Ep 052. John Muir Trail Day 17 (Trail Series). Switchbacks from Hell, Diaper Smells, and the Cold Creek Cure

Welcome to the John Muir Trail Podcast Series - I'm taking a little summer break from the podcast while I head off on some new adventures (and guide some epic client trips too!). But I didn’t want to leave you hanging—so I’m sharing something special: a never-before-released Trail Series from our John Muir Trail thru-hike.Today may have been one of our shortest mileage days, but it didn’t feel that way. The combo of relentless heat, sneaky elevation gain, and one of the longest stretches without water yet brought out all the grit—and some heat rash-induced tears.A highlight? Discovering a pristine creek (Mono Creek!) with crystal-clear pools that felt like trail magic for our overheated, under-showered selves. We soaked, snacked, and recovered enough to take on one final uphill slog before landing at a not-so-great campsite... but hey, at least we got there early for once.Also: the smells in the tent are officially getting out of hand.In this episode:Endless downhill switchbacks on a non-pass (rude)Brutal heat + a dry 9-mile waterless stretchHeat rash takes over Allison’s legs—and moraleDiaper smells, flies, and trail funk hits hardThe unexpected joy of cold creek waterReflections on the real (unromantic) parts of thru-hikingRumors of burgers, showers, and Red’s Meadow hope on the horizon🎧 Join us for a sweaty, stinky, and very honest day on trail as we keep putting one foot in front of the other—rash and all.JMT Resources on the Blog:The Stress-Free Guide to John Muir Trail PermitsThe Ultimate John Muir Trail Planning Guide15 Reasons I’m Excited to Hike the John Muir TrailWhere to learn more about Allison:She Dreams of Alpine BlogInstagram @shedreamsofalpine🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking.🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST: This is our signature program where we teach you how to become a safe, confident, and self-sufficient backpacker. It's an online course, coaching program, and community to support you in your journey to becoming a confident backpacker and step into your adventurous identity.