4 TIPS | Hiking the JMT During a High Snow Year | MOUNTAIN VENTURE

Here are four important tips to hiking the John Muir Trail in early season or during a high snow year.
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[@-alpenglow-]

I'm so glad to see someone telling people they need to practice with an ice axe. If you haven't practiced falling backwards on a snow slope and self arresting I think it's going to be difficult to use it successfully if you fall on the trail.

[@Mtbdalty]

Nice

[@Justin.dn.howard]

Great tips! Could you share what months you were there and if you wish you would have delayed to let the snow melt more? My dad and I are doing this in early July but looks like it's gonna be a high snow year.

[@MountainVenture]

I hiked in mid July. If I had the option to defer my start time I would have. High snow and water levels make the journey more difficult. However, if you are in good shape and have a sense of adventure the added challenges are not a deal breaker. One thing to keep in mind is footwear. Deep and frequent water crossings will mean that your feet will be wet all day every day. I got used to this pretty quickly. Trail running shoes were the best option as they drained water quickly between water crossings and were not overly heavy when wet. Enjoy!

[@Justin.dn.howard]

@@MountainVenture Thanks so much for the detailed response! I'll be sure to discuss the footwear options with my dad before we go, and see if there are any options for deferring or going south to north.

[@insooklee368]

What month and date did you go?

[@MountainVenture]

I did the JMT in mid July 2019.