[pct-l] JMT Map Pack

[Marion Davison]

RE: the accuracy of the Tom Harrison JMT map pack, 
especially connecting trails.

I am map crazy, and I live in So. Cal, so I own nearly every 
Tom Harrison map.  I love them for the plastic paper, the 
mileage and elevation on every segment, and the shading that 
reveals the contours of the land.  I rely on these maps 
almost exclusively to plan our annual month long High Sierra 
loop hike.  We use the PCT for about half of this hike, and 
connecting and parallel trails for the rest, to form a loop 
of about 300 miles.  I use the Tom Harrison high country 
maps to plan these trips, and it is very true that the maps 
show trails that are nearly invisible on the ground today. 
We have had some very challenging days following trails that 
have fallen into such disuse and disrepair that they hardly 
can be said to exist any more.  The trails have fallen 
victim to fire, lack of maintenance, or simply lack of use. 
  The PCT is by far the best maintained trail in the High 
Sierra and all other trails pale by comparison.  We have 
spent many days bushwhacking, looking for traces of old 
trail building (rock steps, water bars or old cut logs) to 
find what is left of the old trails.  The trails in SW, SE 
and NW Yosemite are especially difficult to follow.  This is 
in our most visited National Park!  Since 95% of its 
visitors don't walk the trails, the priorities aren't there. 
  Every day I spend on these old trails renews my 
appreciation for the volunteers who work the PCT and 
strengthens my commitment to work the trail in the off 
season.  Wouldn't it be great if all the trails could be 
maintained like the PCT?

I recommend the Tom Harrison High Country Maps if you are 
hiking the PCT and want to have information with you on all 
the connecting trails that you can use to bail out to the 
east or west, in case of emergency or re-supply needs. 
South to north, you could use these maps:
Golden Trout Wilderness Trail Map
Mt. Whitney High Country
King's Canyon High Country
Mono Divide High Country
Mammoth High Country
Yosemite National Park Recreation Map
Emigrant Wilderness
This would cover the area from Olancha Peak to Sonora Pass 
in great detail.
Yes, this is a bunch of money and weight.  But if you are 
map crazy like me you won't care.  I probably look at my map 
200 times a day when I am hiking.
Marion