I used to think the John Muir Trail was the only 'real' long hike in California

I was reading a trip report from someone who did the Big SEKI Loop instead, and they said the views in the Tablelands were 'like the JMT but with maybe five other people all week.' That got me. I always pictured the Sierra as just that one crowded corridor. Now I'm looking at the High Sierra Trail for next summer. Has anyone here done both and can compare the crowds?

3 comments

3 Comments

thomas.parker22d ago

Honestly that's the best part of the Sierra, you can get off the JMT and have whole basins to yourself. My buddy did the HST and said the vibe is way more chill after the first couple days. Makes you rethink the whole crowded trail thing.

the_mia22d ago

Yeah the HST is great but it actually merges with the JMT for a bit, you don't really get away from people until you head west towards the Tablelands. Still quieter overall though.

alicecooper21d ago

Oh sure, the classic "wilderness experience" of playing trail traffic cop on the JMT section. Nothing says solitude like waiting in line to use a bear box. At least the Tablelands part sounds nice, where the only crowds are the mosquitoes.