Jen, Nevada.
Hi, I’m Jen. After hiking the JMT with my husband in 2017, I decided once was not enough and I hit the JMT again, but solo, in 2019. My degree is in forestry and natural resources, so it’s accurate to say that I love the outdoors. I hike year-round in all conditions because Type 2 Fun builds character!
I am the mother of a 10-year old son who now out-hikes me and a 7-year old daughter who is still trying to decide if hiking is even fun!
Next trail? I had a permit to complete the High Sierra Trail (HST) in July 2020, but the trip was canceled due to Corona Virus restrictions. It’s still on my short-list though!
My John Muir Trail.
When?
August 2019
How long did it take?
13 days
Start and finish location?
Start: Red’s Meadow Pack Station
Finish: Kearsarge Pass
Group or solo?
Solo
How many zeros and where?
No zeros, but I did have one 5-mile nero day split between Rae Lakes and Bullfrog Lake
Describe your experience in one word or phrase.
Gratifying!
You work hard to earn your breaks, meals, views, and sleep on the trail.
Favourite item of gear and why?
Leukotape
It’s an adhesive sports tape that is breathable and doesn’t come off when wet.
It works wonders for preventing and protecting blisters.
It most definitely saved my feet after I developed blisters on top of calluses.
Luxury item?
Collapsible bucket
It allows me to be lazy at the end of a long day by saving me a few separate trips down to a creek or lake.
“Best part.”
Giving my mind a rest.
Life on the trail is simple. Each day, your routine is the same—take down camp, hike, set up camp, sleep, and of course, eat and drink throughout the day.
You are cut off from your career, family, friends, and regular responsibilities, so there is very little work for your mind.
This allows you to fully take in the beauty and peace of the outdoors.
“Unexpected part.”
Although I was hiking solo, I never once felt alone or scared. Even at night, when strange noises seem to be amplified, I always felt safe and secure.
The backcountry can be a very social place. There were about 10 other gals who were also soloing the JMT at the same time as me. We often leap-frogged one another, traded trail goods (Gatorade packets, Leukotape, trailmix, etc.) and words of encouragement, and occasionally hiked together.
We camped together at Upper Palisades Lake and some of us met up on the top of Mather Pass for a group photo.
“If I could do it again, I would _____”
Build in a zero day or a couple of low mileage days.
Some days I felt rushed, or I pushed myself to do extra miles so that I could do less miles later.
A zero day would have given me some cushion in my schedule.
What advice would you give to people thinking about hiking the JMT?
Regardless of how perfectly you plan your trip, you have to be prepared for the unexpected.
You may unexpectedly have to tend to injuries, illnesses, or broken gear.
You may experience bad weather, unsafe water crossings, or wrong turns.
It’s critical to tend to your immediate needs, even if it alters your entire plan. This is especially important if you are solo.
On Day 10, I woke up to nausea and lightheadedness. I pushed through the symptoms with my heart set on crossing over Forester, camping at Diamond Mesa, and visiting the Bighorn Plateau, a highlight from my 2017 trip.
One mile below Forester, the symptoms worsened, so rather than climbing higher and further from a safe exit on the trail, I turned around and backtracked six miles to set up camp at a lower elevation where I could recover.
Learn more about the John Muir Trail.
Why hike the JMT?
Introduction to the highlights of the trail.
Trail & elevation map.
Who doesn’t love a trail map?!
Location of North & South Terminus
How to get to the trailheads.
FAQ’s.
When, what and how of the John Muir Trail.
Closest airports.
Guide to closest airports to fly in/out of.
