Treks / USA (California)

John Muir Trail

USA (California) · Nearest city: San Francisco (also Los Angeles, Fresno)

TypeMulti-day trek

Days18–25

Distance≈ 340 km

Climbingvaries

Highest point4,421 m

A classic long trail through the High Sierra from Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney, crossing a string of passes above 3,300 m.

Fitness Very hard

Best seasonJuly to September

High pointMount Whitney

High altitude

Watch out: Wilderness permits are very hard to get. Most of the route sleeps above 3,000 m, so acclimatise first.

Why people choose it

It's often called America's most beautiful trail, through the High Sierra's granite, lakes and passes.

What makes it different

Three weeks above 3,000 m
Ends on the highest summit in the lower 48
Bear canisters required

Route options

There is rarely just one way to walk John Muir Trail. These are the main choices people make.

Length: most people take 18–25 days, 21 is typical. You can shorten it by skipping a stage with a bus or lift, or lengthen it with rest days.

Similar treks to consider

Mount Whitney USA (California) · 1–2 days · 35 km The highest summit in the contiguous United States, climbed on a long, well-built trail from Whitney Portal. Swiss Via Alpina Switzerland · 18–20 days · 390 km Switzerland's national long-distance trail crosses the whole Swiss Alps from east to west over 14 passes,... Four Pass Loop USA (Colorado) · 3 days · 42 km A loop around the Maroon Bells over four passes above 3,600 m, often called one of the most beautiful...

Before you go

Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list services that fit this trek.

Getting there

Flights to Mammoth Lakes (MMH) 70 km from the start
Flights to Fresno (FAT) 105 km from the start

Hire a car for the trailhead: DiscoverCars

Phone and data

Roaming in USA is expensive on most phone plans. A data eSIM bought before you fly gets you online as soon as you land.

USA eSIM on Airalo

Expect long stretches with no signal on the trail. Download offline maps and our GPX before you start.

Insurance that covers this trek

This trek reaches 4,421 m, and many policies stop covering hiking at 2,000 to 3,000 m unless you add an activity upgrade. World Nomads needs its Level 3 activities above 2,000 m, Heymondo its Adventure add-on above 3,000 m, and SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance covers trekking up to 4,500 m.

Rescue is not the same as evacuation. Travel insurance usually pays to fly you to hospital, but not always for the search and rescue itself. Read the policy's "search and rescue" section.

World Nomads SafetyWing Heymondo True Traveller

True Traveller sells only to UK and EEA residents. Always check the altitude limit and your country of residence in the policy wording. Our trekking insurance guide explains what to look for.

Camping and where to sleep

In national parks, overnight stays need a wilderness permit and camping is often limited to designated sites. On most national forest and BLM land, dispersed camping is allowed.

Rules change and differ between parks. Check with the local park or tourist office before you pitch a tent.

Route map

Download GPX

Map layers load on the live site. Use the overview below meanwhile.

Trail from OpenStreetMap (335.7 km) Start / finish Stop on the way Nearest city

Switch between Topo, Satellite and Street layers with the layer button, and turn on the marked hiking trails overlay. The trail line is the OpenStreetMap hiking route and may differ from the variant you choose. Always carry a proper hiking map on the trail.

Stops: Yosemite Valley → Tuolumne Meadows → Devils Postpile National Monument → Muir Pass → Forester Pass → Mount Whitney

Simple overview map

Step by step

Months before
Plan and book
- Enter the permit lottery. Places are limited and usually allocated months ahead.
- Best time to go: July to September.
6–12 weeks before
Train and test your gear
- Take the readiness quiz to see how many weeks of training you need.
- Break in your boots and train with the pack you'll carry.
- Tick off the packing list to see what you still need.
Readiness quiz · Packing list
Getting there
Travel to the start
- Most people start from San Francisco.
On the trail
Walk it
- Start early each day, so you arrive before the afternoon weather and the rush for beds.
- Plan food resupply points in advance. Some stretches have no shops for days.
- Climb slowly and take the acclimatisation days seriously.
The finish
Get home
- It's a one-way route, so plan your transport back from the finish in advance.

How the season changes things

Best time: July to September

June to early July

Early season

Snow on high passes, high creek crossings and roaring waterfalls. Mosquitoes emerge.

Bring

Microspikes and an ice axe for high passes
Mosquito repellent
Waterproof boots

Mid-July to August

Peak season

Stable, dry weather with afternoon thunderstorms over the high peaks. Permits are hardest to get.

Bring

Sun protection
Bear canister
Rain jacket for storms

September to early October

Late season

Clear, quiet and cold at night, with waterfalls reduced and the first snow possible.

Bring

Warm sleeping bag
Down jacket
Headlamp

Be ready for

High altitude

Above about 3,000 m the air holds less oxygen. Walk slowly, drink plenty, don't rush acclimatisation days, and go down if you get a bad headache, nausea or confusion.

Down jackets →Water filters →

Bear country

Store food in a bear canister or locker, cook away from your tent, and carry bear spray where rangers recommend it.

River crossings

You'll ford rivers without bridges. Cross early in the day when levels are lower, unclip your hip belt, and use poles. Bring sandals or light shoes for crossing.

Trekking poles →