Jmt

[Wolf - 23000]

Hi All

I'm thinking about doing the JMT this summer but I like to know is the trail all burn up. Several years ago, CA had a MAJOR forest fire that burn several areas of the PCT south of there. I hike south of there back about 2 years ago and it was really ugly.

Also has anyone hike the trail in the winter? I'm not sure I'll be able to get permission to go but it would be fun if I did.

Wolf

[Pacific Tortuga]

PM MOWGLI16, he hiked it last year. I'm sure he can give you all the 411 on the trek.

[fiddlehead]

Many people cross country ski the JMT in winter. The problem Pieps and I had in 2002 when we were attempting the triple crown in one year was that it is a 500 mile stretch between resupply in the winter. Red's Meadow is closed, Vermillion Valley is closed, and even Tuollumme was closed (snowed in) so, you would have to take enough food for the 220 miles. but knowing you Wolf, you could probably do it. (oh yeah, it was all white too)(I would recommend a GPS)
There was no one around checking permits in march. But you may have to go in at Horseshoe Meadows if you can't get a permit for whitney summit, that way you have an extra 20 miles or so to go and can come into whitney from the back side.
Or, if you are just interested in hiking and don't care about being a purist on the JMT, come in at Shepherd's pass and skip mt whitney. You would then come in just south of Forrester pass. It's a long, long uphill that way though. The horseshoe meadows road gets you up pretty high in elevation with your car but that road gets snowed in in the winter too.
have fun, i think Slo Ride goes in there every spring on his skis. I have his email if you need it.
GPS (From google earth) points for horseshoe parking lot is: 36 deg, 26, 541 N and 118 deg. 10. 27 W
You can find the road in Lone Pine, just ask someone for Horseshoe Meadows road but i'd find out if it's open first. (it was the first road open the year we were there) good luck, and let me know if you need more info. (are you still in the army?) fh