So I am starting to lay the foundation for a JMT thru hike in august of 2011. Of course the logistics are a huge challenge. Plan is to complete in 17/18 days.

I have a couple questions. What is the mileage from the Happy Isles start to Vermillion Valley Resort? I'm thinkng ly wife may join me on this leg.

Second question. A buddy is interested in joining me for the final week or so out of Whitney Portal. Is there a logical place about a week out (assumng 12-15 mile days) he can meet up with me?

Thanks for any suggestions and tips that y'all have!

Happy Isles to VVR is roughly 86 miles.

If your buddy wanted to hike for 7 days (12-15 each), then he might want to start from South Lake and come over Bishop Pass to intercept the JMT. That intercept is at roughly the 135 mile point from Happy Isles, or about 87 miles from Whitney Portal.
--B.G.--

JMT mileage: http://tucohiking.com/id5.html

Bear creek trail is where the boat ride to VVR is at if I'm not mistaken.

For your friend, If he he enters via South lake ->over Bishop pass -> to JMT, that would work for the mileage you indicated

Edit: Looks like Bob got to it first!

Edited by oiboyroi on 05/24/2010 22:31:39 MDT.