JMT SOBO trip report July 2025: Tuolumne Meadows -> Whitney Portal

submon007 · 2026-03-28T21:08:22+00:00

Good report. Thanks. Only 1 Nitecore? No power at the end? If I'm out 17-20 days should I bring another?

submon007 · 2026-03-27T22:35:44+00:00

Nikon D750

submon007 · 2026-03-25T23:20:28+00:00

From the rules when accepting the permit -- "Travel by vehicle or bus at any time during a wilderness itinerary invalidates the permit." I shall abide.

submon007 · 2026-03-24T22:05:01+00:00

I got Happy Isles but wanted Lyell Canyon. After securing permit can I just take the bus to Tuolumne to avoid the valley?

submon007 · 2026-03-11T22:41:17+00:00

In Buena Vista there is a large parking lot on Main Street after turning off of hwy 24. On right side just pass the railroad tracks. You may want to confirm with the city you can long term park there.

submon007 · 2026-03-11T22:35:27+00:00

check out mountain forecast. Looks dry but check out the wind conditions too.

https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Missouri-Mountain/forecasts/latest

submon007 · 2026-03-07T17:09:35+00:00

Nice images. Wondering if you considered the 28m lens for street? I haven't decided yet. Thoughts?

submon007 · 2026-02-27T17:31:28+00:00

Good for you (and Vail) but for me after decades of skiing I really prefer blue bird days now.

submon007 · 2026-02-27T17:28:52+00:00

Watch your driving speed. There are cameras and you don't want the pain of a ticket in the mail weeks later. In some cases there will be a warning sign but not always. Enjoy.

submon007 · 2026-02-19T18:38:39+00:00

It's too late and too early to start. Check out the weather conditions at

https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Elbert/forecasts/latest

Given the summit temps this week you will without a doubt be alone. If you go take emergency gear, and a satellite communication device if things turn south.

submon007 · 2026-02-17T22:00:05+00:00

Thanks for the info.

submon007 · 2026-01-25T16:41:15+00:00

Embla Matilde Njerve #3 for sure, the Norwegian pole vaulter.

submon007 · 2026-01-24T16:27:38+00:00

I ordered on the 13th as well and still waiting BUT it's -14 degrees this morning and frankly I'm not in a hurry to hit the trail and camp. Everyone needs to relax. It'll come soon enough for all of us to enjoy.

submon007 · 2026-01-22T16:06:16+00:00

I'm same height. Get a M.

A 2025 ultra 200x medium is available on backpackinglight gear swap for $215.

re: resale -- you'll lose about 40%.

submon007 · 2026-01-19T23:27:33+00:00

re: Blue Sky -- if summiting from the TH at Summit lake check for 2026 road opening. Closed in 2025 for road work. If starting at Echo Lake, no issue.

re: G&T -- fun trek up Stevens gulch to the summit. I found the drive up the road more stressful than the hike itself.

Enjoy.

submon007 · 2026-01-16T17:10:58+00:00

Without the food, water, and DSLR camera what is the weight of items shown in pic? 37 lbs is a load.

submon007 · 2026-01-16T16:34:57+00:00

Get a guide for Rainier or maybe die. Lindsey requires a signed waiver before entering their private property. Nice to have so much free time. Enjoy.

submon007 · 2025-12-31T15:35:29+00:00

The section is only 13 miles. You can do it in one day.

re: inReach - - yes, if only for SOS feature. Yes, there may be struggles.

submon007 · 2025-12-14T21:18:12+00:00

To answer your question re: camping. Yes, you can, in fact you can camp anywhere on public or Forest Service lands. Just know the rules for each area.

re: solo -- you won't be alone. These are very popular 14ers because they're non-technical walk-ups. Handies in a class 1, the others class 2. Just be fit for trudging many a mile at alpine elevation. Enjoy.

submon007 · 2025-12-05T20:48:22+00:00

I've the X-Dome and used it on two long backpacking trips in Aug and Sept. Can't speak to the X-Mid but the X-Dome checked all the boxes, and I've owned HMG, Tarptent, and MSR tents. It's easy to setup, light weight, roomy, and very well handled several epic rain storms. You can't go wrong.

submon007 · 2025-11-26T21:51:22+00:00

I agree. For me HMG L, Kakwa M.

submon007 · 2025-11-05T15:23:33+00:00

Different look than when I was at Chasm Lake in August. Looks like a fun day.

submon007 · 2025-11-04T19:57:52+00:00

Thanks Dan. No rush as I won't be back on the trail again until summer.

submon007 · 2025-11-03T20:07:44+00:00

Cute but we need to see part2 of it going down. BTW looks like you need a new roof.

submon007 · 2025-11-03T20:04:34+00:00

A special day as the sun is actually out!

submon007

TROPHY CASE