Rant: the John Muir Trail is not the only way to see the Sierra, and I'm tired of pretending it is

Nathan Patel · 2026-10-07T02:35:03.74496+00:00

Last month I did a 6 day loop out of Cottonwood Lakes instead of fighting for a JMT permit, and it was the best stretch of trail I've ever walked. Everyone keeps pushing the JMT like it's some kind of badge, but I got a permit in 10 minutes online while my buddy waited 3 weeks in the lottery and still got rejected twice. My loop had bigger views, fewer people, and zero bear cannister drama because I planned around the food lockers at Rock Creek. Sure, the JMT is historic, but historic doesn't mean it's the right route for every trip you take. If you've got 2 weeks, sure, go do it, but stop telling new backpackers it's the only Sierra route worth their time. Has anyone else bailed on a famous trail for a lesser known loop and been glad they did?

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Rant: the John Muir Trail is not the only way to see the Sierra, and I'm tired of pretending it is | Backpacking Routes - HW Forums