Name: John Muir Trail (JMT)
Rating: 4.9

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Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · Views

Family Friendly Kids from all ages have been spotted on the JMT! If families take their time on the trail, you'll have ample time to play in lakes and see amazing views and tons of small animals.

Permits are required to hike the JMT Trail. SOBO hikers (departing from Yosemite NP) must apply 168 days in advance! NOBO hikers (departing from Whitney Portal) can apply for a permit between Feb 1. and March 15.
The NPS requires hikers to use a bear canister on the JMT.
A California Campfire Permit is required for all campfires, stoves, or lanterns

Overview

The John Muir Trail offers hikers an opportunity to explore the backcountry without having to take several months off work. If you are hiking South Bound (SOBO) this hike starts in Yosemite National Park and ends in Sequoia National Park as you summit Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States.

Hikers will see the best of Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, Devils Postpile National Monument and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The JMT will take you over six mountain passes with elevations over 11,000 feet with a total trail elevation gain of 47,000 feet! It is important to note that the typical hiker will take around 21 days to complete the JMT as a through journey.

Hike Sections

Need to Know

SOBO Permits for the JMT can be reserved at yosemiteconservacy.org.
A list of NPS approved bear canisters can be found here. These cansiters also keep marmots out - don't keep food in your pack or you'll find they'll destroy it.
There are plenty of water sources along the JMT, bring a water filter or purifying system. Also, note that with the convenience of abundant water comes mosquitoes. Come prepared.
Make sure to plan ahead for transportation. If you are traveling SOBO, it is suggested to park a car at Lone Pine and take the shuttle to Yosemite.

Description

The summer season for hiking the JMT generally spans from July through September (though this will depend on the previous winter's snowfall). The majority of hikers will start their JMT journey from Yosemite National Park. If you are starting in Yosemite Valley, don't be surprised to see large numbers of people traveling to the top of Vernal Falls (the first 2 miles of the hike). This is an extremely popular day trip! For hikers traveling North Bound (NOBO) ending the trail in Yosemite Valley the crowds can be overwhelming after being on the trail for several days.

The John Muir Trail is the same path used to hike to the top of Half Dome. Once the trail splits from the Half Dome route, the crowds become more manageable. It is not uncommon for hikers to spend their first night around the Clouds Rest Trail cut off (about 7.5 miles from the valley floor) so hikers might find this section impacted. Hikers will encounter countless switchbacks on the JMT, but the trail is well maintained.

The Golden Staircase (around mile 145 headed SOBO) will present challenges. It is best to stay close to Deer Meadows (around mile 144) the night before you start your ascent up the Golden Staircase. As you climb the Golden Staircase, the full sun can be relentless as there is no shade in almost 2,000 feet of elevation gain in two miles. This section then leads to the top of Mather Pass. In all, the two combined require hikers to make a 4,000-foot ascent with the highest point being just over 12,100 feet (top of Mather Pass).

If you are planning a through trip, resupplying will be required! Pacific Crest Trail Association does a great job listing the resupply options for the JMT. Both Red's Meadow and Vermillion Valley Resort offer fresh cooked meals and have small stores.

Flora & Fauna

The trail will lead through the forest, meadows, and lakes along this hike. You may find deer, marmots, and even bear.

History & Background

The trail was the brainchild of Theodore Solomons. As stated on the Pacific Crest Trail website "Exploring and mapping of the High Sierra was done in the late 1800′s by men like Theodore Solomons, Bolton Brown and Joseph LeConte. Solomons has been referred to as the "father' of the JMT and was quoted as saying "the idea of a crest-parallel trail came to me one day while herding my uncle's cattle in an immense unfenced alfalfa field near Fresno. It was 1884 and I was 14." The PCT's website further highlights, "John-of-the-mountains, as he was sometimes fondly referred to, was inarguably the most influential man in the history of the Sierra and its wilderness. His influence transcended his death, and in 1915 the Sierra Club won California legislation appropriating the first $10,000 for the construction of the John Muir Trail. Twenty-three years, and many man-hours later, the trail construction was completed in 1938; the year of the 100th anniversary of John Muir's birth."