JMT Alternatives

There is the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT), although that is quite a bit longer than what normal people want (2600+ miles). There is the route in Alaska that Skurka covered (4700+ miles). If you want a difficult "route" that is not a trail, there is the Sierra High Route that goes roughly parallel to the John Muir Trail.

Yes, the Big SEKI Loop caught my eye as well.

I did a loop one time starting from Roads End, going over Avalanche Pass, Elizabeth Pass, Kaweah Gap, the Kern River, Colby Pass, back over Avalanche Pass, and back to Roads End. That ended up being 100 miles in five days.

A few years ago I did one from Roads End, Harrison Pass, Forester Pass, Glen Pass, then past Woods Creek and back to Roads End.

If you do Google Searches for some of these key words, you will find trip reports by many an adventurous soul. You really have to boil it down somewhat. If you say 15 miles a day for five days, then that means something.

–B.G.–

Another great way to dream and plan is to buy:

Tom Harrison maps for the High Sierra (5-6 maps I think)
The High Sierra Peaks, Passes, and Trails by R.J. Secor

And then just make up routes that look feasible, using parts of trails, cross-country work, connecting to passes, making loops, etc. I find it really rewarding to just look at maps and other info and come up with routes.

And I agree that if you Google the name of a random cross-country pass, it's a quick way to get to other folks innovative routes (and pictures).

And even if you have to use parts of the JMT for your hike, always think about how you can get off it and go cross-country, especially above timberline. The JMT spends too much time diving down back into the trees!

Start at Sonora and end at Cottonwood Pass or vice versa on the PCT. You get 90% of the PCT and I believe you can summit Whitney from the west, though I would check that.

" You get 90% of the PCT "

I don't think so.

Maybe 90% of the JMT.

–B.G.–

…Thank you! Lots of food for thought in just a few posts. I do have quite the collection of maps, and that is pretty much how I plan most of my trips. Gmap4 is a great planning aid, too. I hadn't heard of that book though, I'll definitely check it out.

The SHR is a route that has always piqued my interest. Not sure if my lovely go-to hiking partner (wife) would want to do it, but it's on my bucket list!

Bob, 15-20 miles per day is right in the ballpark for me personally, but I didn't want to limit the responses to just what I'm looking for.

Keep 'em coming!

"15-20 miles per day"

Note that the elevation change can really affect your mileage. About 15-20 miles per day on a flat trail is one thing, but throw in 5000 feet per day of elevation gain, and it will kick your butt. Plus, some people are affected by the sheer elevation. Once they get above 12,000 feet, they slow to a crawl.

Once many years ago, I had a route picked out that would loop around the high country of Yosemite, and it was about 65 miles. I didn't know how to estimate that for days, so I asked around. One person told me that I should not expect to do more than 10 miles per day, so it would require 6-7 days. Another person told me 4-5 days. So, I packed food for only 3 days and took off. I finished it in two days, despite 4000-5000 feet of elevation gain per day.

–B.G.–

"Note that the elevation change can really affect your mileage."

It sure can! As can many other variables (weather, trail condition, group dynamics, etc…). Like I said, ballpark figure. :)

And be aware that if you venture off trail, it can be a 3mph stroll across a granite bowl, or it can be a slow (and sometimes dangerous) slog up and down talus slopes.

The SHR is great, but it's definitely a route to take seriously. Scan through some of the post-trip reports in the forums too.

Thinking in terms of achievable miles per day on trail, even over multiple passes, is reasonable.
I don't think that you can extrapolate from this onto the SHR. It's just another animal. For me at least, I stop thinking in terms of miles covered as a primary goal when I'm hiking off trail at altitude. It's a different kind of hiking, a different experience. Route finding alone takes up time; and then there's everything else.

But others are younger and more fit than me! Bob did 32 miles per day off trail. Way, way past my abilities, even in my salad days.

I agree that the SHR is another beast entirely from the JMT. Certainly didn't mean to imply otherwise (or that I could hike the SHR at 15-20 miles per day!).

Covering distance is almost never my priority when hiking; I'm generally a "stop and smell the roses" type of guy. I do enjoy a good challenge, but I can be pretty lazy as well sometimes… :)

" You get 90% of the PCT "

I don't think so.

Maybe 90% of the JMT.

–B.G.–

All those letters are confusing. 90% of the JMT. Is that better?

I've been eyeing the Big SEKI Loop as a possible alternative while I submit my daily JMT applications (and await afternoon rejection emails). It looks pretty fantastic except some of my particulars are different:

-No car so no need for loop (and slight preference for "thru" type hike).
-I go ~10 mi/day to accommodate photography, scrambling and afternoon naps.
-Resupply at 50-80 mile intervals.

The BSL would work for me if I teamed up with some JMT hikers for Kearsarge resupply. My understanding is that I can't cache anything or even buy canister gas in Kings Canyon, making an east-side start with resupply in KC not practical (please correct me if I'm wrong). I'll be thinking about other options and would be happy to hear any suggestions.

Well with the continuing trend of minimal snowpack, the Sierras are likely to be without snow earlier and earlier every year. If the area continues not to receive much, or any, snow for the rest of the year. I wouldn't be surprised if it's mainly dry by mid April-early May. I can't say I'm familiar with the permit process or the area, but I highly doubt that's the peak season.