The John Muir Trail (JMT) is a 211-mile point-to-point route through California's Sierra Nevada, connecting Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney — the highest peak in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet. The trail crosses six major passes above 11,000 feet, passes through three national parks (Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia), and follows the spine of the Sierra through some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in North America.
Most through-hikers finish in 14–21 days. The JMT is best suited for experienced backpackers comfortable with sustained high-altitude hiking, remote wilderness, and self-supported travel. It shares roughly 170 miles of tread with the Pacific Crest Trail, so expect company during peak season — but the granite cathedrals, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows stretching across every drainage deliver scenery at a density few trails can match.
Planning Your Itinerary
Your itinerary depends on direction, fitness, and how many resupply stops you want. The trail breaks naturally into seven sections between major waypoints.
Southbound (Yosemite to Whitney) is the most popular direction. You start low at Happy Isles (4,035') and gradually gain altitude, giving your body time to acclimatize before the big passes. The trade-off is that permits out of Yosemite are competitive.
Northbound (Whitney to Yosemite) starts with the hardest day — the Whitney summit at 14,505' — while you're fresh. You descend toward Yosemite with the sun at your back in the afternoons. Permits through the Mt. Whitney lottery are also competitive, but the trail feels less crowded going this direction.
A typical SOBO itinerary:
- Days 1–3: Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows (23.5 mi) — Half Dome views, Cathedral Range, first resupply opportunity
- Days 4–7: Tuolumne to Reds Meadow (37.5 mi) — Thousand Island Lake, Garnet Lake, volcanic terrain at Devils Postpile
- Days 8–10: Reds Meadow to VVR/MTR (28–49 mi) — Silver Pass, Bear Creek crossing, the stunning Evolution Valley
- Days 11–14: Muir Trail Ranch to Bishop Pass junction (25 mi) — Evolution Lake, Muir Pass, the Palisades
- Days 15–18: Bishop Pass through Forester Pass (33 mi) — Rae Lakes basin, Forester Pass at 13,153' (highest point on the trail)
- Days 18–21: Kearsarge junction to Whitney summit and Whitney Portal (40.6 mi) — Guitar Lake, the final push to 14,505'
Permits & Regulations
Permits are required year-round and are the single biggest logistical hurdle. Your strategy depends entirely on your starting direction and date — we cover all the options, lottery windows, and backup strategies in our JMT permits guide.
Bear canisters are mandatory throughout the trail corridor. See our bear canister guide for SIBBG-approved models, sizing for your itinerary length, and rental locations near the trailheads.
Campfires are prohibited above 10,000 feet in most of the trail corridor. Group size is limited to 15.
Best Season
The typical hiking window is mid-July through mid-September. Snow on the high passes clears by mid-July in an average year; heavy snow years can push this into August. September brings fewer mosquitoes, thinner crowds, and golden light on the alpine larches — but shorter days and the risk of early storms.
July and August are warmest but bring peak mosquito activity, especially in Evolution Valley and near Muir Trail Ranch. Afternoon thunderstorms are common — plan to clear passes before noon when possible.
Water, Resupply & Getting There
Water is abundant during hiking season. The trail follows river drainages and passes dozens of alpine lakes — you'll rarely carry water more than a few miles.
Most through-hikers plan 2–3 food resupply stops between Yosemite and Whitney. Muir Trail Ranch (mile ~110 SOBO) is the most popular midpoint drop. For mailing addresses, hold fees, bucket rules, and a worked SOBO schedule, see our JMT resupply guide.
Shuttle logistics: Most hikers need transport between their start and finish trailheads. YARTS connects Yosemite Valley with Mammoth Lakes and Merced. Eastern Sierra Transit runs along Highway 395 between Lone Pine and Mammoth. Check the logistics tab above for current shuttle schedules and lodging near the trailheads.
Tips
- Start early every day. Morning light on the passes is the best part of the trail, and you'll clear exposed ridgelines before afternoon thunderstorms roll in.
- Don't skip acclimatization. Southbound hikers starting from Yosemite Valley (4,000') should spend a night at Tuolumne Meadows (8,600') before pushing higher. Altitude sickness is common and preventable.
- Camp at less popular spots. Thousand Island Lake, Rae Lakes, and Guitar Lake are stunning but crowded. Island Pass, Wanda Lake, and Crabtree Meadow offer more solitude.
- The mosquitoes are real. A headnet weighs almost nothing and will save your sanity in July, especially in Evolution Valley.
- Check fire conditions. The Sierra has seen significant fire activity in recent years. Check InciWeb and National Forest closure orders before and during your hike.
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