JMT | DAY 1 TUOLUMNE MEADOWS TO BASE OF DONOHUE PASS
Miles Hiked: 10.5 miles (mm 23.9-34.4)
Elevation: 1,779 ft ascent | 264 ft descent
After hiking from Yosemite to Red’s Meadow last year, I had an idea of where I wanted to camp along the way, at least in that section. Previously, I had hiked from Cathedral Lakes to around miles 30-31 in Lyell Canyon. After Lyell, the elevation begins to climb towards Donohue Pass at 11,073 ft. There are two spots I had in mind, with the second one unlikely for day one. Even the first spot, at about 10.5 miles from where I was starting felt daunting. Aside from a few leisurely walks, I haven’t really hiked since March, before that it was October. Selling my house, moving from Washington to California, converting a van, and well…the pandemic, ended up taking up most of my time or prevented me from hiking.
Just like last year, my parent’s drove me to the trailhead. We camped nearby the night before; had a guacamole, beer, and a steak dinner; and went to bed early. My mom and I woke up early and drove to the trailhead. My wilderness permit allowed her to enter Yosemite National Park for about an hour (we got to the entrance as the ranger was setting up and she told us an hour sounded just fine—we weren’t given a set time she had to leave). I set out at just after 7:30 with the goal of at least making it to the point where you begin to climb out of the valley, a little past where I camped last year. From there, I decided to see how I felt based on how much time was left in the day. Take it slow, I reminded myself. I didn’t want to push myself too much. This year I wanted to finish the trail. I remember the climb being somewhat difficult, even tackling it early in the morning. It was almost noon this year. With few other southbound hikers in site, I decided to go for it. I would be tired and sore, but the views...always worth it.
If I’m being honest, I’m terrified about this hike. After bailing on a bad day last year and being reminded about it ever since, I didn’t know if I could do it. I don’t necessarily enjoy hiking alone. I let my fears, however irrelevant, get to me. And I’ve never had an easy time making friends with new people. So if you see me on trail, say hello! Just know, I am pretty talkative and much more of an extrovert once I get to know people.
...but I can’t let that stop me. The only way I am going to gain confidence is by doing it. No matter how terrified I am.
It is going to be okay.
I made it to the spot I wanted to camp. One blister, and I am sore, but I made it by 3:00PM. I finally met a group of SOBO hikers about a mile before my stopping point. They were stopping at the bridge for the day (ETA: Hey 3H crew! It was just the beginning). There are two other tents here, tucked away—no sign of hikers yet. I ended up pitching my tent in a spot with other spots close by, in hopes that more hikers will come through. It is definitely quieter this year. By 7:00PM, no hikers.
I set up my tent, soaked my feet, and took care of the blister. Now it is time to relax.