I switched from the JMT to the High Sierra Trail last August and I still can't decide if it was the right call

Spencer Fisher · 2026-10-15T14:10:05.221264+00:00

So last August I had permits for the John Muir Trail out of Happy Isles, 211 miles, three weeks of food drops all planned out. Then two buddies bailed on me three weeks out, and I panicked and swapped to the High Sierra Trail instead since it's only 72 miles and I could do it solo in a week. The HST was stunning, the Whitney summit at the end wrecked me in a good way, and I finished feeling strong instead of totally fried. But here's the thing, every trip report I read about the JMT makes me feel like I skipped the main event, like I showed up to a concert and left after the opener. On the other hand, doing 211 miles alone with a heavy bear can sounded miserable and I know myself well enough to admit I probably would've quit around Reds Meadow. The HST gave me big passes, hot springs, and a real finish line without the mental grind of a 3 week solo. So I keep going back and forth, shorter and sweeter versus longer and legendary. Has anyone here done both and actually picked a favorite, or am I just going to keep second guessing this forever?

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I switched from the JMT to the High Sierra Trail last August and I still can't decide if it was the right call | Backpacking Routes - Guest Forum