I compared the JMT and the Timberline Trail and one was way more brutal than I expected

Did both routes last summer, JMT in July and Timberline in August. The JMT kicked my butt with those long exposed sections above 12000 feet near Muir Pass. Timberline was easier on the lungs but the constant up and down around Mt Hood's circut was harder on my knees. Anyone else find elevation gain vs altitude itself makes a bigger difference for them?

4 comments

4 Comments

jamie9401mo ago

Whoa, totally disagree, I think altitude is way harder on the body than any elevation change ever is.

cole_baker1mo ago

You ever try pacing yourself with a timer, like 20 minutes of walking then a 5 minute sit-down? @mary_west's friend might've saved herself that headache if she took it that slow at Muir. I swear, that trick works better than any pill for altitude.

karenh561mo ago

Cole, you're on to something with that timer thing. Did something similar myself on a trip to Colorado - 15 minutes moving, 10 just standing and breathing. Felt slow but it really worked.

mary_west1mo ago

Oh man, my friend Sarah did the JMT last year and she still brings up Muir Pass. She said she got nailed by altitude sickness right there. Had to camp an extra day just to keep her breakfast down. Her legs were fine but her head was pounding so bad she couldn't think straight.