Zero days on the JMT

I’ve never thru-hiked it, but been on several sections. That said, I’d take a zero and explore Vee lake/Seven Gables/Bear Lakes basin. Also, Darwin Bench and its lakes have nice golden trout fishing as well as spectacular views. Across Evolution valley is McGee canyon and the Hermit, which is a fun peak to bag with a great 360 degree view, and plenty of fish in the McGee lakes.

If you need a zero for resupply, etc, VVR at Edison is a really cool, hiker friendly place.

I did not take any zeroes but my favorite places were:

Evolution Valley > Wanda Lake > Muir Pass > Middle Fork Kings River. The descent down from Muir Pass was magical and I’d really like to take my time through that area next time I’m on the JMT.

Bighorn Plateau. I got caught up rushing towards Whitney (and dealing with a hell of a storm). I’ll slow down more there next time.

Lyell Canyon is frickin gorgeous. I broke down and cried sitting on the bank of Lyell Creek. It’s a perfect meadow and it was the first moment of the JMT where I was actually happy (Sunrise kicked my butt, Yosemite Valley was obnoxious, and Tuolomne was in full-on PCT drug-abuse mode).

The lower parts of Donahue Pass where you hit the last couple lakes before the pass was incredible as well.

The best campsite *of my life* was just below Silver Pass on the right going SOBO just before the lake. There is a raised “island” with about six trees that sits above the meadow and lake like a “desert island” in a cartoon. We had the whole valley to ourselves that night. Amazing.

Bear Ridge and Tully Hole sucked for us. Lots of mosquitos (we were there in June) and very hot. My knees did not enjoy the Golden Staircase and the long, long, ascent where you never quite got to Palisade Lake.

Aaron, we’ve been researching the same question for the same reason (photography). We’ve read that Ediza Lake (N or Red’s), Marie Lake (between VVR and MTR), Evolution Lakes, Dusty Basin (Knapsack and Potluch Pass variation, near Bishop Pass), and Rae Lakes are areas favored for photography and also for day hiking to other nearby lakes.

Bench Lake. It is slightly off the trail (good).

Rae Lakes are a highway in the summer. Take the small trip up from there to the Sixty Lakes Basin.

Of course Muir Trail Ranch is good too. Just not for fishing.

Not quite on point, but a zero day in Mammoth is highly recommended. A shower at Motel 6, beer at Mammoth Mountain Brewery, and a local restaurant is a hard-to-beat zero day in my book.

Anywhere between Lydell canyon and Red’s Meadow and anywhere south of Silver Pass are great areas to explore.  If you’re looking for a warm meal and cold beer then i recommend a side trip to VVR. Edison Lake should have more water this year so the scenery should be bettre than the past few years.  Evolution Valley to Whitney is incredible and Yosemite paled in comparison to what I saw on this stretch of trail.

Evolution Valley to Whitney is incredible and Yosemite paled in comparison to what I saw on this stretch of trail.

100% agree so much with this