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Heard a guy at REI say the JMT is overrated now because of permits. Made me think.
Was at REI in Denver last Saturday picking up a new stove. Overheard this guy telling his friend the JMT is not worth the hassle anymore with the lottery system and limited permits. Said he prefers doing section hikes in the Wind Rivers instead. I've done the JMT twice, last time in 2018. Permits were a pain but the trail was still incredible. But I get his point too - waiting months to maybe get a permit, then fighting crowds. Which side are you on? Is the JMT still worth fighting for or are there better long trails out west now that don't need all that planning?
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sethr115mo ago
But do you think the permits actually HELP keep the trail from being even MORE crowded than it already is? I mean, I remember in 2018 there were spots where you couldn't find a campsite before sunset because everyone was fighting for the same spots. If they just opened it up completely, wouldn't it turn into a total zoo? Or is the permit system just gatekeeping for people who can plan six months ahead, which is basically anyone with a desk job?
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angelapalmer5mo ago
Wait @sethr11, isn't that kind of the point though? I used to be totally against permits, thought it was just bureaucracy messing with peoples' plans. But after trying to backpack in Yosemite without one a few years back, I totally flipped my view. I spent two hours circling the same five overcrowded sites near the trailhead, watching people get into yelling matches over a patch of dirt. Permits aren't perfect but they at least spread people out, so you're not sleeping three feet from a stranger's tent.
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