
One of America’s premier mid-distance backpacking trips, the John Muir Trail connects the famous landmarks of Yosemite and Mount Whitney via 211 stunning miles of alpine meadows, vast forests, and sparkling granite basins through the heart of the high Sierra Nevada mountains.
JMT at a Glance
Distance | 211 miles |
Route type | point to point |
Typical time needed | 3-4 weeks |
Start (official – varies by permit) | Happy Isles Trailhead, Yosemite Valley |
End | Whitney Portal Trailhead |
Permit required | Yes (info) – difficult to get |
Hiking season | June – September (depending on snow pack) |
Trail type | Well maintained, well marked |
Food storage | Bear can required |
Lowest elevation | 4,035 feet |
Highest elevation | 14,505 feet |
Dogs allowed | Mostly no |
Bicycles allowed | Mostly no |
Horses allowed | Mostly yes |