John Muir Trail.
Hike the JMT, America's most famous trail.
California
211 miles
3 weeks
June - September
Search ‘top hikes in the world’ and you will find the John Muir Trail. Running almost parallel to the Pacific Crest Trail for around 170 miles, hike from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney summit.
Learn about the John Muir Trail:
Why hike the JMT?
Trail map and elevation profile
How to get to north and south trailheads
Frequently asked questions
Closest international airports
Why hike the John Muir Trail?
Bucket list hiking trail - one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, the JMT will take you through epic mountain ranges - including Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park - in addition to John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses.
Backcountry experience - get off the grid and hike within remote wilderness, often days away from civilisation.
14,000+ foot peaks - Summit Mount Whitney, the highest mountain peak in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet.
The most scenic section of the Pacific Crest Trail - you will find it hard to find a trail that boasts more beautiful scenery than the John Muir Trail!
Trail obstacles.
A popular hike, it can be extremely challenging to get a permit for the JMT.
Limited number of backcountry permits available - hiker numbers for the JMT are limited by strict quotas. This means that securing a backcountry permit can be extremely difficult to obtain. Only 2-3% of people are successful in their permit application.
Extreme snow conditions - it can be difficult to navigate the trail when it is covered in snow, making it hard to cover decent daily mileage.
Consistent high elevation - be prepared for a lot of climbs with an average elevation at 8,000 feet -peaking at 14,505 feet on Mount Whitney summit.
Water crossings - lots of snow = lots of water, which can make water crossings difficult and stressful for a novice.
John Muir Trail Map.
Trail map source: High Sierras Trails website
Hiking through the Sierras is often referred to as the toughest and most scenic section of the Pacific Crest Trail.
Elevation Profile.
Hike six mountain passes above 11,000 feet.
Donohue Pass - 11,066 feet
Glen Pass - 11,926 feet
Muir Pass - 11,955 feet
Mather Pass - 12,100 feet
Pinchot Pass - 12,130 feet
Forester Pass - 13,117 feet
Elevation profile source: Pacific Crest Trail Association
How to get to North Terminus and South Terminus.
Travel to and from the trailheads is relatively easy, with public transport available to Yosemite Valley and Lone Pine.
North Terminus:
Happy Isles trailhead, Yosemite Valley
From Yosemite Valley:
2.5 miles to Happy Isles trailhead, located just off from Yosemite Valley Trailhead parking area.
Walk the full distance, or catch a lift to the car park (2 miles from Yosemite Valley and walk the half mile to the trailhead).
South Terminus:
Mount Whitney summit - 14,050 feet
From Lone Pine, California:
South Terminus is located at the top of Mount Whitney - to get there, you will need to hike an additional 11 miles from Whitney Portal*.
11.5 miles from Lone Pine to Whitney Portal - no public transport available to Whitney Portal, you will need to travel by taxi (expect to see a few hitch-hikers on this stretch of road)!
*Whitney Portal to Mount Whitney summit - a popular trail called the ‘Mount Whitney Trail’, a strenuous out-and-back 22.5 mile hike.
Official Trail Organisation.
Check out the official trail organisation’s website for the latest trail information, maps, events and more.
Pacific Crest Trail Association
The John Muir Trail is managed by the Pacific Crest Trail Association, working towards protecting, preserving and promoting the PCT.
Follow the PCTA.
Be a part of the community and join the ‘John Muir Trail Class of’ Facebook group and connect with fellow hikers who are planning to hike the same year as you.
Donate.
Be a part of an international community of hikers, bikers and horse riders who donate to the PCTA to support their mission to preserve the long distance trail for future generations.
JMT frequently asked questions.
When is the best time to hike the John Muir Trail?
The Pacific Crest Trail Association advise that the JMT is accessible from July to September, however the season can be heavily affected by snow.
July to September - 3 month hiking season (weather dependent)
Aim for late summer - there will less snow at high elevations.
Hike northbound or southbound?
You can hike the JMT in either direction, however most people hike north to south (SOBO) - from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney.
Hiking southbound allows time to get used to the high altitude and you get to summit Mount Whitney at the end of your hike (highest point of the trail).
Southbound (Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney) - most popular direction to hike.
How long does it take to hike the JMT?
Most people take around 3 weeks, due to the high elevation and number of mountain passes.
You may be quicker or slower, dependent on many factors such as:
Fitness level and total number of miles you want to cover on a daily basis.
Total number of nero days (low number of miles hiked) and zero days (0 miles hiked).
Any side trips you may want to take.
Do I need a permit for the JMT?
A wilderness permit is required to hike the JMT. Numbers are heavily restricted and it can be extremely challenging to get a permit.
The permit required depends on where you start your hike:
Hiking from Yosemite - apply 24 weeks in advance
Hiking from Whitney Portal - lottery applications available from 1st February to 15th March.
Visit the PCTA’s website for more information.
Is the trail well marked?
The trail is well marked, however if you hike in a big snow year and start early in the season, the trail can be difficult to navigate due to heavy snowfall - even as late as June and July.
Like all hikes, good preparation is key - carry paper maps, trail guide book and download the route app ahead of time.
How easy is it to re-supply?
Due to the remoteness of the JMT, you will need to have a well planned re-supply strategy.
Popular re-supply points include:
Muir Trail Ranch
Reds Meadow
Vermillion Valley Resort
Kearsarge Pass
Connect with fellow thru-hikers online.
Join the ‘John Muir Trail Class of’ Facebook group and connect with fellow hikers who are planning to hike the same year as you!
Is public transport available?
Due to the popularity of the trail and location of the trailheads, it is easy to get to the South Terminus and North Terminus using public transport from various local towns and cities.
Flying from overseas, the closest airport is Mammoth Lakes which benefits from having a direct bus service to Yosemite Valley and Lone Pine (gateway to Mount Whitney).
How is the water availability?
The water availability is good, due to the high number of natural water sources available along the trail.
As always, you will need to be equipped and prepared to filter and/or purify all water collected.
Is the trail busy or quiet?
A popular hike, you will meet lots of people on the trail.
With people hiking in both directions, it provides a great way to share and hear about what’s ahead.
Closest airports to North Terminus and South Terminus.
North Terminus.
OUTBOUND: Travelling to the USA
Fly into Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO)
Catch internal flight to Mammoth Lakes (MMH)
From Mammoth Lakes, catch a Yarts bus to Yosemite Valley (100 miles).
South Terminus.
OUTBOUND: Travelling to the USA
Fly into Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO)
Catch internal flight to Mammoth Lakes (MMH)
From Mammoth Lakes, catch the Eastern Sierra Transit direct bus service to Lone Pine (95 miles)
