Took the JMT side loop into Iva Bell instead of pushing straight to Reds Meadow and it cost me a day and a half of food

Blair Burns · 2026-09-29T20:30:03.485082+00:00

Everyone swore the hot springs detour was a waste of a permit window, but soaking at 7am with nobody around beat every crowded camp spot on the main drag, so am I crazy for planning the whole route around water instead of miles next time?

Opinions Matter

Loading…

Took the JMT side loop into Iva Bell instead of pushing straight to Reds Meadow and it cost me a day and a half of food | Backpacking Routes - Opinions Matter