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Aug 9, 2024 · The classic John Muir Trail route begins in Yosemite at the Happy Isles trailhead and travels to the summit of Mt. Whitney near the Whitney Portal trailhead in Inyo National Forest. This is the most in-demand and subsequently congested starting point.
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- 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...
Jun 2, 2024 · Most JMT thru-hikers start from the northern terminus in Yosemite National Park and head south to finish atop Mount Whitney. The reason: altitude acclimatization.
- Jeff Garmire
Feb 29, 2024 · The John Muir Trail winds through the stunning alpine scenery of the Sierra Nevada, including Yosemite and Mount Whitney. In this guide, you'll find all the detailed info you need to plan an epic JMT thru-hike, from permits to SOBO vs NOBO to resupply stops and much more.
Dec 31, 2018 · The John Muir Trail covers 211 miles through the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California. In this guide, I've put together everything you'll need to plan your own hike, including tips on permits, gear, food, training, and logistics.
Feb 5, 2024 · Here’s what you need to know to get started on the 211-mile John Muir Trail, including training, gear, logistics, and more. The John Muir Trail, or JMT, hovers around 8,000 feet of elevation for most of its 211 miles through California's Sierra Nevada range.
Mar 9, 2021 · The John Muir Trail runs 211 miles between Happy Isles Trailhead in Yosemite and the summit of Mt. Whitney. The trail can be hiked in either direction, and each direction has pros and cons.
