Picked the John Muir Trail over the Pacific Crest Trail for a 10 day stretch last August

I had 10 days off and couldn't decide between doing a long section of the PCT in NorCal or a full JMT section from Reds Meadow to Whitney Portal. Went with the JMT because permits were easier to get on short notice. The stretch through Evolution Valley was worth it but the altitude near Muir Pass kicked my ass way more than I expected. Did I miss out by skipping the PCT that time? Anyone else had to choose between those two and regret it?

3 comments

3 Comments

troyreed2mo ago

Haha yeah man, my lungs were definitely questioning my life choices up there. Sounds like you picked right though, I'd take a good altitude beatdown over a mediocre permit scramble any day.

victor_adams2mo ago

Your altitude kicked your ass" - nah man, you didn't miss a thing.

jesser7926d ago

Is it just me or do people always act like the hard path is the only real path? Half the time the easier option works just fine and nobody wants to admit it.