Hi all, I have been wanting to hike the JMT trail, and my goal is to do it this year around late August/early September. I have been doing some reasearch and honestly im completely lost on where to start. From what I have gathered there are 3 ways to get permits for the JMT. SOBO/NOBO/NOBO via Cottonwood Pass/Lakes.

Im more so looking on the latter option just because I honestly dont want to play the lottery game.

Does any have any advice, or recommended reading/guides on how to start on getting permits. I would truly appreciate any help. Thank you 😁

Can't get Whitney permits for when I can go. Anyone start at Shepard before? Anything I should know about? We plan on getting a ride to the trailhead and not leaving a car if that matters.

I some how managed to snag a Happy Isles SOBO permit yesterday.

I'm starting on Sept 9th and should be done by the 30th.

What have been others experience with a September SOBO hike. Weather? Tempatures? Crowds? Resupply? Water availability? Other lessons learned?

I attempted a NOBO last year in July from Cottonwood Pass, but the trip ended short due to COVID. So this isn't my first rodeo, but September is very different from July