Hello everyone, I wanted to share my grief and let everyone know that my 2 full 5 gallon bucket + 2 mini coolers of resupply / medicines were stolen from Cottonwood Pass Trailhead.

Gallon buckets had some dehydrated food. Mini coolers had medicines. And they were on top of each other so they took only 1/4 approx space of the bear box. NO; they were not taking the entire space of a bear box, in fact I was extremely careful of that.

Boxes were stolen BEFORE the written pick up date. They got stolen approx 1 week before the pick up date. there was a clear date and name on the boxes.

I will keep this post to help others so that IT IS KNOWN that there is thievery on this trailhead. Rangers / Forest Service office confirmed that it happens sometimes.

EDIT; Rangers confirmed that they did not take it, as it would expected because there was nothing wrong with them, pick up dates were written and boxes got stolen before the pick up date.

EDIT 2: we found some of the items thrown away along the horseshoe meadow road. apparently they thrown away some of the things they didn’t like.

Edit 3: I see a lot of “sounds like it…” comments. People say “sounds like..” but then they are immediately set on a “judgement” ? I recommend everyone to be more inquiring before coming up with judgements about anyone else. It’s really heartless approach to any communication. Although I assume people who wrote these doesn’t care about communication. As the quick judgements are the proof.

Edit4: The immediate purpose of my post was to share my grief with people, now I understand it was like putting a deer into a lion’s den… very sad seeing the mental / heart condition of the humanity.

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Looking for an update on smoke/conditions. He was planning to do a zero day at Rae lakes, but unsure if that’ll be an option at this point. Any info is appreciated!

Hi all- I’m planning to hike the JMT in early September starting from happy isles exiting at MT Whitney. I’ve never done an overnight backpacking trip but I’m fit and confident in my ability. My mom who has experience will join me for the first few days to get me in the swing of things.

1. Is two weeks feasible? How many hours a day would I be walking about? It’s the only amount of time I have before going back to school so I’m hoping to make it work.

2. Is it dangerous to walk the trail alone as a woman? Any tips to stay safe?

3. Where should my mom exit the trail? Anyone know a good exit about three nights in?

4. What are some essentials besides obvious camping stuff. I know bear bags. What else? Satellite phone/ tracker so my family can keep track of me?

5. Any tips for beginners are appreciated👍🏼

Has anyone been fishing on trail? If so, how was it? What were you throwing?

My friend and I have one extra spot to hike the JTM from Taboose pass south through Whitney portal. Driving up from LA Sunday July 21. Hiking Monday-Sunday, 22-28. This is a challenging trip, doing about 10 miles per day and going over passes. You’ll need all your own gear. Murderers need not apply.

Has anyone used this method for resupply this year? How was your experience? I understand it’s a grey area and is tolerated by Forest Service so long as your pick up date is listed. With that said. Is the bear box your “supposed” to use obvious? What kind of container did you use? Can you confirm it’s at the end of onion valley RD. Mt.williamson hotel is booked so I believe this is my only option?

Im open to suggestions. Thanks for any advice

How do you go about doing this? You stay the night near the visitor center in Yosemite and line up bright and early in order to get one? Is this a feasible way to get a permit if you camp out there to snag one? If you do get one, would you be allowed to start that morning? Thanks for the info.

What actions make someone required to have a wilderness permit? Could an ultrarunner just run the full JMT without a wilderness permit? Could you they take nap breaks or would that force them to get the permit?

Starting my NOBO out of CWL on 8/20 and trying to decide if I should bring a pair of lightweight pants or stick to my shorts and rely on my rain pants if the conditions require my legs to be covered.

Is it deluded wishful thinking to hope that the washed-out bridge will be replaced by late August?

I’ve got a SOBO permit from Tuolomne. Assuming I complete the rest of the hike, I may have some extra time in Lone Pine. Would it be feasible to get public transit to Tuolomne early in the morning, then day hike 22 miles to Happy Isles and get transit back to Lone Pine? Thanks in advance for any beta.

Hey y’all, I’m doing a North—>South section of the JMT and was wondering how difficult it is to get a ride out of lake Sabrina. Any advice? Thx :)

I am hiking nobo this July and have just about everything locked down. Now I want to read up on the plants, animals, bugs and geology. I have read Elizabeth Wenk's narrative of the trail and have her book on plants of the high sierra, but I am looking for good YouTube/instagram/tiktok resources. I am also a professor (a social science) so have access to a university library and all the databases if you have more textbook/academic suggestions. I know I will enjoy the trail so much more if I know a bit more about what I am seeing and walking on.

NOBO from the Cottonwood Lakes TH, which is the better resupply location, Cedar Grove @ 18.6 miles or Independence @ 20.2 miles?

I'm a little bummed out that either way, it's costing me 2 days in trail.

My friend and I want to hike the JMT from Mammoth Mountain to the Yosemite Valley. We can each get 7 days off of work, so we thought this 50+ mile section would be perfect. We are trying to get permits for Shadow Creek to go northbound and end in Yosemite. We are still trying to get permits, but they only have walk up slots left. Any recommendations for a different entry points to get permits for in the Inyo National Forest? We are fine to add on around 10+ more miles.

Hi - I have a SOBO permit from Tuolumne Meadows departing 8/15 and to keep my pack light(er) would love to arrange a resupply drop at Kearsarge Pass. But I understand the cost is $450 for one drop of up to 90 pounds. I’m wondering if I can somehow connect with 2-5 other hikers planning to be at the same location on the same day so we can share in costs, and if so how this is arranged?

Got my permits this morning for a section hike of JMT! Those things went fast!

Past Reds Meadows, averaging close to 10ish miles per day, I’m looking for itinerary suggestions. Also, we want to go to Clouds Rest and are wary about the steep down climb. Does anyone have any beta on that descent? How bad is that descent on 60yo knees with a backpack? Thanks!

Hey everybody, I’m looking at heading northbound in August. This is my first morning trying to get a permit. Cottonwood was the trailhead I was considering, but with it being so desirable, I’m wondering if anyone has any other trailhead they suggest that might be easy to get a permit for.

Looking to start o/a 17 June, but only walk up permits or available.

What’s the chance of getting a walk up on the early shoulder of the season?

Don’t want to travel 10ths for a bust?