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The JMT Wilderness Conservancy, in collaboration with the National Park Service Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS), researched the historical maps and records, and integrated the best geospatial information available today, in order to create an authentic and accurate map of the John Muir Trail. The map here.
- John Muir Trail Overview
- Planning Your Thru-Hike
- Permits: How to Apply
- Sectional Overview
- A Note on Altitude Sickness
- More Resources
Length: 211 miles Highest Elevation:Mount Whitney, 14,505 ft (4,421 m) Lowest Elevation: Happy Isles trailhead, Yosemite Valley, 4,035 ft (1,230 m) Start and End Points: 1. the Southern terminus is the summit of Mount Whitney, which is accessible via a 10-mile hike from the Whitney Portal trailhead 2. the Northern terminus is the Happy Isles trailh...
WHEN TO GO: Timing, Weather and Seasons
The ideal time to hike the John Muir trail is from June through September. If you head out any earlier than June, the snow pack on the high passes can be slow going and even too treacherous to traverse. If you leave later in the fall, then you may get caught up in severe early season snow storms. Here are a few common times to do it. Option 1: Start in Early June. You may encounter fewer crowds and ample water, but you'll also have to contend with swarms of mosquitoes, leftover snow on the pa...
DIRECTION TO HIKE: Northbound or Southbound?
Most people hike the JMT from north to south (southbound), starting in Yosemite and ending in Mount Whitney. This northern half of the route starts out easy and has several resupply points allowing you to carry less food early on and get your hiking legs underneath you before hitting the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevadas. The southern half of the JMT is much more remote and higher in elevation, making it more suitable for hikers who have some trail miles under their belt.
NAVIGATION: Maps and Apps
The JMT is well marked and heavily traveled making it easy to follow. During peak season, you will encounter people going both directions on the trail, so your chances of getting lost are small. You'll want a map or guidebook, though, to plan your resupply points, pick your camping spots and find a bailout route if your trip takes a downward turn. Here are additional resources we recommend: 1. Guidebook: John Muir Trail by Elizabeth Wenk 2. Maps: Harrison, National Geographic, Eric the Black...
Whether you are hiking southbound or northbound, obtaining a permitis the most challenging part of planning for a JMT hike. More than 70% of all applications for a permit are denied, so you need to be patient during the process. To improve your odds of getting a permit, you should keep your group size as low as possible. You also should be flexible...
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
Happy Isles to Donahue Pass (0 to 37 miles) The John Muir Trail begins at the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite national park. This first section of the trail climbs steeply out of Yosemite Valley passing by several iconic landmarks including Half Dome, Nevada Falls and Cloud Rest. The trail crosses the Cathedral Range and the popular camping and swimming spot, Cathedral Lake, before dropping down to Tuolumne Meadows and your first resupply point. Here, the JMT merges with the PCT and heads t...
ANSEL ADAMS AND JOHN MUIR WILDERNESS
Donahue Pass to San Joaquin River Bridge (Miles 37 to 112) After leaving Yosemite, the John Muir Trail enters the scenic lake country of the Inyo National Forest which includes the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness. The trail winds through lake-filled valleys and climbs steep alpine passes that prepare you for the demanding treks up Forester Pass and Mount Whitney at the end of your journey. You pass by several resupply points in this section, including the Vermillion Valley Resort which c...
KINGS CANYON
San Joaquin River Bridge to Forester Pass (Mile 112.6 to 187) Kings Canyon signals the beginning of the big climbs with passes that break the 10K barrier. Enjoy the stunning views of the High Sierras and the raw wilderness of Kings Canyon. Keep your eyes peeled for the infamous Rock Monsteroff the trail near Muir Pass. You'll also hike through Kearsarge Pass and the last chance to resupply by getting off the path and traveling to Onion Valley. This section ends at Forester Pass, marks the bor...
The John Muir Trail is unique due to its high elevations. As mentioned, most of the trail is above 8,000 feet and some of the passes in the middle section climb to more than 13,000. Because of these elevations, altitude sickness is something hikers need to be aware of. Common early symptoms include a headache, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness...
National Geographic John Muir Trail Topographic Map– This 48-page pamphlet-style map is an excellent on-trail resource. It’s waterproof, tear-resistant, and provides important information on mileage, water sources, resupply locations, campsites, and much more.
Directions. Print/PDF map. Share. More. Length 219.3 miElevation gain 46,459 ftRoute type Point to point. Enjoy this 219.3-mile point-to-point trail near Yosemite Valley, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 109 h 18 min to complete.
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- Yosemite Valley, California, United States
Feb 29, 2024 · John Muir Trail Map & GPX Files - A map detailing the entire trail that you can explore, including a look at the elevation gain/profile of the hike. You can also download this file as a GPX file to upload into your own personal GPS device.
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John Muir Trail planning, resupply, permit and map information. The John Muir Trail passes through what many backpackers say is the finest mountain scenery in the United States. This is a land of 13,000-foot and 14,000-foot peaks, of lakes in the thousands, and of canyons and granite cliffs.
Discover the best routes, permits, and for the John Muir Trail map. Plan your adventure with ease using digital resources and customizations. Overview of John Muir Trail Map. When embarking on the John Muir Trail adventure, understanding the length and route is crucial for a successful journey.
