John Muir Trail – Along the legendary trail through the magical Sierra Nevada
John Muir Trail – Along the legendary trail through the magical Sierra Nevada
Hiking Collection by Caro "Bandit"
John Muir Trail – Along the legendary trail through the magical Sierra Nevada
22 days
3-8 h/day
364km
13,880m
12,290m
From the iconic Half Dome to the highest point in the USA along crystal-clear, turquoise lakes, over challenging passes and through a mountain world that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world - even the explorer and adventurer John Muir could not get away from this sight and laid the foundation for this trail with his pictorial descriptions. Over 350 kilometers this adventurous trail leads you from the famous and popular Yosemite Valley through the summit world of the Sierra Nevada up to the summit of Mount Whitney. On the way you will collect impressions that you will not forget for the rest of your life.
The John Muir Trail is one of the most beautiful long-distance trails in the USA. In addition, it is still quite short compared to the "big ones" such as the 4,200 kilometer Pacific Crest Trail. Nevertheless, you should not underestimate its difficulty: After all, over 27,000 meters of ascent and descent through alpine terrain with virtually no infrastructure await you. In any case, your luggage should include a tent, a warm sleeping bag and a sleeping pad - everything you need for an adventure in the mountains lasting several weeks. In addition, it is mandatory to bring a bear canister, in which you can stow your supplies and cosmetics - this also helps with curious marmots, which are at home high up here. You can borrow the canister on site. Since the Sierra Nevada sometimes has a lot of snow until summer, you should also bring microspikes and an ice axe. Both you need especially for the challenging pass crossings.
In this collection I have divided the John Muir Trail into 22 stages. The ascent of Half Dome right at the beginning is optional, because for this you need a special permit. You also need a permit for the John Muir Trail itself. The permits are in great demand and can be applied for 24 weeks before your start via https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/john-muir-trail/jmt-permits/. Once you've got one, it's time for the detailed planning. In my tour descriptions there are always recommendations where you can replenish your supplies, have a bite to eat and relax for a day or two from the hard life of hiking. You will find information about camping possibilities and water sources in the highlights of the respective tour. The mountains are calling for you - let's go!
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211 miles through the majestic Sierra Nevada – John Muir Trail
361km
14,030m
12,710m
Last updated: November 12, 2024
Activities
20.0km
08:26
1,480m
530m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
19.2km
05:29
590m
30m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
14.2km
04:13
360m
530m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
18.2km
05:31
410m
990m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
16.0km
04:40
550m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
16.5km
05:01
690m
300m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
20.1km
06:17
510m
1,280m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
17.9km
05:42
970m
300m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
15.1km
04:34
250m
960m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
16.1km
04:48
630m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
11.1km
03:22
550m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
13.9km
04:02
320m
460m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
18.9km
05:24
280m
730m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
17.9km
05:47
970m
480m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
14.1km
04:27
600m
550m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
14.8km
05:19
630m
380m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
15.4km
06:20
700m
730m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
16.3km
06:37
780m
650m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
18.4km
06:52
650m
480m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
24.5km
08:51
920m
1,900m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Collection Stats
Activities
22
Distance
364 km
Duration
119:27 h
Elevation
13,880 m
12,290 m
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