The John Muir Trail beat the Pacific Crest in one key way for me

Did both over the past two summers, 211 miles on the JMT and then a 400 mile PCT stretch in Oregon. The JMT forced me to plan water stops every 8 miles or so because there's just not much out there, but the PCT had me carrying way more weight 'cause of longer dry spells. Honestly the trail communities felt different too, the JMT folks were more willing to share maps and tips at camp. Anyone else find that shorter routes push you to be sharper with your resupply than big thru-hikes?

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allen.amy12h ago

Honestly I had the exact opposite experience. The PCT's longer dry stretches forced me to actually think ahead and learn my own limits, while the JMT's constant water access just made me lazy about planning. And I found the thru-hikers way more open at camp, probably 'cause they've been through enough trail drama to know sharing intel saves everyone's butt. The JMT crowd felt more like weekend warriors comparing gear than people who'd actually learned to survive out there. Maybe shorter routes don't make you sharper, they just make you think you are.