The John Muir Trail (JMT) is a popular trail that runs from Yosemite National Park to Mount Whitney. The trail officially runs 211 miles, from the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite to the summit of Mount Whitney. An additional 11 miles is required to hike from the summit of Mount Whitney to Whitney Portal. 175 miles of the JMT is also part of the Pacific Crest Trail.
The trail travels through national parks, Yosemite National Park and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, and national forest land, John Muir Wilderness Area, Ansel Adams Wilderness Area and Devils Postpile National Monument.
The trail is named for the naturalist John Muir. Construction began on the trail in 1915 and ended in 1938, one year after John Muir’s death.
Most people take 2-3 weeks to complete the JMT. This often requires 1 or 2 food resupplies while on trail. A popular place to resupply is the Vermillion Valley Resort (VVR). Other popular resupply points include Tuolomne Meadows, Reds Meadow, and Muir Trail Ranch. Resupplying at these locations can be expensive due to the isolated location. At VVR, Muir Trail Ranch and Reds Meadow, you can have packages held for you until you arrive. There is often a fee to hold packages, to check before you mail.
Because of the high altitude of the trail, most hikers hike the trail between July and September.
Hiking the trail from South to North, northbound, is the most popular route. But many people are starting to see the advantages of hiking southbound. Southbound hikers generally have an easier time getting permits, and have more time to acclimate at the beginning of the trip. Northbound hikers must crest Mount Whitney on the first day, so their bodies are not ready for this change in altitude. Plus, the burgers at Whitney Portal are a great way to finish the hike.
As with most other locations in the Sierras, bear canisters are required for food storage. Fires are allowed in a few locations along the trail, but it is recommended that you cook using stoves and avoid starting campfires.
Permits are required to hike the JMT. Some people find it easier to get a North-South (Yosemite to Whitney) permit, since most of the Mount Whitney entry permits are taken by Mount Whitney day hikers. You can obtain a permit for a Yosemite entry from the Yosemite Association. Half of the permits can be reserved ahead of time, the other half will be distributed on a walk-up basis. To get a permit for a Whitney entry, you should contact the Inyo National Forest Permit Office. These permits can be reserved up to 6 months in advance.