John Muir Trail, California

Overview

The John Muir Trail runs 342km from Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney — the highest peak in the contiguous United States at 4,421m — through the Sierra Nevada high country, crossing nine high passes above 3,600m and following the Pacific Crest Trail corridor through granite wilderness that Muir called "the range of light." It is the benchmark of American long-distance hiking. The route is entirely above 2,500m for most of its length and stays above 3,000m for long stretches. The Sierras are a different mountain environment from the Rockies or Cascades: the granite is clean, the skies are reliably blue in July and August, and the trail is exceptionally well maintained. The alpine lakes — Thousand Island Lake, Rae Lakes, Guitar Lake — are the defining landscape feature: hundreds of clear bodies of water at altitude, each one different in shape and character. Whitney Zone permits (for the final ascent) and Yosemite Valley trailhead permits are both required and both extremely competitive. Apply in the permit lottery in February for peak season dates. An alternative southern start from Horseshoe Meadows avoids the Valley permit scarcity. Water is abundant above 3,000m but must be filtered — giardia is present in virtually all Sierra water sources. Bears are active: a bear canister is mandatory in all Sierra wilderness zones. Pack to 14–16kg (excluding water) for a 21-day thru-hike.

Book This Trip

Location

0 Comments

Sign in to leave a comment.

No comments yet. Be the first to share your experience.