John Muir Trail

2025-09-15T21:50:00Z

2A00:23C7:310F:3D01:CD21:F194:F746:DCE7: /* Route */Fact

{{short description|Trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California}}
{{About|the trail in California|the trail in Tennessee|John Muir Trail (Tennessee)|the trail in Alaska|Wrangell High School|the trail in Scotland|John Muir Way}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox hiking trail
|name = John Muir Trail
|photo = JMT collage.png
|caption =
|location = [[California]], [[United States]]
|length_mi = 211
|trailheads = [[Happy Isles]] trailhead, [[Yosemite Valley]]<br>Summit of [[Mount Whitney]]
|use = [[backpacking (wilderness)|backpacking]], [[hiking]], [[trail running]], [[trail riding]], [[Packhorse|pack trains]]
|elev_change = {{convert|47000|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name=backpacker/>
|highest_name = [[Mount Whitney]]
|highest_ft = 14505
|lowest_name = [[Happy Isles]] trailhead, Yosemite Valley
|lowest_ft = 4035
|difficulty = Moderate to strenuous
|months = July to September
|sights = [[Yosemite Valley]], [[Devils Postpile National Monument]], [[Sierra Nevada (U.S.)|Sierra Nevada]]
|hazards = [[Snowmelt]], icy slopes early season, altitude
|map = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|type=line}}
}}
The '''John Muir Trail''' ('''JMT''') is a [[long-distance trail]] in the [[Sierra Nevada (U.S.)|Sierra Nevada]] mountain range of [[California]], passing through [[Yosemite National Park|Yosemite]], [[Kings Canyon National Park|Kings Canyon]] and [[Sequoia National Park|Sequoia]] National Parks. It is named after [[John Muir]], a naturalist.

From the northern terminus at [[Happy Isles]] in [[Yosemite Valley]] ({{Coord|37.7317|N|119.5587|W|type:landmark_region:US-CA|name=northern terminus}}) and the southern terminus located on the [[Summit (topography)|summit]] of [[Mount Whitney]] ({{Coord|36.5785|-118.292|type:mountain_region:US-CA|name=southern terminus}}), the trail's length is {{convert|213.7|mi|km}},<ref name=jmtf>{{cite web|url=https://jmtwilderness.org/|title=The JMT Wilderness Conservancy|access-date=2019-12-21|archive-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221080306/https://jmtwilderness.org/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=backpacker/> with a total elevation gain of approximately {{convert|47000|ft|m|-3}}.<ref name=backpacker/> For almost all of its length, the trail is in the [[High Sierra (biome)|High Sierra]] backcountry and wilderness areas.{{efn|The trail passes near a road only at the northern terminus, in [[Tuolumne Meadows]] in [[Yosemite National Park]] (see {{Harvnb|Winnett|1970|pp=39–43}}) and at Red's Meadow near [[Devils Postpile National Monument]]}} For about {{convert|160|mi|km}}, the trail is coincident with the longer [[Pacific Crest Trail]].

The vast majority of the trail is within [[National Wilderness Preservation System|designated wilderness]]. The trail passes through large swaths of alpine and high mountain scenery, and lies almost entirely at or above {{convert|8000|ft|m}} in elevation. The trail sees about 1,500 thru-hiking attempts each year (including Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers), many fewer than the number of attempts on comparable walks such as the southern portion of [[Appalachian Trail]] or the [[Way of St. James]].<ref name="wenk">{{Harvnb|Wenk|2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=JMT FAQ |url=https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/john-muir-trail/jmt-faq/ |website=Pacific Crest Trail Association |access-date=26 November 2018 |archive-date=1 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001165033/https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/john-muir-trail/jmt-faq/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2000 Milers |url=http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/community/2000-milers |website=Appalachian Trail Conservancy |access-date=26 November 2018 |archive-date=4 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204044348/http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/community/2000-milers |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|According to the PCTA, roughly 1500-2000 people attempt to thru-hike the PCT each year. An estimate<ref>{{cite web |title=John Muir Trail |url=http://www.backpack45.com/johnmuirtrail.html |website=Backpack45 |access-date=26 November 2018 |archive-date=10 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110110352/http://backpack45.com/johnmuirtrail.html |url-status=live }}</ref> shows that an equal number of JMT only hikers attempt the trail as well.}}

==History==
[[File:John Muir Cane.JPG|thumb|upright|alt=photo of John Muir|left|The trail is named in honor of Scottish-American environmentalist [[John Muir]]]]

=== Paiute trade routes ===
Prior to the arrival of European-American settlers, the [[Paiute]] people living in the High Sierra region utilized a series of ancestral trails for hunting and trade with neighboring indigenous groups. In an effort to acknowledge the original people who traveled this region, some modern Native American and environmental organizations recognize the JMT as Nüümü Poyo, which translates to "Paiute Road," "Paiute Trail," or "People's Trail."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sierraclub.org/articles/2019/04/sierra-club-acknowledges-indigenous-peoples-california|title=Sierra Club Acknowledges Indigenous Peoples of California|date=2019-04-20|website=Sierra Club|language=en|access-date=2019-12-17|archive-date=2019-12-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217202333/https://www.sierraclub.org/articles/2019/04/sierra-club-acknowledges-indigenous-peoples-california|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.backpacker.com/stories/jolie-varela-indigenous-women-hike|title=Jolie Varela on Indigenous Women Hike and the John Muir Trail's Real Name|last=Johnson-Groh|first=Mara|website=Backpacker|date=11 June 2018|language=en|access-date=2019-12-17|archive-date=2019-12-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217202335/https://www.backpacker.com/stories/jolie-varela-indigenous-women-hike|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rei.com/blog/climb/meet-the-women-who-are-helping-create-a-more-inclusive-climbing-community|title=Meet the Women Who Are Helping Create a More Inclusive Climbing Community|last=Ellison|first=Julie|date=2018-05-30|website=REI Co-op Journal|language=en-US|access-date=2019-12-17|archive-date=2019-12-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217202333/https://www.rei.com/blog/climb/meet-the-women-who-are-helping-create-a-more-inclusive-climbing-community|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Proposal ===
The idea of a trail along the backbone of the [[Ecology of the Sierra Nevada|High Sierra]] originated with [[Theodore Solomons]]. Solomons later recalled that the concept originated in his adolescence. "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, California|Fresno]]. It was 1884 and I was 14."<ref>{{Harvnb|Winnett|Morey|1998|loc=front paper}}</ref> He began advocating construction of the trail shortly after the [[Sierra Club]] was founded in 1892. John Muir was a founding member and first president of the Sierra Club. Solomons explored the area now known as the Evolution Basin, and traveled extensively throughout the High Sierra, exploring possible trail routes. [[Joseph Nisbet LeConte]] took up the cause in 1898 and the proposed trail was originally called the "High Sierra Trail", although that name was later given to [[High Sierra Trail|a different trail]], running in the east–west direction. LeConte spent years exploring the canyons and passes of the [[Kings River (California)|Kings River]] and [[Kern River]], and climbing peaks along the proposed trail. Along with [[James S. Hutchinson]] and [[Duncan McDuffie]], he pioneered a high mountain route in 1908 from Yosemite National Park to Kings Canyon, roughly along the route of the modern JMT. In 28 days, they completed a trip of 228 miles through the high mountains, including several previously unexplored sections.<ref>{{Harvnb|Parsons|1947|p=16}}</ref> In 1914, the Sierra Club appointed a committee to cooperate with the State of California to begin construction of the trail. John Muir died later that year, and the proposed trail was renamed in his honor.<ref name="STP">{{cite web |title=John Muir Trail: The History and Significance |url=https://www.sierratradingpost.com/blog/hiking/john-muir-trail-history-significance/ |access-date=3 October 2018 |website=Sierra Trading Post |date=June 17, 2013 |archive-date=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003101521/https://www.sierratradingpost.com/blog/hiking/john-muir-trail-history-significance/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Book 1">{{cite book |last1=Corso |first1=Damon |title=Discovering the John Muir Trail: An Inspirational Guide to America's Most Beautiful Hike |date=2018 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |isbn=978-1493031252 |page=xx |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YYtSDwAAQBAJ&q=john+muir+trail+%2410,000+1917,+1925,+1927+and+1929 |access-date=4 October 2018 |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103150628/https://books.google.com/books?id=YYtSDwAAQBAJ&q=john+muir+trail+%2410,000+1917,+1925,+1927+and+1929#v=snippet&q=john%20muir%20trail%20%2410%2C000%201917%2C%201925%2C%201927%20and%201929&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Trail construction ===
Construction of the JMT began in 1915, a year after Muir's death, with a $10,000 appropriation from the California legislature and Governor [[Hiram Johnson]].<ref name="STP" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Historic American Landscapes Survey |title=The John Muir Trail: A History and Survey |url=https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6b1637874cfe42ada2dcedf99a564c0f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307213751/https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6b1637874cfe42ada2dcedf99a564c0f |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |access-date=March 7, 2023 |website=ArcGIS StoryMaps |date=November 2021 |publisher=National Park Service}}</ref> State Engineer Wilbur F. McClure was made responsible for overseeing the project and selecting the final route, though he secured the cooperation of the [[United States Forest Service]], which managed and supervised much of the actual construction, and LeConte was very influential regarding the eventual routing of the trail.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=Farquhar |first1=Francis P. |title=History of the Sierra Nevada |date=2007 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=978-0520253957 |page=235 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NYNkTjLYeYAC&q=Wilbur+F.+McClure+john+muir+trail+United+States+Forest+Service |access-date=4 October 2018 |archive-date=3 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103150628/https://books.google.com/books?id=NYNkTjLYeYAC&q=Wilbur+F.+McClure+john+muir+trail+United+States+Forest+Service#v=snippet&q=Wilbur%20F.%20McClure%20john%20muir%20trail%20United%20States%20Forest%20Service&f=false |url-status=live }}</ref> The California state legislature made additional appropriations of $10,000 each in 1917, 1925, 1927 and 1929.<ref name="STP" /><ref name="Book 1" />

After the Depression began, assistance from the California state government came to an end, so the remainder of the trail had to be funded by a joint effort between the Forest Service and the [[National Park Service]]. At this time, there were still two difficult sections yet to be completed. The first section, the connection from the Kings River to the Kern River over Forester Pass, at an elevation of {{convert|13153|ft|m}}, was completed in 1932. The task of constructing trail down the steep southern side of the pass required crews to blast sections out of the rock, a dangerous process that resulted in the death of trail crew member Donald I. Downs in 1930. A plaque near the base of the pass memorializes Downs today.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="museum" />

The Forest Service completed the final section at Palisade Creek (in the [[Palisades (California Sierra)|Palisade Group]]) in 1938.<ref name="museum">{{cite web |last1=Roeser |first1=Marye |title=History of the John Muir Trail |url=http://www.mulemuseum.org/the-john-muir-trail.html |website=American Mule Museum |access-date=4 October 2018 |archive-date=5 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005031321/http://www.mulemuseum.org/the-john-muir-trail.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This section passes by the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Kings River and over Mather Pass by the "Golden Staircase" to the headwaters of the South Fork of the Kings River. Shortly after, this section was incorporated into newly created Kings Canyon National Park. The entire project had taken 46 years to complete.<ref>{{Harvnb|Starr|1947|pp=48–50}}</ref> [[William Edward Colby]], the first secretary of the Sierra Club, called the finished trail "a most appropriate memorial to John Muir, who spent many of the best years of his life exploring the region which it will make accessible."<ref>{{Harvnb|Cohen|1988|p=37}}</ref><ref name="museum" />

The [[California Wilderness Act of 1984]] merged the [[John Muir Wilderness]] and the [[Ansel Adams Wilderness]] to maintain the continuous 250-mile stretch of the John Muir Trail from [[Yosemite]] to south of [[Mount Whitney]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Skelton |first=George |date=1997-07-28 |title=The Man in the White Hat Who Saved the Sierra |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-jul-28-mn-17071-story.html |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=2025-01-17}}</ref>

==Route==
[[File:Happy Isles flood.jpg|thumb|alt=photo of Happy Isles|[[Happy Isles]] on the [[Merced River]] in [[Yosemite Valley]] is the northern terminus of the John Muir Trail]]
[[File:Southern end of John Muir Trail.JPG|thumb|alt=southern end of John Muir Trail|[[hiking|Hikers]] approach the southern end of the John Muir Trail. The [[Mount Whitney]] summit plateau can be seen in the distance.]]

The JMT is {{convert|213.7|mi|km}} long.<ref name=jmtf/> From its northern terminus in Yosemite Valley, the trail runs northeast , passing south of [[Half Dome]] and then on to Tuolumne Meadows.<ref>{{Harvnb|Kalkoffen|2016|p=9}}</ref> From Tuolumne Meadows the trail turns south, running parallel to the main range of the Sierra Nevada, through Yosemite National Park, [[Inyo National Forest|Inyo]] and [[Sierra National Forest|Sierra]] national forests (including the [[John Muir Wilderness]] and [[Ansel Adams Wilderness]]), passing through Devils Postpile National Monument, Kings Canyon National Park, and ending on Mount Whitney in Sequoia National Park.<ref>{{Harvnb|Johnson|1971|pp=160–161}}</ref> From the southern terminus of the JMT at the summit of Mount Whitney, an additional {{convert|10.6|mi|km|adj=on}} [[hiking|hike]] on the [[Mount Whitney Trail]] is required to reach the nearest [[trailhead]] at [[Whitney Portal, California|Whitney Portal]], thus making an end-to-end traverse of the JMT effectively {{convert|221|mi|km}}.<ref>{{Harvnb|Wenk|2014|p=1}}</ref>

===Yosemite National Park===
The trail begins at the Happy Isle bridge near the Happy Isles Nature Center. The trail ascends steeply up a paved incline before crossing another bridge meeting with the junction with the [[Mist Trail]]. The trail continues along a cut into Panorama Cliff, called the "Ice Cut". Although broad and well-traveled, hazardous winter conditions and close proximity to civilization (attracting large numbers of day hikers) make this one of the most dangerous parts of the trail.<ref name="wenk"/>

After some elevation gain via long switchbacks, the trail reaches the top of Nevada Falls.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Valentino |first=Silas |date=April 25, 2024 |title=Iconic Yosemite trail closes indefinitely |url=https://www.sfgate.com/california-parks/article/rockslide-closes-yosemite-john-muir-trail-19423152.php |access-date=2024-04-26 |work=SFGATE |language=en}}</ref> The trail continues into [[Little Yosemite Valley]], past the trail junctions to [[Half Dome]] and [[Cloud's Rest]], and then into a subalpine basin and passing the [[High Sierra Camps#Sunrise High Sierra Camp|Sunrise High Sierra Camp]]. The trail then crosses the [[Cathedral Range]] at Cathedral Pass before dropping steeply into [[Tuolumne Meadows]], a common resupply point. The trail passes a visitor's center and some campgrounds before linking up with the [[Pacific Crest Trail]]. The John Muir Trail/Pacific Crest Trail then turns south, through the mild [[Lyell Canyon]] meadow, and crosses the Cathedral Range again and exits the park at [[Donahue Pass]].<ref name="wenk"/>

===Ansel Adams Wilderness and Devils Postpile National Monument===
[[File:Thousand Island Lake bridge.jpg|thumb|A log bridge on the John Muir trail crossing part of [[Thousand Island Lake]]. [[Mount Davis (California)|Mount Davis]] is visible in the background.]]
At the crest of [[Donahue Pass]], the trail enters [[Inyo National Forest]] and the [[Ansel Adams Wilderness]]. The trail passes [[Thousand Island Lake]], Garnet Lake, and a number of smaller lakes. The trail continues into [[Devils Postpile National Monument]], where there are a number of opportunities to resupply or exit the trail. [[Devil's Postpile]] is located a short distance from the trail.<ref name="wenk"/>

===Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park===
The John Muir Trail next enters [[Kings Canyon National Park]] and [[Sequoia National Park]] crossing some spectacular alpine regions, including Evolution Basin, the Golden Staircase, and [[Forester Pass]]. The trail ends at the summit of [[Mount Whitney]], the highest point in the [[contiguous United States]].<ref name="guardian">{{cite news |last1=Morton |first1=Mary Caperton |title=Top 10 long-distance hiking trails in the US |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/19/top-10-long-distance-hiking-trails-us-california-oregon-texas |access-date=26 November 2018 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=January 19, 2015 |archive-date=26 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126221417/https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2015/jan/19/top-10-long-distance-hiking-trails-us-california-oregon-texas |url-status=live }}</ref> From the summit of Mount Whitney, the closest [[trailhead]] is [[Whitney Portal, California|Whitney Portal]].<ref name="wenk"/>

==Elevation==
The lowest point on the trail is the northern terminus at [[Happy Isles]] in [[Yosemite Valley]],<ref name="7x7">{{cite news |last1=Outdoor Project |title=The 13 Best Places to Backpack in Northern California |url=https://www.7x7.com/the-13-best-places-to-backpack-in-northern-california-1834660586.html |access-date=26 November 2018 |work=[[7x7 (magazine)|7x7]] |publisher=Natalie Wages |date=January 2, 2017 |archive-date=26 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126223223/https://www.7x7.com/the-13-best-places-to-backpack-in-northern-california-1834660586.html |url-status=live }}</ref> at {{convert|4040|ft|m}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aksamit |first1=Inga |title=What you need to know before hiking the John Muir Trail |url=https://www.pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/6485984-181/john-muir-trail-checklist |access-date=26 November 2018 |work=[[The Press Democrat]] |date=January 4, 2017 |archive-date=26 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126221614/https://www.pressdemocrat.com/lifestyle/6485984-181/john-muir-trail-checklist |url-status=live }}</ref> The highest point on the trail is the southern terminus, [[Mount Whitney]], at {{convert|14505|ft|m}},<ref name="7x7"/> which is also the highest point in the contiguous United States.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roa |first1=Paul |title=8-year-old La Cañada student conquers Mt. Whitney in a day |url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/la-canada-valley-sun/news/tn-vsl-me-kid-conquers-whitney-20180829-story.html |access-date=26 November 2018 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=August 29, 2018 |archive-date=26 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126221549/https://www.latimes.com/socal/la-canada-valley-sun/news/tn-vsl-me-kid-conquers-whitney-20180829-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="guardian"/> The trail stays at high elevations, mostly above {{convert|8000|ft|m}}<ref name=backpacker/> and with the exception of the first 7 miles directly south of the trail's northern terminus, it never drops below {{convert|7000|ft|m}}.<ref name="elevation">{{cite web |title=Elevation profile for John Muir Trail |url=https://www.summitpost.org/elevation-profile-for-john-muir-trail/538195 |website=SummitPost |access-date=26 November 2018 |archive-date=18 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918230952/https://www.summitpost.org/elevation-profile-for-john-muir-trail/538195 |url-status=live }}</ref> A large portion of the trail is more than {{convert|10000|ft|m}} high, including the entirety of the last {{convert|30|mi|km}}.<ref name="elevation"/> The trail crosses six [[mountain pass]]es over {{convert|11000|ft|m}}; from north to south, [[Donohue Pass]], [[Muir Pass]], [[Mather Pass]], [[Pinchot Pass]], [[Glen Pass]], and [[Forester Pass]]. At {{convert|13117|ft|m}}, Forester Pass is also the highest point along the [[Pacific Crest Trail]].<ref name="gnis">{{cite gnis| id = 260262| name = Forester Pass| access-date = 2014-06-01}}</ref>

When the [[United States Geological Survey]] calculated the official length of the trail, [[Cumulative elevation gain|elevation gain]] and loss was not taken into consideration. The total amount of ascent of the trail is around {{convert|46000|ft|m}}. According to [[Hipcamp]] and the John Muir Trail Foundation, the total descent of the trail is {{convert|38000|ft|m}};<ref>{{cite web |title=The John Muir Trail Foundation |url=https://johnmuirtrailfoundation.org/ |access-date=12 October 2018 |archive-date=12 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012094420/https://johnmuirtrailfoundation.org/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hiking the John Muir Trail... All 200+ Miles of It! |url=https://www.hipcamp.com/journal/explore/hiking-the-john-muir-trail-all-200-miles-of-it |website=[[Hipcamp]] |access-date=12 October 2018 |date=October 2013 |archive-date=12 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012094357/https://www.hipcamp.com/journal/explore/hiking-the-john-muir-trail-all-200-miles-of-it |url-status=live }}</ref> however, [[Backpacker (magazine)|Backpacker]] estimates the total descent as 2,000 feet less, at {{convert|36000|ft|m}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lanza |first1=Michael |title=The Plan: Doing Ultralight Right |url=https://www.backpacker.com/trips/the-plan-doing-ultralight-right |access-date=12 October 2018 |work=Backpacker |date=January 18, 2008 |archive-date=12 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012054110/https://www.backpacker.com/trips/the-plan-doing-ultralight-right |url-status=live }}</ref> This produces a total of about {{convert|84000|ft|m}}, or almost {{convert|16|mi|km}}; however, this does not mean the total length is increased by {{convert|16|mi|km}}. Rather, the [[triangle inequality]] implies that the error due to neglecting elevation changes underestimates the true length by no greater than this value.

According to [[Backpacker (magazine)|Backpacker]] magazine, in total, the trail gains {{convert|47,000|ft|m}} in elevation.<ref name="backpacker">{{cite web |last=Bond |first=Morgan |date=December 8, 2014 |title=Hike the John Muir Trail |url=http://www.backpacker.com/trips/long-trails/john-muir-trail/hike-the-john-muir-trail/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230725152419/http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:https://www.backpacker.com/trips/long-trails/john-muir-trail/hike-the-john-muir-trail/&rlz=1C1GCEA_enUS1009US1009&strip=1&vwsrc=0 |archive-date=July 25, 2023 |access-date=July 25, 2023 |website=[[Backpacker (magazine)|Backpacker Magazine]] |publisher=}}</ref>

==Hiking==
[[File:Mount Whitney September 2009.JPG|thumb|left|alt=photo of Mount Whitney|The summit of Mount Whitney is the southern terminus of the John Muir Trail. This photo was taken near the [[Whitney Portal]] trailhead.]]

The primary hiking season is usually from July through September; during this time, most of the snow from the previous year has melted, but new snow hasn't fallen yet.<ref name="STP"/><ref name=backpacker/> Early season hikers have to contend not only with the [[snowpack]] and icy slopes near the passes, but with streams swollen with [[snowmelt]]. Trail conditions are less demanding later in the season after the snowmelt concludes, and the weather generally remains pleasant for hiking through September. Weather during the hiking season is generally sunny and dry, but afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon. The trail is used primarily by [[backpacking (wilderness)|backpackers]] and dayhikers, but also by [[trail running|runners]], [[trail riding|trail riders]], and [[Packhorse|pack trains]]. There is a shelter for hikers to stay at on Muir Pass, called the John Muir Hut, which is the only shelter on the trail.<ref name="guardian"/>

Hikers completing the trail typically take about three weeks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hutchinson |first1=Alex |title=Here's What It Takes to Hike the John Muir Trail |url=https://www.outsideonline.com/2325726/john-muir-trail-backpacking-study |access-date=2 October 2018 |work=[[Outside (magazine)|Outside]] |date=July 11, 2018 |archive-date=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003061900/https://www.outsideonline.com/2325726/john-muir-trail-backpacking-study |url-status=live }}</ref> The record for the [[fastest known time]] was set by [[Ultramarathon|ultrarunner]] [[François D'Haene]] in 2017, who ran from south to north in 2 days, 19 hours and 26 minutes. The previous record of 3 days, 7 hours and 36 minutes, was set by Leor Pantilat in 2014.<ref>{{cite news | last =Judd | first =Wes | title =François D'Haene Breaks John Muir Trail Speed Record: Less than two months after winning UTMB, D'Haene ran the 210-mile trail in under three days | newspaper =Outside | date =October 17, 2017 | url =https://www.outsideonline.com/2252601/francois-dhaene-breaks-john-muir-trail-record | access-date =October 22, 2017 | archive-date =October 22, 2017 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20171022142630/https://www.outsideonline.com/2252601/francois-dhaene-breaks-john-muir-trail-record | url-status =live }}</ref> The record for the fastest trip in an unsupported way was set by Aurélien Sanchez in 2018, who ran from south to north in 3 days, 3 hours and 55 minutes. The previous record of three days, ten hours, and 59 minutes was set by Andrew Bentz in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title=Aurélien Sanchez pulvérise le record du John Muir Trail en Californie |url=https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2018/10/02/2879667-aurelien-sanchez-pulverise-un-record-en-californie.html |access-date=2 October 2018 |work=[[La Dépêche du Midi|La Dépêche]] |language=fr|date=February 10, 2018 |archive-date=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003061844/https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2018/10/02/2879667-aurelien-sanchez-pulverise-un-record-en-californie.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Trail: l'Audois Aurélien Sanchez pulvérise un record en Californie |url=https://www.lindependant.fr/2018/09/25/aurelien-sanchez-pulverise-un-record-en-californie,4707092.php |access-date=2 October 2018 |work=[[L'Indépendant (Pyrénées-Orientales)|L'Indépendant]] |date=September 25, 2018 |archive-date=3 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003100811/https://www.lindependant.fr/2018/09/25/aurelien-sanchez-pulverise-un-record-en-californie,4707092.php |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Sapphire Lake (15465461502).jpg|thumb|Mts. [[Mount Fiske|Fiske]] and [[Mount Huxley (California)|Huxley]] reflected in Sapphire Lake]]

A permit is required to hike the JMT, which can be obtained from the national park or forest where the hiker begins the hike, and is available 168 days in advance.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Snibbe |first1=Kurt |title=It's John Muir's 180th birthday, so here's some facts about his trail and Yosemite |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2018/04/21/its-john-muirs-180th-birthday-so-heres-some-facts-about-his-trail-and-yosemite/ |access-date=4 October 2018 |work=Orange County Register |date=April 21, 2018 |archive-date=5 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005071759/https://www.ocregister.com/2018/04/21/its-john-muirs-180th-birthday-so-heres-some-facts-about-his-trail-and-yosemite/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilkinson |first1=Troy |title=Go Outdoors: Getting a John Muir Trail permit |url=https://collegian.com/2016/02/go-outdoors-getting-a-john-muir-trail-permit/ |access-date=4 October 2018 |work=[[Rocky Mountain Collegian]] |date=February 23, 2016 |archive-date=18 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018013047/https://collegian.com/2016/02/go-outdoors-getting-a-john-muir-trail-permit/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> This single permit is valid for the entire hike. Permit reservations can be hard to obtain for JMT thru-hikers, but a portion of permits are reserved for walk-ins. The Whitney Portal end of the JMT has a lottery for wilderness permits, and hikers starting in Yosemite face competition with other backpackers simply wanting to camp overnight while hiking Half Dome or to Tuolumne Meadows. [[backpacking (wilderness)|Backpackers]] entering the Sierra [[backcountry]] on multi-day trips are generally required to carry their food in approved hard-sided storage containers known as [[Bear-resistant food storage container|bear canisters]] to protect their food and other scented items from theft by [[American black bear|black bears]], which are common in the region.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bear canister requirements and protecting your food|url=https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/backcountry-basics/food/bear-canister-protecting-your-food/|access-date=4 October 2018|website=[[Pacific Crest Trail Association]]|archive-date=5 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005030936/https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/backcountry-basics/food/bear-canister-protecting-your-food/|url-status=live}}</ref>

About 90-96 percent of hikers hike north to south, from Yosemite Valley to Mt. Whitney.<ref>{{Harvnb|Wenk|2014|p=8}}</ref><ref name="guardian"/> There are advantages to starting in Yosemite Valley and hiking south. Although there is a significant net altitude gain this way, starting at a lower altitude allows the hiker time to acclimate to the elevations of the trail rather than immediately having to tackle a 6,000-foot (1,800 m) climb to the summit of Mount Whitney. In addition, there are several resupply points convenient to the JMT during its northern half (Tuolumne Meadows, Reds Meadow, Vermillion Valley Resort, Muir Trail Ranch), allowing the hiker to carry a lighter food load early in the hike and also to exit the trail easily if problems arise. The southern half of the JMT is more remote and generally higher in elevation, thus making it more appropriate for the second half of the hike when maximum conditioning has been attained.

==See also==
* [[Ecology of the Sierra Nevada]]
* [[Long-distance trails in the United States]]
* [[Sierra High Route]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book|last=Castle|first=Alan|title=The John Muir Trail|location=Milnthorpe|publisher=Cicerone|year=2004|isbn=1-85284-396-9}}
* {{cite book|last=Kalkoffen|first=Gerret|title=Plan & Go: John Muir Trail|location=San Diego|publisher=sandiburg press|year=2016|isbn=978-1943126057}}
* {{cite book|last=Cohen|first=Michael P.|title=The History of the Sierra Club 1892 - 1970|publisher=[[Sierra Club Books]]|location=San Francisco|year=1988|isbn=0-87156-732-6}}
* {{cite book|last=Johnson|first=Paul C.|title=Sierra Album|publisher=Doubleday & Co|location=Garden City, NY|year=1971|isbn=0-385-04832-7|url=https://archive.org/details/sierraalbum0000john}}
* {{cite book|last=Parsons|first=Harriet|editor=David R. Brower|title=Sierra Club: A Handbook|chapter=Mountaineering|publisher=Sierra Club|location=San Francisco|year=1947}}
* {{cite journal|last=Starr|first=Walter A.|date=November 1947|title=Trails|journal=Sierra Club Bulletin|publisher=Sierra Club|location=San Francisco|volume= 32|issue= 10}}
* {{cite book|author-link=Walter A. Starr, Jr.|last=Starr|first=Walter A. Jr.|title=Starr's Guide to the John Muir Trail and the High Sierra Region|location=San Francisco|publisher=Sierra Club Books|isbn=0-87156-172-7|year=1974}}
* {{cite book|last=Wenk|first=Elizabeth|title=The John Muir Trail: The essential guide to hiking America's most famous trail|location=Berkeley|publisher=Wilderness Press|year=2014|edition=5th| isbn=978-0-89997-736-2}}
* {{cite book|title=High Sierra Hiking Guide #4: Tuolumne Meadows|first=Thomas|last=Winnett|publisher=Wilderness Press|location=Berkeley|year=1970|isbn=0-911824-10-3}}
* {{cite book|last1=Winnett|first1=Thomas|last2=Morey|first2=Kathy|title=Guide to the John Muir Trail|publisher=Wilderness Press|location=Berkeley, CA|year=1998|edition=3rd|isbn=0-89997-221-7|url=https://archive.org/details/guidetojohnmuirt00thom_0}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
* [http://onthetrail.org/jmt/jmt-topo-maps/ John Muir Trail topographic maps] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630122909/https://onthetrail.org/jmt/jmt-topo-maps/ |date=June 30, 2023 }}
* [http://www.trailjournals.com/journals/john_muir_trail/ John Muir Trail Journals and Photography]

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[[Category:Hiking trails in California]]
[[Category:Sierra Nevada (United States)]]
[[Category:Long-distance trails in the United States]]
[[Category:Sierra Club]]
[[Category:John Muir|Trail]]
[[Category:Sequoia National Park]]
[[Category:Kings Canyon National Park]]
[[Category:Yosemite National Park]]
[[Category:1915 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1915]]

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