Picked the JMT over the PCT alternate through the Sierra's last summer...

I chose the full John Muir Trail instead of the shorter Piute Pass route because I wanted to see Evolution Valley, and honestly the extra 4 days of climbing was worth it for those lakes, but has anyone else done both and regretted the extra mileage?

3 comments

3 Comments

patriciah5127d ago

Oh man, Evolution Valley is a real beast to skip, but an extra 4 days of climbing just to see some lakes? You must really hate your knees. The Piute Pass route is basically the cheat code for people who have jobs to get back to, but sure, tack on those extra miles and act surprised when you're dragging your feet into Yosemite Valley. Those lakes better have served you a cold drink at the end of the day for that price. Did you at least snag a decent campsite to justify the suffering?

kim.zara14d ago

Oh totally, @patriciah51, that food cache trick is genius if you've got the car space and don't mind the extra hike back to fetch it. But honestly, even with a lighter pack, those extra four days better come with a private chef and a spa tent at the lakes, or you're just paying in blisters for views you could've seen from a postcard.

mila_brown1027d ago

My best tip for @patriciah51 is to drop a heavy food cache at the Piute Pass trailhead, it saves your back for the real climbing later. Those extra miles are worth it when you're not fighting for a spot at the popular campsites near the lakes.