TRT vs. JMT: Which Trail Is Right for You?

Trying to decide between the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) and the John Muir Trail (JMT)? In this video, I break down the key differences between these two iconic long-distance hikes so you can choose the trail that’s right for you. I compare scenery, altitude, permits, resupply, trail difficulty, mileage, logistics, and overall experience—based on my firsthand hikes on both trails. Whether you’re planning your first thru-hike or deciding what trail to tackle next, this comparison will help you understand what makes the TRT and JMT unique, who each trail is best for, and what I’d personally choose depending on goals, experience level, and time available. If you’re researching backpacking trips, ultralight gear, or long-distance hiking in California, this video is for you. ---------------------------------------------------------- P.S. Some of the links in this description are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. It helps support the channel at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! ---------------------------------------------------------- Ways to Support the Channel: Venmo: @colbyonthetrail ---------------------------------------------------------- Discount Codes: Tell Your Trail 12% off: ColbyontheTrail12 https://tellyourtrail.com/?ref=ColbyontheTrail12 Hilltop Packs 10% off: COLBYONTHETRAIL https://hilltoppacks.com/colbyonthetrail Backcountry Foodie 20% off: COLBYONTHETRAIL https://backcountryfoodie.com/aff/73/ ---------------------------------------------------------- My Favorite Gear: Sleeping Pad: https://amzn.to/4kLxv71 Titanium 750ml Pot: https://amzn.to/4kWEk5t Ultralight Stove: https://amzn.to/4kUKbbr Water Filter: https://amzn.to/4o45itc Ultralight Trowel: https://amzn.to/4iaU7Mr Summit Suds Powdered Soap: https://amzn.to/3FyXOgx Unpaste Toothpaste Tablets: https://amzn.to/3DUGIJh Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie: https://amzn.to/4iay6gG Nike Men's Challenger Dri-fit 5" Lined Running Shorts: https://amzn.to/4kq1S2B Garmin inReach Mini 2: https://amzn.to/4kAYVML inCharge XL 6-in-1 Multi Charging Cable: https://amzn.to/41QdkMh Camera Gear: DJI Pocket Osmo 3: https://amzn.to/3QVjNRi DJI Osmo Action 6 : https://amzn.to/4axDqtE Insta360 X5: https://amzn.to/4qm7qOw Sony A6700: https://amzn.to/4qkKwa5 Sony G Master 15mm f1.4 Lens: https://amzn.to/4b7pyX9 ---------------------------------------------------------- Timestamps: 0:00 – TRT vs JMT: Which Trail Is Right for You? 0:48 – John Muir Trail vs Tahoe Rim Trail Overview 1:30 – Permits & Calendar Considerations (JMT vs TRT) 2:57 – Trail Difficulty Compared 4:48 – Altitude & Elevation Differences Explained 6:31 – Scenery: Sierra Nevada vs Lake Tahoe Views 7:52 – Logistics, Resupply & Planning Differences 10:26 – Crowds, Solitude & Trail Traffic 11:59 – Who Should Hike the JMT vs the TRT? 12:40 – My Personal Experience on Both Trails 14:15 – Tahoe Rim Trail or John Muir Trail, What's Your Choice? ---------------------------------------------------------- #hiking #thruhiking #backpacking