Offline Weather Forecasts for the
John Muir Trail.

The JMT weaves through the highest, most rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Avoid dangerous thunderstorms over exposed passes by pulling hyper-local weather forecasts directly to your phone via satellite SMS.

The Challenge of the
High Sierra

The John Muir Trail is entirely contained within the Sierra Nevada backcountry, characterized by dramatic elevation changes and famously unpredictable afternoon thunderstorms. When traversing high passes like Forrester or Glen Pass, having reliable weather updates helps you plan a more comfortable and manageable day on the trail.

Because you are out of cell service for weeks at a time, relying on the forecast you pulled at your last resupply in Yosemite Valley or Independence makes it difficult to adjust your daily mileage strategically.

Ditch the
Heavy Satellite Communicators

In previous years, JMT hikers were forced to carry a dedicated satellite device like a Garmin InReach just to pull premium weather through a monthly subscription plan. Today, if you carry a modern smartphone (like an iPhone 14+ running iOS 18, or the Google Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25 series running Android 15+), you can use its native satellite texting capabilities to get that same data.

Crucial Benefits for the JMT

Pinpoint GPS Accuracy A regional forecast for "The Sierra" doesn't give you the granular details you need. Text your exact GPS coordinates via satellite to pull a hyper-localized forecast tailored directly to the specific canyon or basin you are currently camping in.
Timing Your Ascents Pull a fresh forecast right before you start your ascent up Mt. Whitney. If high winds or lightning are incoming, you have the data you need to safely pitch your tent lower down and wait it out.
No 30-Day Subscriptions The JMT typically takes exactly three to four weeks. Paying $35+ for a month-to-month satellite plan is wasteful. With SMS Weather On Demand, you pay absolutely nothing per month. Just pay a few cents for the exact weather requests you make on your hike.

Safety First By removing the high subscription barriers to off-grid weather, hikers can pull forecasts more frequently, allowing for safer passage through the range of light.

How It Works

The initial setup happens while you're online, so that you're ready to go when you're off the grid.

Get Set Up Online

Create an account to verify your phone number. Then use the "Add to Home Screen" feature on your phone to install and run our lightweight application so it can be used offline.

Go On Your Adventure

Head out even where there's no internet. As long as your phone has the capability to send texts or use satellite messaging, you're covered.

Request Your Forecast

Open the app from your home screen. It uses your GPS location and your selected forecast options to help prepare a unique text for your request.

Send and Receive

Just hit 'send' in your messaging app. You'll get a weather forecast texted back in moments.

Please note: Standard messaging rates from your cellular or satellite carrier will apply for the SMS messages you send and receive. Coverage and Deliverability are also dependent on the cellular/satellite messaging providers you use.