Just hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and the JMT - one route was way better for views

I did the JMT last summer and the PCT section through the Sierras this year. The JMT gave way more bang for your buck on elevation gain vs. vista payoff - hit 11 passes in 3 weeks versus 4 on the PCT. Anyone else find that longer routes don't always mean better scenery per mile?

3 comments

3 Comments

willow1142mo ago

Shorter route with more passes sounds like the better deal. Quality over quantity every time when your legs are screaming. More scenery packed into less miles is the real win.

jesse9942mo ago

Longer miles build more grit, @willow114.

caleb2622mo ago

Quality over quantity is the way. Buddy of mine did the PCT full route and said he spent days walking through burned forest with zero views. Meanwhile I was on the JMT crushing a new pass every morning with lakes everywhere. Sometimes the shorter path just delivers better.