Had to choose between the John Muir Trail and the Sierra High Route last summer

I went with the JMT because I was solo and wanted more established campsites. Honestly the trail was packed with people near Red's Meadow and I kinda regret not pushing myself on the High Route. Has anyone else picked the popular route and wished they'd gone harder?

2 comments

2 Comments

laura_ross1mo agoMost Upvoted

Yeah I did something similar on the PCT. Took the easier stretch cause I was beat and regretted it later. Sometimes the harder option is the one you remember.

tessacarter1mo ago

Wait you actually did the JMT solo? That's wild! I remember coming across a solo hiker near Thousand Island Lake and thinking they were nuts. But seriously, the crowds around Reds Meadow are insane, like a whole different trail. Must have been a shock going from that quiet section to all those people.