodeo. I have spent time in the Himalayas. I know what to do. Rather than deal with the complicated question of «Will public transportation be working» for a June start date, I opted to bring a family member with me a few days early. I planned a mini vacation in advance to the higher elevations of the Sierra. This would give me access to a rental car to get around and drop off some of my resupplies instead of mailing them. I think this was a good choice.

Training

Ah, training. I have commitment issues, so sticking to a training regiment is a little difficult for me. I joined a gym near my house for a lower price thanks to my health insurance benefits. I started using the treadmill with a steep incline a few days a week. I walked through the snow when it was safe. I finally signed up for group training at the gym 2-3 days a week to include a variety of cardio and strength work. Additionally, the group environment is a good source of support. I continued walking as much as I could. As the spring season approached, I spent time on the Superior hiking trail, doing more difficult sections that would challenge me. I also faced some health issues with some minor injuries and migraines that kept me down for a few days at a time. Unfortunately, that’s how things work and we learn to live with them. The plus side is that I’ve done long, difficult hikes before. I have walked in the Himalayas. I have hiked in the highest areas of Colorado. I have hiked in Yosemite. I carry backpacks and heavy gear regularly. My body knows how to do this. Him. Right. He knows it. So through it all, I’ve leaned on my body’s ability to remember and adapt.

Equipment and food

Test rides are always important. Health issues got in the way of the two I had planned before this tip, so they didn’t go exactly as planned. I took a few overnight trips here and there, instead of two multi-night trips. I was still able to test out all my gear and practice carrying my bear can. I’m so glad I had a few nights in spring conditions to put my gear to the test because I discovered the insulation on my sleeping pads had gone bad! How that happened, I have no idea, but it wasn’t keeping me warm anymore. I quickly placed an order for a new one and still had a few opportunities to try it out before leaving. I also tried out a few recipes since I decided to dehydrate most of my meals for this trip. Learning to dehydrate my own foods has been quite an experience! Making it myself really opened up the possibilities of flavors and combinations. I already had a smart toaster oven that has a dehydrator option, so I’m sure I’ll put it to good use. I dehydrated bags and bags of fresh vegetables for things like tacos, stir-fries, and pasta salads. I added freeze dried proteins from various brands. I dehydrated tons of pastas for cold dinners and lunches. I mixed granola and freeze dried fruits. I put together several powders to make smoothies. The web is filled with tons of farm-friendly recipes to inspire you! I bought a lot more food ingredients than I needed for this trip, but I can use them later in the season on other trips.

All I had to do next was pack my bags and get on the plane!

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