What it is: A 223-mile trek through California鈥檚 Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks.听
Why it鈥檚 worth it: The JMT is considered the most beautiful鈥攁nd challenging鈥攕ection of the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs 2,650 miles between Mexico and Canada.听
How to prep: Walk. A lot. Most trips take about three weeks鈥攖hat鈥檚 averaging at least ten miles per day. But more and more backpackers with through-hiking and endurance-sport experience are attempting the JMT in ten days, which can be done without caching much food. Ten days might not sound bad until you factor in the听elevation gain: nearly 40,000 feet over the course of the hike. With that much climbing, cutting weight from your pack becomes essential. Many hikers don鈥檛 bring stoves, and having an ultralight sleeping bag, tent, and pad is key. Through-hikers need two permits, obtained at either trailhead, although in the aftermath of Wild they鈥檙e getting harder to come by. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one of the most scenic trails in the world,鈥 says Leor Pantilat, who holds the current JMT speed record, at three days, seven hours, and 36 minutes.听
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