John Muir Trail

Highlights

• Traverse the best high country of Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia in one line
• Cross famous Sierra passes such as Donohue, Muir, Mather, and Forester
• Granite domes, alpine lakes, and broad glacial basins define the route
• Optional Mount Whitney summit gives the trail a legendary finish

Suitable For

• Experienced backpackers
• Travellers seeking a deep U.S. national parks trek
• Hikers ready for a long high-altitude challenge

Important Notes

• Permits are highly competitive, especially from Yosemite trailheads
• Long resupply gaps and sustained altitude make pack management critical
• Snowpack, creek crossings, and wildfire smoke can materially change the season
• Bear canisters are generally mandatory and food-storage rules are strict

Getting There

Most hikers start in Yosemite Valley at Happy Isles and finish via Mount Whitney / Whitney Portal. Fly into San Francisco, Sacramento, or Los Angeles, then combine buses, shuttles, and hitches.

Suggested Itinerary

1. Use the first week from Yosemite to Red's Meadow to settle pace, altitude, and pack rhythm.
2. Plan the middle section around a resupply at Muir Trail Ranch or VVR and string together the classic Sierra passes.
3. Push through the southern passes, then summit Mount Whitney via Crabtree Meadow before descending to Whitney Portal.

Season & Permit Notes

Season notes: July through September is the prime season. Heavy-snow years can delay safe travel well into July, while late September brings colder nights and shorter weather windows.

Permits: Backcountry permits are required and depend on the specific starting trailhead. Bear canisters are required across most or all of the route.

Supplies & Accommodation

Supplies: Typical resupply points include Tuolumne Meadows, Red's Meadow, Vermilion Valley Resort, and Muir Trail Ranch. Planning food drops is a core part of the hike.

Accommodation: The trail is primarily a camping route with backcountry camps. Trail towns and some resupply stops offer simple lodging.

GPX Track