Ditched the classic JMT for the southern Sierra loop, zero regrets

Back in 2019 I had permits for the full John Muir Trail, but the smoke from that weird wildfire season pushed me to swap it for a 40 mile loop out of Horseshoe Meadow instead. I figured I'd miss the big names, but honestly the cottonwood lakes and the pass above them felt way more raw and empty. The ranger at the visitor center even said he hadn't seen a soul on that trail in two weeks. Has anyone else bailed on a famous route at the last minute and found something better by accident?

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rowan_roberts4918d ago

Hold on, the JMT's reputation exists for a reason, and a quiet trail doesn't automatically mean it's better.