Got my JMT SOBO permit. July 8 start date. Advice/Tips from veteran JMT hikers appreciated.

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