Welcome to the last day of the year. So, how did 2013 go?
What did you do in 2013 that you will remember twenty years later, in 2033?
Would you like to do something, next year, you’ll remember in 2034?
You know where this is going, right?
Relatively safe (as adventures go), inexpensive, and plenty tough: the JMT is the perfect adventure for those of us not typically adventurous.
If you’ve “always” wanted to do something amazing, like hiking the John Muir Trail, why not make 2014 the year you take a journey you’ll remember forever?
The JMT is just about the perfect quest for those of us who do not typically embark on grand adventures. Sure, you could climb Mount Everest, but that takes an enormous commitment to train, and you can do everything right and still fail to get to the top. An African safari takes forever just to get there, and costs a fortune. Bungee jumping is over too quick, especially if the bungee breaks.
How about an endeavor that is plenty challenging, relative safe, and won’t break the bank? Nothing fits that bill quite as well as a thru-hike of the John Muir Trail. It’s the ideal adventure-of-a-lifetime for people who may only have one.
If you select your dates carefully, you can be all but assured of benign weather (about the only danger in late summer and early fall is lightning, and that can be minimized by following some simple rules). There are few navigation challenges, and if you do take a wrong turn, it’s usually onto a trail that will lead you out of the wilderness, not deeper into it. There is almost no exposure to falls.
You’ll need a shelter of some type, a sleep system, and a decent pair of boots or trail runners. The best and lightest of these can be pricey, but we’re talking a gear list that, at the most, might cost a couple thousand dollars. If you’re willing to make a little of your own gear (which is often better), it could cost you less than $1,000.
When you’re done you will have hiked over 220 miles, crossed eight major passes, and summited the tallest peak in the forty-eight continuous states. That may not be challenging on an Everest scale, but it’s plenty tough enough.
Welcome to the last day of 2013. What will you do in 2014 that you will remember forever?
Good hiking, Ray
2015 will be my year! (I hope). Thanks for all of the great guidance Ray.
Any year is a good year. Good luck, Jill!
2015 is my year too! I can’t wait!
Stay the course and good luck!
2014 will be the year for my Santiago de Compostella walk. 🙂 I am hoping and dreaming of JMT as my 2015 experience of a lifetime 😀
Very interesting to read your book!
The above leads to my goal for 2014 is how to read and use maps and compass.
Happy new year!
Love to hear all about the Santiago de Compostella when you return. Good luck!
Ray I also enjoyed reading your book. I will be turning sixty this summer and the Jmt will be my adventure of a life time.
Thanks, Eric! What a great way to enter your best decade ever!
+2014 will be my year to do the jmt! your book has been the most valuable source of info and inspiration for me . thank you ray! I am starting aug. 10th…..can’t wait!!
That sounds like just about the perfect starting date. Good luck, Steve!
Turning 25 in 7 days, and making the JMT my goal this year! This post definitely reaffirmed my decision! Unfortunately I think I’ll only have 2 weeks to do it in. Does your book have advise for that kind of timing?
Congratulations, Jess, on making the commitment to hike the JMT. Yes, my book does list three itineraries. Here is the two-week plan (low resolution; the book looks much better).
2014 is my year! I’m planning on giving it a go this July! I could not be more excited.
Good luck, Will!
Thanks for the info!
I’m taking four llamas in from Horseshoe Meadow and joining a friend coming over from Whitney (I’ve already been there and done that!) somewhere around Crabtree. We’re fly fishing our way up the John Muir Trail South to North this year and North to South in 2015. Hoping to leave a lot or wiser goldens in our wake.
Cheers, jc
Good luck, Jack. I saw some llamas on the trail, northbound, about September 10th. They were funny to watch…they were just strolling along, looking left and right, like tourists on their first walk in the woods. They looked happy!
Thanks Ray…yeah they like to get out and see the sights and taste the local greenery. I’m 65 and my buddy is 69…my days of hauling a 60 pound pack are behind me…the extra trouble of taking care of the wholly beasts is well worth the effort. They spot wildlife long before you do!
Read your book…good stuff.
Take care, jc
June 25, 2014 – Permit Reservation Approved for HI. Very big deal for me!!! Got the permit yesterday and downloaded your book first thing. Of everything out there and other guide books I have purchased, your stuff has been the most helpful, easiest to understand and gets to the “heart” of this journey. So excited!!
Congratulations, Karen, on scoring that permit! And thanks so much for the kind words regarding the book. Good luck!