Hey JR, I can relate. I’ve done a few hikes on the JMT, I’ve yet to thru hike it. Two were week long hikes in the Yosemite/TM area. Last summer I hoped to do the whole thing but bailed at Bishop due to equipment failure (lost tent) the altitude kicks my ass as well. I know for a fact I couldn’t do that hike with more than 36 pounds total with food. I’m going to attempt again next summer. Feel your pain, shed your same tears last summer. Don’t give up. A few things I’ll work on next summer to get through the altitude sickness. I know brain fog can bring an end to the hike, losing entire days due to backtracking in the opposite direction, that and losing essential gear on the trail, etc., etc.. someone recommended ginger chews to combat the nausea. I learned eventually that mid day naps helped the tiredness. I get up a 430am start hiking at first light, it’s when I feel the most alert. I will crash at noonish, for an hour or better, bathe and try to eat, then resume. The biggest thing I’ve learned about myself over the last few years of thru hiking is that I am capable of far more than I can ever realize.
JR - you will be back. Living here in CA and loving these mountains can certainly humble us- immediately. I sense you just need a few good days at elevation and you'll be able to do this again. I'm sure you've had a lot of support and advice about how to prepare for altitude "before" your trip. Electrolytes, lots of water, well before your trip. and I stay away from alcohol before hand too. I'm 61, I long to do the JMT, but have spent time at elevation and climbing mountain roads on bike. It takes a few days to acclimate - even if you've been in the mountains before. You'll be back. I'm sure. :) Love your prep videos. Thank you. p.s. my wife is a migraine sufferer and she too has been at elevation for 30 years and loves it!!
Thank you so much for sharing your vulnerability with us. There’s no good way to leave the trail. I’ve struggled with that decision more times than I care to count. The trail will be there when your ready tackle it again.
Hey JR. You made the right call there, sometimes the hardest thing to do is quit so well done buddy. Great videos, enjoyed them and sure you will be back to complete the JMT one day!
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Thanks for making a tough, but responsible, decision. Even this relatively short section of the JMT is an amazing hike!
I did really enjoy the hike, even though I was feeling like a hat full of ass. I'd do it all over again. The calle as difficult. I want others to know that staying safe (alive) supersedes the view. You can always go back.
Altitude takes down another Hooiser. My failed hike I would have left at Onion Valley if it wasn't for the fires that got us out first. I remember feeling like a total failure hiking only 4 miles my first day and being completely drained. The next only able to do 6 miles. All of this just felt like we were hiking the same hike. Couldn't eat anything, stopping every few steps just to breathe, headaches, sleeping 12 hours, crashing on the side of the trail for a "quick" nap, wanting to talk to anyone, and crying from just so many thoughts. It really does suck. You can train for everything else but altitude is something no matter how much you train, prepare, and acclimate it can still take you out quick. Sorry, your hike ended this way. What I keep telling myself is at least you stepped foot on the trail. Even if just for 2 miles of the whole 211 miles you did something most would never. Thanks for bringing us along for the ride.
I had the same issue out of Onion Valley a little over a week ago. I was fine at the Onion Valley Campground. Felt great! But altitude sickness started hitting me around 10,500'. I made it up to Kearsarge Pass and down to Kearsarge Lakes. But damn...I was wiped out. I must have just missed you. We started the hike on the 30th and came back out on the 31st thanks to the National Forest closure (we were headed to Bishop Pass/South Lake). Had to hitch to South Lake to get my car. I'm so bummed I didn't get to hike that section. Sorry you missed out on your hike too.
@@MaryannHazel It really does suck when it hits you. And usually it hits you fast. I actually was there last year and escaped during those fires. Didn't make it out this year. Just means we have the chance to get back out there and can be a little more prepared, if you really can, for the altitude.
Such a raw video. I could feel your emotions screaming out your pain. Im so sorry it didn't work out this time but im certain you'll be back. Keep on keeping on!
Nice work. Hard to watch the struggle but so authentic. Loved when you described the significance of what was missing. I live in the Sierra so this area is home. I too love the absence of noise while hiking in Yosemite. But don’t know city life so I clan only imagine how start a difference. This is my first time watching your videos…. I’m hoping you get to return. The cathedral lakes thru Lyell canyon is my favorite segment.
I'll return. Just so much on my plate right now. But I'll get back out there and finish. I'll hang it at Mammoth for a few days first thos time to acclimate
JR, we've all been there. Always best to hike safe and to try again. Sometimes our ego gets us into trouble. Thanks for sharing your journey with us, and hope you make it back there to try again
Most of the things I have read and those that were not successful due to altitude sickness were usually to SOBO travel. Or, they went upto Wittney to fast. The mere fact you accomplished what you have, and willingness to understand the situation at hand and protect yourself before seriously damaging further health. I hope you do get to finish and complete this epic adventure soon. I myself am planning my through hike in 2023 for my 50th birthday. I plan on NOBO route, so I can end with the amazing views of the valley as I finish.
But if you analyze the altitude gains on both a NOBO and a s SOBO hike, altitude gain is far more gradual on a SOBO hike. NOBO, you are essentially going from 6500’ to 14500’ top of Whitney in a day or two, and you get no respite from the altitude, going over Firrester, Mather, and Glen within the next 7-10 days. It’s far easier to assimilate to altitude SOBO as opposed to NOBo.
I totally feel your pain. I had to bail on a 6-day backpacking trip from Onion Valley (Kearsarge Pass) to South Lake (Bishop Pass) last week. I've hiked at elevation before with no problem and thru-hiked the Tahoe Rim Trail a little over a month ago. Granted, the elevation on the TRT is much lower, but geez...I never expected to feel as awful as I did. I was able to get up and over Kearsarge Pass and down to Kearsarge Lakes, but the elevation was still around 11,000 feet. I was hoping I would feel better, but I barely got any sleep that night with a pounding head and nausea. It was awful. Making the decision to bail was gut-wrenching, but like you, I didn't want to end up having to be rescued because I was stubborn. I'm so sorry you weren't able to continue...especially with all the planning you have done. Are you thinking about trying again? I'm going to stay at elevation a couple days before I attempt another hike with hopes of it helping. Altitude sickness really sucks. You just never know when it is going to hit you.
Don’t give up on your dream man. Three years ago I had to come down from a trip into the Sierra after topping out at 10,500 feet due to altitude sickness. I learned a lot about adapting to altitude and preparing for the Sierra during that failed trip. I got lighter… me and my pack, got in better shape, talked to my doctor about medication for altitude sickness (which he prescribed) and worked out a plan to spend two days in Mammoth then a third day at higher altitude. It cost me time and money but that strategy paid off and I was able to complete the JMT with my son NOBO this year. Try again man but change tweak your strategy where you think it will help.
Thank you so much for the confidence boost. I've really been struggling post hike. I've only been on one hike. I will definitely get back out there and Mammoth is a good idea! Congratulations on your completion of the trail. 👊
Was this August 2021? Jeff and Ethan sure look familiar. I can swear we were leapfrogging each other on my 2021 hike on the JMT. A couple guys just their age from so cal. Cheers…
We had to bail out at Red’s Meadow because my husband was so sob couldn’t continue. The ER Dr at Mammoth recommended stop hiking. I’m thinking of going back next year with a few modifications. I will light my pack wt, avoid heavy meal, take oximetry and 2-3 oxygen canisters. At high altitude, normal oxygen saturation is around 90-93%. We are from Fl where 02 sat stayed 98-100%.
JR, you made the right choice. Like you said, it is beyond your control, to a certain point. You hike smart, I'd hike with you anytime! The trail will be there waiting. You can just plan 2-3 days in Mammoth Lakes next time you attempt the trail. You can stay at Mammoth Mountain above 9k as a step up. Do some day hikes etc. I've had two tries at the trail, 5 years in planning total.. and I've only done 1/2 the trail. Keep trying brother, it will happen.
That really stinks, man. Sorry to hear your trip ended in this fashion. Hope you have recovered. Also hope you are able to try again in the future, maybe picking up where you left off. Thank you for sharing.
I like to head up to 9k a week early and do little hikes with just my Camelback. I plan for 5 mile hikes only for the first three days so I can get to camp early and rest alot. This year I injured myself the night before I was supposed to leave. Well, I am packed for next year and I have my itinerary. See you out there.
@@JRHikes if the planets align, I would happy to pick you up from the airport and drive you to a great spot north of Yosemite called Virginia Lakes and we can hike up to Summit Lake and back down a few times depending on your entry point for the JMT.
I can relate. Starred 7/28 at Onion Valley. I had been sleeping poorly the week before, had diarrhea the first couple days, and it rained and rained. And I was soooo ssslllooowww. Baled out to Roads End. 20 miles hiked. Planned for 4 years.
Its no joke, I've had to leave trail on a couple of different occasions due to altitude sickness. I take diamox, stay at altitude several (the more the better) days before my hike, but there are no guarantees. The nausea is what gets me, as I become so calorically depleted. Not the place you want to be after hiking for 7 plus hours a day. I just came off of a 70 mile section early due to my continued issues. Last year summited Mt whitney...It's a crap shoot sometimes.
@@JRHikes A bit south of 70. I am headed off to the High Sierra Trail on Friday. Normally no significant altitude sickness but you never know. Fingers crossed.
JR this was oddly beautiful yet hard to watch. I feel for you and hope you take another shot at the JMT. We lucked out and didn’t have any issues this summer on the JMT but it’s rolling the dice.
Hey JR, I can relate. I’ve done a few hikes on the JMT, I’ve yet to thru hike it. Two were week long hikes in the Yosemite/TM area. Last summer I hoped to do the whole thing but bailed at Bishop due to equipment failure (lost tent) the altitude kicks my ass as well. I know for a fact I couldn’t do that hike with more than 36 pounds total with food. I’m going to attempt again next summer. Feel your pain, shed your same tears last summer. Don’t give up. A few things I’ll work on next summer to get through the altitude sickness. I know brain fog can bring an end to the hike, losing entire days due to backtracking in the opposite direction, that and losing essential gear on the trail, etc., etc.. someone recommended ginger chews to combat the nausea. I learned eventually that mid day naps helped the tiredness. I get up a 430am start hiking at first light, it’s when I feel the most alert. I will crash at noonish, for an hour or better, bathe and try to eat, then resume. The biggest thing I’ve learned about myself over the last few years of thru hiking is that I am capable of far more than I can ever realize.
JR - you will be back. Living here in CA and loving these mountains can certainly humble us- immediately. I sense you just need a few good days at elevation and you'll be able to do this again. I'm sure you've had a lot of support and advice about how to prepare for altitude "before" your trip. Electrolytes, lots of water, well before your trip. and I stay away from alcohol before hand too. I'm 61, I long to do the JMT, but have spent time at elevation and climbing mountain roads on bike. It takes a few days to acclimate - even if you've been in the mountains before. You'll be back. I'm sure. :) Love your prep videos. Thank you. p.s. my wife is a migraine sufferer and she too has been at elevation for 30 years and loves it!!
Thank you so much for sharing your vulnerability with us. There’s no good way to leave the trail. I’ve struggled with that decision more times than I care to count. The trail will be there when your ready tackle it again.
Hey JR. You made the right call there, sometimes the hardest thing to do is quit so well done buddy. Great videos, enjoyed them and sure you will be back to complete the JMT one day!
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Thanks for making a tough, but responsible, decision. Even this relatively short section of the JMT is an amazing hike!
I did really enjoy the hike, even though I was feeling like a hat full of ass. I'd do it all over again. The calle as difficult. I want others to know that staying safe (alive) supersedes the view. You can always go back.
Altitude takes down another Hooiser. My failed hike I would have left at Onion Valley if it wasn't for the fires that got us out first. I remember feeling like a total failure hiking only 4 miles my first day and being completely drained. The next only able to do 6 miles. All of this just felt like we were hiking the same hike. Couldn't eat anything, stopping every few steps just to breathe, headaches, sleeping 12 hours, crashing on the side of the trail for a "quick" nap, wanting to talk to anyone, and crying from just so many thoughts. It really does suck. You can train for everything else but altitude is something no matter how much you train, prepare, and acclimate it can still take you out quick. Sorry, your hike ended this way. What I keep telling myself is at least you stepped foot on the trail. Even if just for 2 miles of the whole 211 miles you did something most would never. Thanks for bringing us along for the ride.
I had the same issue out of Onion Valley a little over a week ago. I was fine at the Onion Valley Campground. Felt great! But altitude sickness started hitting me around 10,500'. I made it up to Kearsarge Pass and down to Kearsarge Lakes. But damn...I was wiped out. I must have just missed you. We started the hike on the 30th and came back out on the 31st thanks to the National Forest closure (we were headed to Bishop Pass/South Lake). Had to hitch to South Lake to get my car. I'm so bummed I didn't get to hike that section. Sorry you missed out on your hike too.
@@MaryannHazel It really does suck when it hits you. And usually it hits you fast. I actually was there last year and escaped during those fires. Didn't make it out this year. Just means we have the chance to get back out there and can be a little more prepared, if you really can, for the altitude.
@@oregano124 - a thousand feet was all it took for me. I started feeling better as soon as I got below 10,500.
Such a raw video. I could feel your emotions screaming out your pain. Im so sorry it didn't work out this time but im certain you'll be back. Keep on keeping on!
Yeah. It was a tough last two days. Thanks for watching it all the way through. ;) I hope you are well
Nice work. Hard to watch the struggle but so authentic. Loved when you described the significance of what was missing. I live in the Sierra so this area is home. I too love the absence of noise while hiking in Yosemite. But don’t know city life so I clan only imagine how start a difference. This is my first time watching your videos…. I’m hoping you get to return. The cathedral lakes thru Lyell canyon is my favorite segment.
I'll return. Just so much on my plate right now. But I'll get back out there and finish. I'll hang it at Mammoth for a few days first thos time to acclimate
JR, we've all been there. Always best to hike safe and to try again. Sometimes our ego gets us into trouble. Thanks for sharing your journey with us, and hope you make it back there to try again
Most of the things I have read and those that were not successful due to altitude sickness were usually to SOBO travel. Or, they went upto Wittney to fast. The mere fact you accomplished what you have, and willingness to understand the situation at hand and protect yourself before seriously damaging further health. I hope you do get to finish and complete this epic adventure soon. I myself am planning my through hike in 2023 for my 50th birthday. I plan on NOBO route, so I can end with the amazing views of the valley as I finish.
But if you analyze the altitude gains on both a NOBO and a s SOBO hike, altitude gain is far more gradual on a SOBO hike. NOBO, you are essentially going from 6500’ to 14500’ top of Whitney in a day or two, and you get no respite from the altitude, going over Firrester, Mather, and Glen within the next 7-10 days. It’s far easier to assimilate to altitude SOBO as opposed to NOBo.
I totally feel your pain. I had to bail on a 6-day backpacking trip from Onion Valley (Kearsarge Pass) to South Lake (Bishop Pass) last week. I've hiked at elevation before with no problem and thru-hiked the Tahoe Rim Trail a little over a month ago. Granted, the elevation on the TRT is much lower, but geez...I never expected to feel as awful as I did. I was able to get up and over Kearsarge Pass and down to Kearsarge Lakes, but the elevation was still around 11,000 feet. I was hoping I would feel better, but I barely got any sleep that night with a pounding head and nausea. It was awful. Making the decision to bail was gut-wrenching, but like you, I didn't want to end up having to be rescued because I was stubborn. I'm so sorry you weren't able to continue...especially with all the planning you have done. Are you thinking about trying again? I'm going to stay at elevation a couple days before I attempt another hike with hopes of it helping. Altitude sickness really sucks. You just never know when it is going to hit you.
Don’t give up on your dream man. Three years ago I had to come down from a trip into the Sierra after topping out at 10,500 feet due to altitude sickness. I learned a lot about adapting to altitude and preparing for the Sierra during that failed trip. I got lighter… me and my pack, got in better shape, talked to my doctor about medication for altitude sickness (which he prescribed) and worked out a plan to spend two days in Mammoth then a third day at higher altitude. It cost me time and money but that strategy paid off and I was able to complete the JMT with my son NOBO this year. Try again man but change tweak your strategy where you think it will help.
Thank you so much for the confidence boost. I've really been struggling post hike. I've only been on one hike. I will definitely get back out there and Mammoth is a good idea! Congratulations on your completion of the trail. 👊
Great video! Altitude sickness is no joke! At least you were able to see some of the trail!
It really is! I'll get back out there sooner or later to finish!
Was this August 2021? Jeff and Ethan sure look familiar. I can swear we were leapfrogging each other on my 2021 hike on the JMT. A couple guys just their age from so cal. Cheers…
We had to bail out at Red’s Meadow because my husband was so sob couldn’t continue. The ER Dr at Mammoth
recommended stop hiking. I’m thinking of going back next year with a few modifications. I will light my pack wt, avoid heavy meal, take oximetry and 2-3 oxygen canisters. At high altitude, normal oxygen saturation is around 90-93%. We are from Fl where 02 sat stayed 98-100%.
JR, you made the right choice. Like you said, it is beyond your control, to a certain point. You hike smart, I'd hike with you anytime! The trail will be there waiting. You can just plan 2-3 days in Mammoth Lakes next time you attempt the trail. You can stay at Mammoth Mountain above 9k as a step up. Do some day hikes etc. I've had two tries at the trail, 5 years in planning total.. and I've only done 1/2 the trail. Keep trying brother, it will happen.
That really stinks, man. Sorry to hear your trip ended in this fashion. Hope you have recovered. Also hope you are able to try again in the future, maybe picking up where you left off. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching! I appreciate your support! I hope to make it back again.
excellent video
Thank you
I like to head up to 9k a week early and do little hikes with just my Camelback. I plan for 5 mile hikes only for the first three days so I can get to camp early and rest alot. This year I injured myself the night before I was supposed to leave. Well, I am packed for next year and I have my itinerary. See you out there.
I'm hoping that I can get out there next year. If I do...I was considering staying I'm Mammoth for a few days.
@@JRHikes if the planets align, I would happy to pick you up from the airport and drive you to a great spot north of Yosemite called Virginia Lakes and we can hike up to Summit Lake and back down a few times depending on your entry point for the JMT.
I can relate. Starred 7/28 at Onion Valley. I had been sleeping poorly the week before, had diarrhea the first couple days, and it rained and rained. And I was soooo ssslllooowww. Baled out to Roads End. 20 miles hiked. Planned for 4 years.
Soy you feel the how devastated I felt. Are you going to try again?
@@JRHikes I have not decided yet.
That was hard to watch. I know how much you were looking forward to it. 😪
Thank you for your kind comment. It was tough getting through it for sure.
Perseverance. There is no failure in trying 👍
I'll get back there. Unfortunately it may have to be later than sooner.
You think you’ll try again?
Yes I would like redemption. Not sure when that will be. But it's not over between us.
Things you cannot control brother. You've already seen and done more than most.
Its no joke, I've had to leave trail on a couple of different occasions due to altitude sickness. I take diamox, stay at altitude several (the more the better) days before my hike, but there are no guarantees. The nausea is what gets me, as I become so calorically depleted. Not the place you want to be after hiking for 7 plus hours a day. I just came off of a 70 mile section early due to my continued issues. Last year summited Mt whitney...It's a crap shoot sometimes.
That's what I'll have to do. Park my ass at Mammoth for 3-4 days next time prior to the start.
Sorry it didn’t work out. Mighty Blue hiked the AT twice and has been forced off the JMT 3 times due to altitude sickness.
Yeah. Highest point on the AT is only 6600ft. Mighty Blue is what 70?
@@JRHikes A bit south of 70. I am headed off to the High Sierra Trail on Friday. Normally no significant altitude sickness but you never know. Fingers crossed.
JR this was oddly beautiful yet hard to watch. I feel for you and hope you take another shot at the JMT. We lucked out and didn’t have any issues this summer on the JMT but it’s rolling the dice.
lol …
???