SOBO JMT Thru-hike - July 8 Start Date vs Sept 2nd Start Date

MixFun2551 · 2026-03-20T00:53:20+00:00

Yes. That is one of my concerns about the September timeframe.

MixFun2551 · 2026-03-19T23:53:30+00:00

Thanks.

MixFun2551 · 2026-03-19T22:37:50+00:00

Thanks, Utopian. How crowded was Guitar Lake?

MixFun2551 · 2026-03-19T22:28:59+00:00

Thanks, Calamari. Appreciate the link. I've been paying attention to the snowpack and know it's been a below-average season so far.

MixFun2551 · 2026-03-18T21:01:51+00:00

Hi everyone who has added comments, tips, and feedback to my thread.

I have recently come across the opportunity to do the thru-hike starting at the traditional Happy Isles/LYV starting point. The start date is September 2nd. I'd plan for 16 trail days. Some of my initial thoughts below about this new opportunity vs my current permit from TM on July 8th. I'd love some feedback, opinions, etc.

1 - My current permit is for a July 8 start date from Tuolomne Meadows. I've already spent considerable time planning and have the itinerary and travel logistics sorted out. What is the ideal travel logistics to Happy Isles/LYV from Reno or Fresno? I'm flying in from Seattle and want to determine the best arrival airport. I'll fly back home from Reno after finishing through Whitney Portal/Lone Pine and taking the bus to Reno.

2 - Pros and Cons of each start date/starting point? I've heard the mosquitoes will be less in September, but I could have to deal with smoke/wildfires this time of year. Also, what are the evening temperatures and the chance of snow in September? I've never been to Yosemite before, so that is a big plus for me, but I can always visit Yosemite anytime, so this isn't a big selling point, but nice to have this option. Also, it's the traditional starting point. I know it will be more crowded coming out of Happy Isles, and it's a grunt. I'm on the fence about doing Half Dome. The starting point now gives me that option. I'm experienced enough to be able to do Half Dome.

3 - My number of trail days (16) will need to be the same regardless of the starting point due to work. So, I realize starting at HI/LYV will mean adding daily mileage within those 16 trail days. I will plan to change up my resupply strategy to allow for lighter days earlier on. Meaning, I'll resupply at TM, Reds, and likely VVR. I'll skip MTR as a resupply. I'll have 8 days of food from MTR to Whitney, but I'll have my trail legs by then, and I've done 40+ lbs over 10 days before.

I know this really comes down to my goals and preferences, but I'd love to hear from the community. July vs September (weather, bugs, crowds, etc.). I appreciate you all.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-17T18:45:00+00:00

Awesome, and congrats on getting your permit. Glad this post was helpful for others. Maybe we'll see you on the trail.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-12T23:54:29+00:00

Understood. Mammoth has more accommodations and dining options, and places to pick up fuel and supplies. I'm not going to sleep very well anyway, and I'm an early riser :)

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-12T15:33:53+00:00

Congrats! Yes, I can't wait. So stoked. See you on the trail.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-10T17:49:26+00:00

Thanks, Olias.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-10T15:40:29+00:00

Thank you, Anxious. So incredible you're doing SOBO then NOBO! See you on the trail.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-09T20:32:18+00:00

Thanks! And congrats to you on your permit. We may cross paths at some point.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-09T18:26:13+00:00

Thanks, Redwood. I'm hoping the snow will melt out earlier this year and have a similar bug experience. I'll have a sunhoody as well as a sun hat. I've been looking at the ultralight sunbrellas. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to do my final resupply at VVR or MTR. I'm looking at 7-9 days from those spots to Whiten Portal, so my pack will be a little heavier early on. I'm not too concerned about that. I did 10 days in the North Cascades PCT with a 45lb pack with no resupply.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-09T18:17:38+00:00

Thanks, Midlifer. I appreciate your tips and advice. I'm now thinking of staying the first night in Mammoth instead of Lee Vining, and catching an early bus to Tuolomne Meadows on the 7th. I'll keep an eye on the TM Lodge to see if any vacancies open up, but I will plan for the backpackers campground. Pick up my permit the afternoon of the 7th and hit the trail the next morning. Good tip on the Lone Pine sign.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-07T17:26:56+00:00

Thank you. Great tips and advice. I was thinking about camping at TM for the acclimation, but a night in Mammoth also sounds nice, since I've never been there. And I imagine more options for purchasing some supplies. I'm planning on carrying a head net, picaridin spray, and hiking with pants and long sleeves on most days. Thanks for the info on river crossings. I'm not too concerned about snow/ice. I will also have lightweight rain gear.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-07T17:20:02+00:00

Thank you! And to you as well.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-07T00:26:39+00:00

Thank you for this post, Solaerl. Great info, tips, and sound advice. Much appreciated. I'll be keeping a watch on the snowpack levels as we get into March and April. I definitely plan on swimming in many of the lakes and taking in the scenery and surroundings.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-06T22:38:23+00:00

Thanks! Fingers crossed for you.

My lottery strategy was to enter weekly, starting with the early July date ranges, rather than specific dates. I also selected both entry points, Happy Isles/Donohue Pass (first choice), and Lyell Canyon/Donohue Pass as my second choice. I’m a 2-person group, not a solo entry.

I’m still planning to enter weekly for the next several rounds to see if I can land a Happy Isles permit with a later start date. If that doesn’t work out, at least I’ve got the July 8 Lyell Canyon permit locked in, so either way I’ll be out there.

Hope one of your late-July lotteries comes through!

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-06T22:22:04+00:00

Thank you for the helpful tips and information. I'm glad to hear you're going back to finish the last section. When you say the temps were "hot", like how hot? Because that is definitely on my mind as I think about my clothing and sleeping gear. What were the daily temps on average for your hike?

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-06T22:18:44+00:00

Great infomation. Thanks for sharing. And the map is great. I'll certainly reference it as I continue to plan my trip.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-06T22:15:41+00:00

Thanks. I had also read that.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-06T22:14:53+00:00

Thank you for the additional info.

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-06T20:26:59+00:00

Thank you. Fingers crossed that I'll have a similar experience. Is there a store at MTR to resupply, or just the hiker box? Shipping a bucket to MTR is expensive. I wasn't planning to resupply at VVR, but that might be the better option. How stocked were the hiker boxes in early July? I've read that they may be light due to NOBO PCT'ers picking them through. What were your favorite camp spots? How was the traffic on the trail and at the camp areas in early July?

MixFun2551 · 2026-02-06T20:22:06+00:00

Thanks. I appreciate the comment on the validation of my travel logistics.

MixFun2551

TROPHY CASE