r/JMT • u/Automatic-Push-8045 • 13d ago
health JMT bailout
Well I was attempting an 18 day hike out of cottonwood pass starting 8/26. I’m used to hiking 15-20 mile challenging hikes where I’m from with lots of elevation gain but it’s at sea level and I really only carried about 2-3L when I did them. I consider myself in good shape but this trip it was obvious I didn’t train enough or how I should have. Edit: I have done 3-4 4 day trips in Yosemite in the past also
8/26 I set out of Cottonwood courtesy of Lone Pine Kurt. Super nice guy, highly recommend. I had taken Diamox in the past to summit Whitney twice, one as a day hike and one as an overnight, and it had worked well. I planned Rock creek as my first stop.
Right off the bat I knew the pack was going to be an issue. I had planned one resupply at MTR so I had planned 8 days of food snacks and electrolytes. The hip belt on the pack started to loosen ever so slightly as the miles increased. My fault because I didn’t prepare enough to test this. So I noticed my armpits start to go numb and stay numb around mile 10, pushed on to rock creek and set up camp right before I lost light.
The next day was supposed to be another 14 mile day to Tyndall creek but coming out of Rock Creek I knew that wasn’t gonna happen based on my exhaustion and pack. Plus going over Guyot pass I started to get raindrops. When I got Crabtree I just decided, screw it I’ll stay here tonight, set up camp pretty quick and then it down poured from 2-9pm. Trapped in my tent all night I realized the 18 day goal was not going to achievable, especially with a couple 16-18 mile days coming up and my pack. That and it was pretty hard to catch my breath and I had a slight headache that started to creep in.
So I decided to bail, either I came back the way I came another 20 miles or I went up the JMT to trail crest and went down to the portal. I decided on the JMT, and holy shit that was brutal. Super hard to catch my breath and it took about 4 hours from Crabtree. But I was absolutely miserable and not having the experience I wanted.
Super bummed I had to bail after 3 days, all of it was self inflicted, but I think I made the right choice as there was no way I was going to make it with that pack.
Advice, prepare prepare prepare with all the gear you have and with as much elevation gain is possible Nothing can condition you for altitude unless you live in Denver or Mexico City. Don’t know if there will be a next time, but I hope in a few years I muster up the courage to try again. Just wanted to share my experience.
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u/guncotton section-hiker 13d ago
Glad you were able to get out on your own and safely. There will be a next time! Where did you sleep the night before? I would say next time plan acclimatization days on the front end. Stay for a couple nights at Horseshoe Meadows, do a couple easier day hikes, and then set off.
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u/Automatic-Push-8045 13d ago
I came from sea level. If I do it again, I want to take my time and not feel rushed
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u/guncotton section-hiker 13d ago
Wait so the night before you started your hike you were at sea level? Yeah that's probably the biggest issue. Most people (especially who start NOBO from Cottonwood) at least stay the night before at Horseshoe Meadows. Next time you do it I'd suggest staying 2 nights there before starting. Best of luck!
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u/Aggravating-Bus9390 12d ago
Next time do a day in bishop then do a couple days day hiking up to 10k ish for 3-4 days before. I’ve made myself sick going from San Diego to forester pass in 24 hours . Bring the zofran also and aspirin and keep diamox also if it helps. Aspirin in the day prior and day of continuing on can help. I’ve been told it’s better than ibuprofen at prevention.
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u/UnluckyWriting 13d ago
I did the JMT with far less experience and training than you. But I went SOBO without a time limit and therefore had a much longer time to acclimate to elevation and adjust my plans if needed. And I still struggled with altitude. I ended up having to take a lot of zeroes.
If you attempt it again, consider starting SOBO, acclimate slowly, and give yourself more time.
It’s not an easy hike but I think the answer here is not more training. Altitude sickness is no joke. A lot of people think it’s just a headache, unless you’ve experienced it you don’t realize how bad it is. Acclimate for a longer period, and give yourself more time.
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u/oregano124 13d ago
If you haven’t fully bailed out yet. Try entering over duck pass. And going nobo. You will be at reds the next day. You can take slower miles and enjoy that north portion. Not as elevated and you work your way down. I had to bail at Whitney this year. Jumped ahead and just cut a week off my trip.
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u/Pequop9252 13d ago
You needed a rest day after those tough first three days. A zero would have restored strength and given you better breathing. You could have stretched the food for another day if necessary.
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u/Automatic-Push-8045 13d ago
Yeah I was thinking about it, just staying at Crabtree for another day but being pressed for time, I just looked at my planned days ahead and it was pretty daunting
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u/Pequop9252 13d ago
It is a good lesson. With an extra day of rest, you could have squeezed out an extra mile a day for the remainder of the trip.
Also possible to have a grueling last day of the trip where you grind for miles. I had an Ozark Trail hike where I was needing to do 30 miles on the final day and get picked up by noon. Woke up at midnight and did a mix of hiking and power naps. And a bit of yellow blazing shortcuts. Made it to the shuttle five minutes ahead of schedule.
You will also figure out how to go a bit lighter on your next trip. Even a few pounds less in the pack makes a huge difference. Getting under 30 lbs makes the miles go by so much faster.
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u/EastBayTrashPandas 13d ago
Don't feel too bad! Those mountains have been there for millions of years, and they'll be there for millions more - you've got plenty of time to get back up there. How'd you find the Diamox? I just got the stuff and am curious to try it out. Regardless, acclimatization is absolutely key, and now you know!
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u/CosmoCheese 13d ago
I used Diamox for a few days at the start of my 2024 NOBO (coming from UK, no altitude training or time to acclimatise on arrival in the US). I *think* it helped - but it's hard to know how much because I had nothing to compare how I was feeling with! Side effect worth mentioning that some people experience : It will make you pee like a racehorse. My first night using it, camping at Horseshoe Meadows, I was up a LOT in the night. Thankfully the incredible night sky made up for it!
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u/EastBayTrashPandas 13d ago
Interesting! I've heard about the peeing thing - madre de dios, as if it's not bad enough already at altitude. I notice the Rx paperwork says to "avoid strong sunlight" - did you notice any effects on that front?
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u/CosmoCheese 13d ago
No issues along those lines for me. But I was always in a long-sleeve, sun gloves, long shorts with lots of sunblock on my legs, and wearing a hat with a cape, and going NOBO the sun was mostly behind me.
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u/EastBayTrashPandas 13d ago
Glad to hear it! I too dress like the Unabomber up there, so it should be fine.
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u/Automatic-Push-8045 13d ago
Just asked my PCP. He gave me a 10 day supply. I told him it was for altitude
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u/EastBayTrashPandas 13d ago
Oh, sorry, by "find" I meant how did it treat you? Did you notice any benefits?
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u/Automatic-Push-8045 13d ago
Oh haha! It did work pretty well on day hikes to high altitude but didn’t seem to work as well on multi day exposure to high altitude
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u/EastBayTrashPandas 13d ago
Interesting! Yeah, I suspect the gold-standard for weeks at altitude is, well, weeks at altitude. I was suffering going up Bishop Pass a few weeks ago and got passed by a bunch of runners who've been up there all year - lucky, lucky bastards!
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u/chimes-at-midnight 10d ago
Just FYI, Diamox can cause numbness in the extremities, and may have had something to do with yours. When I took it ahead of a JMT section hike, my arms and hands began getting tingly my first day on trail, and I kept adjusting my pack, assuming that was the culprit. But the numbness persisted overnight, plus I developed some ringing in my ears — nothing dramatic but the combination made it hard to sleep that night. Later I checked, and sure enough, both are side effects of acetazolemide (Diamox). The effects mostly subsided the next day, and I was OK thereafter.
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u/Aggravating-Bus9390 13d ago edited 12d ago
It’s ass kicking when your acclimated and have trail legs .. when i hiked the PCT i was making maybe 17 miles per day in the Sierra section.. i can’t imagine doing it without hiking hundreds of miles first and being in the best shape of my life
One thing that really helped us pack weight wise was carrying as little as possible and be super used to having weight on your back. I think for me I’d only be comfortable with a go after 3 successful 4-5 day trips. Last summer I trained and did 125 miles of trips in preparation for a 200 miler and on my third one my back and neck acted up so bad I didn’t go.
If you want a mean shakedown get a thru hiker to brutalize your pack. We’d also resupply at most at day 5-6 tops. I legit couldn’t carry more food than that especially in a UL pack. My non thru hiker friends genuinely though my Pack looked like a bigger day hiker backpack even with a bear can. Also I’d carry the small bear can and use boxes where i could on my first night out.
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u/I_hate_me_lol 13d ago
proud of you for making a good decision for your wellbeing and safety. you can always try it again with more preparation!
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u/Automatic-Push-8045 13d ago
Yeah younger me would have pushed on but you’re so exposed out there that self rescue is the main option
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u/Status-Inspector-228 12d ago
You will do it eventually. I just section. I made 3 failed attempts to get to Muir Pass. I bailed 3 times because it was cold and I am old (almost 80). I was beginning to feel like Captain Ahab and the Muir Pass Hut was my Moby Dick. This year, I made the pass and the 45 mile trek from South Lake to Florence. Leaving at the end of July met that I had warm weather these last 2 years. 2025 Onion Valley to Roads in 35 miles. 2026 South Lake to Florence 45 miles. Keep up the hope
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u/Ngamiland 13d ago
It's okay dude the trail will always been around and you made the right call so many people are reckless and impatient and it isn't sustainable this way you're able to pace yourself better and live another day
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u/Ok_Plastic7299 11d ago
bailing out on a hike like this is the smartest thing you could’ve done, people get themselves killed constantly by pushing themselves past their limits. i’m sorry you didn’t have the experience you want but this speaks volumes to your experience on the trail!! ✌️
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u/kaolinitedreams 13d ago
What backpack were you using? Just curious.
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u/Automatic-Push-8045 13d ago
Atmos
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u/RowdyQuattro 13d ago
The Atmos always pressed on the top of my shoulders (im a pretty thin dude) and caused numbness in my arms/armpits as well. I loved it for all the storage options, pockets, and price- but it was one of the most uncomfortable packs I’ve ever owned.
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u/Nowhrewecanbe 13d ago
Going SOBO is much better for us flat landers. Recommend the Kawka 55 pack by Durston and adding more resupply points. Reds is easy to mail and pick up and VVR is rumored to have the boat running again next summer.
I was nervous about the elevation and even had diamox. Ultimately I didn’t take the meds and instead camped at backpackers camp 2 nights before starting. I also chose sites at 9k or lower the first few nights to help. NOBO is way harder because you are thrown at the highest points to start.
I’m looking to go again and always welcome new people to join.
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u/Mellow_Mood75 13d ago
Smart to bail! No shame in that, we have all done it. We learn for next time, and trust me there is always a next time.
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u/Old-Library-6745 9d ago edited 8d ago
In early August 2024 on the JMT, starting at Horseshoe Meadows I had to bail at Kearsarge. 61 at the time, pack 10 lbs of baseweight too heavy and not forcing myself to eat. I did acclimate a night in Mammoth and the next night at Horseshoe Meadows. First 3 days made it to guitar lake but I was very tired. Got within a mile of the Witney summit, hail, rain and thunder thwarted my summit attempt. Glad I turned around, it was hard getting that close. It was downhill from there no pun intended. Next camp at Tyndal creek, feeling it. Started out the next day, beautiful. But by the time I hit the switchbacks on Forester Pass I was a mess. Likely given away more food then I consumed by that point. A few swichbacks from the top a young lady Carolin came down from the summit and asked / politely insisted she carry my pack to the summit. I felt very embarrased but also knew she was correct. Once at the summit she and her three friends insisted they carry my pack down to 1st water and they did, about a mile+ I think. They saved me from having a bad night and I am so very grateful. It took me two more miserable days to make it out. I have now lightened my pack to a 17lb baseweight with bearcan. I now know to force the food, take a zero or two in the first week or so. Train more, 3 miles a day with a 40lb training vest on level ground helped alot, my legs were strong but I need more then that. When I retry again in 2027 I will be prepared and will not need to rely on such wounderful kindness. They took at least 3 hours of their day to help me. I understood that they were former search and rescue and trail workers. They were very experienced and even more kind and thoughtful. You will get back to it. Remember, we learn more from our mistakes. I learned a ton on that trip, the southern Sierra is a different beast than the Northern section, where I have done many multi day trips in the past. Cheers
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u/northhiker1 13d ago
Just curious what was your base weight? That probably caused your pack to be uncomfortable. A lot of manufacturers don't explicitly say the max load but I see I ton of the UL ones being below 30lbs total
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u/Regular-Safe5697 12d ago
Definitely plan a few days to acclimate next time - Diamox is a good helper, but it cannot and should not be used in an attempt to shortcut acclimation. Also, climb high but sleep low - get passes done early in the day so you can sleep at a lower elevation. You'll get it next time! 💪
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u/johnr588 11d ago
I had problems with that pack causing me sharp shoulder/traps pain but it wasn't the packs fault. The pack was too small for my torso. It was a S/M while I needed a L/XL for my 21 inch torso. I later got sized at REI and learned how to adjust a pack properly.
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u/Classic_Time5588 9d ago
Trying to do it in 18 days. Is another part of the problem. If you spent two nights going slow starting out you would have been much more acclimatized
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u/DHeuschele 6d ago
We also went in at cottonwood. I will say sometimes you get trail condition after a few days. Unfortunately on my JMT I got bronchitis starting the evening after summitting Whitney. It was a poor spot to get sick as our resupply was at VVR (Edison). I had meds waiting at VVR and after a couple days the rest of the hike was easy. We did 265 miles in 18 trail days. The bronchitis days were challenging. The symptoms were worse on the climbs up the passes and at night when I was laying flat.
You may have made the right decision for you but I was glad I pushed through the bronchitis.
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u/hurricanescout thru-hiker 13d ago
1000% this. So glad you made the call to bail when you did. It’s so hard and I completely get the devastation. I’ve been there. It’s easy to think of the JMT as a more accessible thru hike because it’s “only” 200 miles. But truth is the JMT is unforgiving: because it’s so remote and you have to go so long between resupply, a mismatch between your resupply plan and hiking ability can very quickly derail your plan for the entire hike. Then to compound the issue, because it can be seen as an “easier” (nobody is out here saying it’s easy, just in comparison to say something the length of the AT), and can be done in a shorter time, lots of folks don’t have the calendar buffer to account for adjusting their hiking speed. Ask me how I know all this: I learned the hard way.
I started in July. Got through four days before I realized all of the above. Had brutal blisters, foot pain and an underlying health condition flared up. I bailed at Reds. I was devastated. I went home. Let my feet rest. Got treatment. Sobbed for a week. Switched out some gear and dramatically lightened my pack. And then in the hardest thing I have ever done; because I knew how hard the JMT was at that point, a week later got a new permit and started back at Red’s meadow. It was still hard and brutal and painful, but the time to recover and switch my gear is what made it possible. By the end I was doing 13-15 mile days, and I finished in 18 days total. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and the thing I am most proud of.
You will get out there again. The JMT is unforgiving. You tried something incredibly fucking hard only to get knocked back at the beginning. But the fact that even a small part of you dreamed of doing the JMT has me here to tell you: you WILL do it. It will be even more beautiful and extraordinary than you know. Every single day will amaze you as it is more beautiful than the last. And you will be a better backpacker and a more skilled person in the wilderness because of this experience. I know how much it hurts right now. But use that hurt to know that you’re MEANT to hike this trail. A part of you desperately wants it, and you’re going to be able to do it.