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Tried the JMT switchback route vs the side trail near Donahue Pass
Last summer I was stuck deciding between the standard switchbacks and the climber's trail that cuts over the ridge. I went with the side trail to save time and it kicked my ass. Lost the trail twice, ended up on loose scree for an hour, and added an extra 3 miles backtracking. Meanwhile my buddy took the switchbacks and rolled into camp 45 minutes ahead of me. Has anyone else found a shortcut that actually works better than the main route?
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lee.cora16d ago
Nah, the climber's trail isn't a shortcut, it's a bushwhack.
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margaret55116d ago
Haven't you ever taken a shortcut that ended up being harder than the main trail though?
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henry15016d ago
Wait, bushwhack trail? That's a thing people actually do for fun?
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