Fastpacking the John Muir Trail - Planning

Five months out, and the logistics of the trip are starting to come together. We received our hiking permit which was perhaps the largest piece somewhat out of our control. Although we are leaving from one of the busier trailheads in Yosemite National Park, we did choose a mid week departure late in the season which certainly helps. By Labor Day we should be far from either end of the Muir Trail which tend to be the most congested.

As previously discussed, due to ease of use and requirements we will definitely carry bear canisters. I also called to get the story on human waste disposal within the Mt. Whitney Zone. All visitors to this area must now pack-out their solid human waste. The folks at Inyo National Forest make this fairly easy for those hiking in from the North. At the Crabtree Ranger Station we will come across a sign with the requirements and a bin/dispenser for Wag Bags or Restops.

For food drops, we will almost certainly use the services of the Muir Trail Ranch, which is the last possible pickup point headed southbound at roughly mile 107. We might also use Red Meadow at mile 56 to lighten our loads in the early days.

What else is left at this point? Making sure my body and gear are up for the challenge come September. More on those next time.