This was the only trail head out of the valley I was able to get a permit for our group to hike the entire JMT(July 2013). I now know why others opted for other trails… the 2500+ ft of elevation gain in less than 2 miles was part of the«shock and awe» program to start the JMT. Incredible views, solitude and our adrenaline is what kept us going… all 14 of us made it up… but the next day, one of our crew dropped off the trail — it had been too much for him. Great trail — will do it again!!!
Sandyann G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Livermore, CA
When you pick five stars the rating shows ‘Woohoo! As good as it gets!’ Uh well it should be ‘damm it’s as hard as it gets’. Don’t believe the ‘several dozen’ switchback nonsense that the NPS will tell you. I think that means like 36. HA! I counted 113 on the way down. Erin S and I went on a backpacking trip up this trail last week-end. Our winter trip in summery conditions. Our packs were heavy because of the 4 season tent, bear can, and warm clothes. I was wearing a Suunto Ambit that said we had only gone a mile. How the ‘H’ is that possible when we had been climbing for almost two hours? This dang thing must be broken. The switchbacks are never ending and steep. Imagine this. For every tenth of a mile you will climb 100 ft. Can you visualize this? We set off from our car at the Happy Isle TH parking and made it to the TH cutoff for Snow Creek by 12:15. Hey we only have to climb 2.7 miles right? We should be at the top in camp by 4:00. At 4:00 I had readjusted my expectations to just get there in time to climb into my bag. A couple of day hikers passed us, and at the same time passed judgement, based on me laying on the ground gasping and crying for air. My pack was lying in the middle of the trail blocking any forward progress; I don’t think they had much confidence in our(my) success. We finally made it to the footbridge as dusk was fading to full dark. Fortunately we had two days to recover and not think about having to go back down the evil switchbacks. I guess I should mention that the views are amazing of Half Dome, Quarter Domes, and all other manner of memorable granite objects. Take a moment from staring in misery at the ground as you trudge ever upward and take in the scenery. Makes it all worthwhile! BTW… the Suunto was correct. Ow…I need to take some more Advil and soak in some Epsom salt now. After I crawl out of my bed.
Alex A.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Sylmar, CA
I bought all my shit to go backpacking and to become a mountain man. I’ve done a few day-hikes and felt I was ready for a big one, according to me. This is about a six mile hike, two miles through Mirror Lake and about four going up about 2,800 ft. in 99 switch backs. This hike beat me the F-ck up! It took me six hours to get up to the top, had dinner, good dinner and when we woke up we just decided to pack it up and get the hell out of Dodge! Coming down presented a new world of pain, I got a blister and my big toe nail turned purple??? This hike was way out of my league, I would not recommend it unless your are in shape, oh and by the way I was carrying 30+ lbs. of shit on my back! Incredible waterfalls through the hike and spectacular views once we got to the top including an incredible view of Half Dome from an angle I have never seen before! This is a great hike!
