Heard a thru-hiker say the JMT is overrated - got me doubting my plans

I was at REI in Denver last week and overheard this guy with a PCT patch telling his friend the John Muir Trail is 'too crowded and not worth the permit hassle.' I've been planning a JMT trip for next August, specifically starting at Happy Isles and doing the full 211 miles to Whitney Portal. Now I'm second guessing myself - is the JMT really that packed, or was that guy just being a snob about his long trail cred? Anyone here done both the JMT and a less popular Sierras route like the Sierra High Route?

3 comments

3 Comments

faithbaker1mo ago

Nah, early June is just trading crowds for mud...

sandralee1mo ago

Late June is actually when bugs are worst in most high places. Early June can still have decent snowmelt but the mosquitoes haven't fully hatched yet.

gavine411mo ago

Consider going in early June when the snowmelt keeps the crowds way down and the bugs aren't bad yet.