Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports John Muir Trail First-time Advice and Conditions Wanted

Hi,
I am about to start my first run of the John Muir Trail, sometime around the 16th of September.
I would like to know as much as possible about trail conditions and weather so I can be prepared, especially info about snow, stream crossings, and mosquitoes.
Thanks for your help

late season - stream water low, snow mostly gone except for a few patches near the high passes, where trails will be dug in deep if there's any snow left on the actual trail.

Bugs usually are dead by mid September as it freezes at night quite regularly up there. Bring a warmer sleeping bag - 10F or so should do. Expect a lot of hikers - all those who want to beat the "summer crowds" are there in September.

Days are shorter, so plan on using a headlight around camp much more than in summer. Extra batteries may be useful.

You probably already know about this dedicated forum for the JMT, but maybe not. Its a good group for the latest trail beta and suggestions.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/johnmuirtrail/

Happy Trails!

About ten days ago, there was still a least a mile of snow-covered trail over Muir Pass. The South side of the pass was the worst, with many over the knee punch thru's. If you cross the pass early in the morning (before 9 AM), it won't be as bad.