The John Muir Trail

The John Muir Trail (JMT) is one of North America’s most celebrated long-distance treks, stretching approximately 348km (216 miles) through the high peaks of California’s Sierra Nevada from Yosemite Valley to Whitney Portal. Taking around three weeks to complete, this epic route links granite domes, alpine lakes, towering passes, and spectacular wilderness scenery as it crosses three famous national parks — Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia.

This trusted Cicerone guidebook provides everything needed to navigate the John Muir Trail with confidence. Presented in clear, stage-by-stage descriptions and packed with practical advice on preparation, logistics, and wilderness travel, it helps you plan thoroughly for a route suitable for hikers with experience in remote high-mountain wilderness.

• Detailed route descriptions break the John Muir Trail into 21 daily stages of between 11 and 26km (7–16 miles) from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley to Whitney Portal, helping you plan each day’s distance
• Sketch maps, ascent/descent tables, and distance summaries support navigation through high alpine passes like Donohue, Mather, and Forester, keeping you on track in mountainous terrain
• Practical planning guidance covers permits, transport, equipment, food, and training — essential for Sierra wilderness logistics and regulations
• Lists of camping areas, ranger stations, water sources, and bear box locations provide vital on-trail information for safety and resupply, crucial for a remote-long-distance trail
• Insightful background on the High Sierra’s natural history, from Yosemite’s granite giants to subalpine flora and fauna, enriches your experience of the landscapes you traverse

Everything needed to organise, navigate, and complete the John Muir Trail is gathered in one reliable, expertly structured guide. Lace up your boots and immerse yourself in this legendary Sierra Nevada adventure — a bucket-list experience for seasoned hikers and mountain trekkers alike.

Seasons

August is best, July normally fine but late snow may be a problem

Centres

Starts Yosemite and finishes at Whitney Portal; Tuolmmne, Vermilion Resort and Muir Trail Range along the way; access through San Francisco or Los Angeles

Difficulty

spectacular, remote and risks of poor weather; backpacking throughout, carrying all required food; tough trekking but no route-finding difficulties; beware of bears!

Must See

Yosemite (rock walls of El Capitan, Half Dome etc), King's Canyon and Sequoia national parks, Anselm Adams wilderness, Mount Whitney

Route Map

Map Key

Summary Table: John Muir Trail

INTRODUCTION

Background

John Muir

Parks along the JMT

The Pacific Crest Trail

Using this Guide

Planning your Trip

Flights to California

Public Transport to and from the Trailhead

Booking Accommodation

Maps

Equipment

Food Supplies

General Fitness and Trail Fitness

Health and Medical Considerations

Water Purification

Coping with Altitude

Dealing with Bears

River Crossings

Other Natural Hazards

Low-Impact Trekking and National Park/Wilderness Regulations

Camp Routine

Time Difference

Public Holidays in the US

Money

Insurance

The Natural World

Geology of the Sierra Nevada

Vegetation and Flowers on the John Muir Trail

Birds of the John Muir Trail

Mammals along the Trail

TRAIL GUIDE

Day 1Yosemite Valley (Happy Isles) to Half Dome Trail Junction/Sunrise Creek and the Ascent of Half Dome

Day 2Half Dome Trail Junction/Sunrise Creek to Sunrise High Sierra Camp

Day 3Sunrise High Sierra Camp via Cathedral Pass to Tuolumne Meadows

Day 4Tuolumne Meadows to Upper Lyell Canyon

Day 5Upper Lyell Canyon via Donohue Pass and Island Pass to Thousand Island Lake

Day 6Thousand Island Lake to the Devil’s Postpile

Day 7The Devil’s Postpile via Reds Meadow to Deer Creek

Day 8Deer Creek to Tully Hole/Cascade Valley Junction

Day 9Tully Hole/Cascade Valley Junction via Silver Pass to Edison Lake

Day 10Edison Lake to Rosemarie Meadow

Day 11Rosemarie Meadow via Seldon Pass to the Muir Trail Ranch

Day 12Muir Trail Ranch to McClure Meadow

Day 13McClure Meadow via Muir Pass to Unnamed Lake North-East of Helen Lake

Day 14Unnamed Lake North-East of Helen Lake to Deer Meadow

Day 15Deer Meadow via Mather Pass to Kings River

Day 16Kings River via Pinchot Pass to Woods Creek

Day 17Woods Creek via Glen Pass to Vidette Meadow

Day 18Vidette Meadow via Forester Pass to Tyndall Creek

Day 19Tyndall Creek to Guitar Lake

Day 20Guitar Lake via Mount Whitney and Trail Crest to Trail Camp; and the ascent of Mount Whitney

Day 21Trail Camp to Whitney Portal

Epilogue

Appendix 1Camping Areas on the JMT

Appendix 2Ranger Stations along the JMT

Appendix 3Escape Routes on the JMT

Appendix 4Bear Box Locations on the JMT

Appendix 5Mountain Passes and Peaks on the JMT

Appendix 6Useful Addresses and Websites in the UK and US

Appendix 7Bibliography

Appendix 8Trail Summary Table