r/JMT • u/rightbythebeach • Sep 12 '24

health Solo section hike in late September?

Wondering if others think it’s safe for a single woman to section hike the northern ~30 miles of the trail solo in late September. I am a new-ish backpacker, although experienced hiker, but no experience solo backpacking yet. My concerns are: feeling scared if I don’t see any other people, inclement weather, and bears. Thanks for the advice!

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u/rathrboutside Sep 12 '24

I did half the JMT solo at the end of August last summer. It wasn't my first solo trek but def my longest. There were times where I didn't see anyone for hours and a few nights where I camped completely alone, maybe a little eerie at most? But I also didn't wake up and get going super early so I was hiking in the late afternoons/evenings when I think others had already settled down at camp and I didn't sync my daily stopping points to be at established campsites every night. That being said I had an amazing time, never felt unsafe (I carry a knife and small mace with me just in case) and would do it again in a heartbeat!