Proposed backpack along John Muir Trail/Pacific Crest Trail in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks, California, during September 2011.

Many folks feel that the 200+ miles long John Muir Trail(JMT)is the most spectacular section of the 2500 mile Pacific Crest Trail(PCT).It is also the highest and one of the most isolated sections and so re-supply logistics can be tricky.Because the trail is managed by the US National Park and National Forest Services there are permitting and reservation issues.There are many websites, some useful ones are;

http://johnmuirtrail.org

http://www.backpack45.com.

My tentative plan is to walk the southern half which, including the entry and exit trails to and from the JMT, has a total distance of about 120 miles(200kms). If one plans to travel about 10-15 miles per day,with elevation gain, hopefully collecting a re-supply cache, a side trip up Mt. Whitney(?) and taking one or two rest days, the trip would likely take about two weeks.To get to and from the trailheads, two cars would be best, and so 5 people would be a good number. Lightweight gear would make this trip more enjoyable because, assuming the re-supply can be arranged, you would have to carry about one week's supplies at times.

Obviously, total time from and back to Vancouver would vary with driving times, but plan on 2-3 days drive each way.If some folks would like to join us for a small portion of this trip, this might be possible to arrange.

As this is a popular route, the plan is to start the hike after Labour Day 5 September.It is best to make reservations early in the season, so anyone interested should contact me at:

bjwood@telus.net or (604) 222-1541.

Thanks, Brian Wood