The John Muir Trail (JMT) is a 220 mile/50,000’ ascent journey through the wildest parts of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, terminated by Yosemite Valley in the north and Mt.Whitney in the south. I was lucky enough to complete a solo unsupported JMT last week after 5.5 days effort, carrying all my own kit and food for the entire journey from start to finish. It’s a stellar experience through wild and remote alpine terrain, with virtually no human impact for 200+ miles of its length, and get this, not even a phone signal either (teenage purgatory). The route passes numerous 3,500-4,000m passes, including an ascent of Mt.Whitney (4,500m) off-the-couch at the very start if you’re going northbound as I was obliged to do by my permit. Luckily the bears, mountains lions and snakes all gave me a wide berth presumably because of my rather fragrant aroma. In terms of effort it’s not too dissimilar to the Petite Trotte a Leon but on better trails. I’m now back in the UK and eating for Scotland – expect Mr.Blobby next time you see me.
Olly Stephenson