Question about Spring backpacking on the JMT

[ChicagoTim]

Hello! I'm a recent college grad looking to backpack the John Muir Trail this spring before I have to start paying loans off. When do the JMT trails fully open on average? I am looking to spend 3-5 weeks on the trail solo. I have been researching a whole lot but want to set solid dates before applying for permits and buying my train ticket from Chicago.

If anyone can help me answer this question, or give any other advice, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

[dan]

June is too early many years--too much snow. Even early July, but it's ok if it's a low snow year (too early to tell, I think). mid-late July, August, and Sept. is OK. Late Sept. starts getting cold again. A few high passes may have snow on the north facing side (e.g., Donahue Pass and some passes in Kings Canyon National Park).

You can do the entire trip in about 3 weeks. More weeks means more food and more resupply--that's the main problem if you're doing it in one stretch. The key is to pack LIGHT.

[AlmostThere]

Don't wait to apply - get first, third, fourth, etc choices of entry point on the form, start faxing at 12:00 am, don't be upset if you end up not entering from happy isles.

If I were a solo hiker with some flexibility on scheduling, I would come spend a night in Camp 4, try for first come/first serve permit by getting on the porch early - then if it doesn't happen that way, wait til 10 am the following morning when permits that are unclaimed are released to the first people to ask for them. No reservations necessary that way. If neither tactic works that day, oh well, try again tomorrow... explore the valley (worth the time if you have never been in Yosemite) and maybe catch a shuttle to Mariposa Grove for the afternoon.

A late July start from Yosemite south is probably going to be about right - any snow left high will hopefully be consolidated enough that a pair of trekking poles will get you up the suncups without falling too much, if you can't find a way around the snowfields.

But don't quote me on that... if it keeps snowing well into May, could be totally different in July.

[ChicagoTim]

Thank you for your help, much appreciated.

What are the trails like in May? I understand the JMT doesn't clear until July, but what about the rest of Yosemite trails, are many available to backpack?

I guess I should mention that I am preferably looking to return by mid-June because of some obligations after which I probably won't be able to travel.

I guess my real questions are these: if I arrive at Yosemite in mid-May, would I need full winter gear, are there many trails to backpack, and is it worth it at that time of year? Thanks again, I feel much better getting information from informed people than trying to guess myself.

[KC]

Spring is likely too early, though portions of the trail could be possible in early June if the dry January weather (in California) continues. In 2008, when the drought was on good, I was in the Sierras above 8000 feet in early June facing large patches of snow, but hardly full trail coverage. On the other hand, after the large rains during winter of last year, trails were still completely covered by snow in early June. We saw significant snow coverage on portions of the Pohono trail on the south rim, between 6000-7000 feet, for example. Higher, forested trails were still completely covered.

Bottom line: watch the weather carefully. If rain is still pretty light in another month or two, summer backpacking season may come early. If not, be prepared to push your trip back unless you've got great mountaineering skills and good equipment.