John Muir Trail | Sierra’s Crown Jewel: 211 Miles, Pure Wilderness

The John Muir Trail traverses 211 miles through California’s Sierra Nevada, connecting Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney’s summit at 14,505 feet. Named after naturalist John Muir, this iconic trail passes through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, staying almost entirely above 8,000 feet elevation. With approximately 47,000 feet of elevation gain across six major passes, the JMT challenges hikers with remote wilderness, high-altitude terrain, and stunning alpine scenery.

Most hikers complete the trail in 18-25 days, resupplying 3-4 times at strategically located points. The trail requires careful planning; permits are competitive, bear canisters are mandatory, and the primary hiking season runs July through September. Whether you’re a beginner considering your first long-distance hike or planning your next adventure, understanding the trail’s sections, resupply logistics, and elevation profile is essential for a successful JMT experience.

Trail Overview

• Total Distance: 211 miles (Happy Isles to Mt. Whitney) + 11 miles to Whitney Portal = 222 miles total
• Total Elevation Gain: ~47,000 feet
• Total Elevation Loss: ~38,000 feet
• Hiking Season: July through September
• Average Completion Time: 18-25 days
• Direction: 90-96% of hikers go southbound (Yosemite to Whitney)
• Permits Required: Yes, obtained from starting location 168 days in advance
• Bear Canisters: Mandatory for entire trail

Why Start Southbound?

Starting in Yosemite Valley and hiking south allows gradual altitude acclimation rather than immediately tackling Mt. Whitney’s 6,000-foot climb. The northern section offers convenient resupply points (Tuolumne Meadows, Red’s Meadow, VVR, Muir Trail Ranch), while the more remote, higher-elevation southern section comes later when you’re fully conditioned.

TRAIL SECTIONS & RESUPPLY POINTS

Section 1: Happy Isles (Yosemite Valley) to Tuolumne Meadows

• Distance: ~22 miles
• Elevation: 4,040 ft → 8,600 ft
• Key Features: Nevada Falls, Little Yosemite Valley, Half Dome junction, Cathedral Pass
• Resupply: Tuolumne Meadows (mile 22) – Store with limited selection, post office, campgrounds
• Notes: Initial steep climb from valley floor; option to mail resupply package or buy limited supplies

Section 2: Tuolumne Meadows to Red’s Meadow

• Distance: ~34 miles
• Elevation Range: Cross Donahue Pass (11,056 ft)
• Key Features: Lyell Canyon, Donahue Pass, Thousand Island Lake, Garnet Lake, Devils Postpile
• Resupply: Red’s Meadow (mile 56) – Resort 0.25 miles off trail; store, café, showers, cabins
• Town Access: Bus to Mammoth Lakes (full-service town)
• Notes: $40 fee to hold mailed packages; limited food selection at resort store

Section 3: Red’s Meadow to Vermilion Valley Resort (Optional)

• Distance: ~30 miles from Red’s Meadow
• Elevation Range: Rolling terrain through wilderness
• Resupply: Vermilion Valley Resort (VVR) – 4.5 miles off trail via ferry ($18) or walk
• Amenities: Restaurant, store, camping (often free for thru-hikers), showers, laundry
• Notes: Most popular resupply stop among hikers; seasonal ferry service (check schedules); opens late May, closes late September

Section 4: To Muir Trail Ranch

• Distance: ~20 miles from VVR (or ~50 miles from Red’s Meadow)
• Elevation Range: Passes through Evolution Basin, crosses Muir Pass (11,955 ft)
• Key Features: Evolution Basin, Muir Pass, John Muir Hut (only trail shelter)
• Resupply: Muir Trail Ranch (MTR) – 0.6 miles off trail
• Amenities: Accepts 5-gallon bucket resupplies (~$65 fee); very limited store; hot springs nearby
• Notes: Opens mid-June to September 15; most hikers mail food buckets; popular but least-favorite resupply stop due to limited services

Section 5: Muir Trail Ranch to Kearsarge Pass/Onion Valley

• Distance: ~70-80 miles
• Elevation Range: Crosses Mather Pass (12,100 ft), Pinchot Pass (12,130 ft), Glen Pass (11,978 ft)
• Key Features: Golden Staircase, Palisade Lakes, high alpine passes
• Resupply: Kearsarge Pass/Onion Valley – 7.4 miles off trail over Kearsarge Pass (15 miles roundtrip)
• Town Access: From Onion Valley trailhead, hitchhike or shuttle to Independence (closest), Lone Pine, or Bishop
• Notes: Critical resupply to break up longest section; some hikers pre-cache food in bear boxes at Onion Valley before starting trail; others arrange friends to hike food in

Section 6: Kearsarge/Onion Valley to Mount Whitney

• Distance: ~30-40 miles
• Elevation Range: Cross Forester Pass (13,117 ft – highest point on trail)
• Key Features: Forester Pass, Guitar Lake, Mt. Whitney Trail junction
• Terminus: Mount Whitney Summit (14,505 ft)
• Exit: 11-mile descent via Mt. Whitney Trail to Whitney Portal trailhead

No resupply options for the final 110+ miles from MTR to Whitney Portal, making this the longest and most challenging carry. Alternative options include:

• Bishop Pass to Parchers Resort (12 miles off trail)
• Arrange mule/pack service at Woods Creek or Charlotte Lake (expensive)

KEY PASSES (North to South)

The JMT crosses six major passes above 11,000 feet:

1. Donahue Pass – 11,056 ft
2. Muir Pass – 11,955 ft
3. Mather Pass – 12,100 ft
4. Pinchot Pass – 12,130 ft
5. Glen Pass – 11,978 ft
6. Forester Pass – 13,117 ft (highest point on Pacific Crest Trail)

Most hikers complete one pass per day. The trail stays almost entirely above 8,000 feet, with the final 30 miles above 10,000 feet.

ESSENTIAL PLANNING TIPS

Permits: Competitive; apply 168 days in advance from your starting location (Yosemite or Whitney). Walk-in permits available but limited.

Bear Canisters: Mandatory. Most popular models: Bearikade, BearVault. Must fit all food, which is challenging for 8-10 day carries. Plan calorie-dense foods.

Typical Resupply Strategy:

• Start with 5-6 days food
• Resupply at Red’s Meadow or VVR (~day 6)
• Resupply at MTR (~day 11-12)
• Resupply at Kearsarge/Onion Valley (~day 17-18)
• Final push to Whitney (3-4 days)

You Cannot Ship: Fuel (available for purchase at all resupply points)

Mailing Timeline: Send packages 2-3 weeks before arrival; use 5-gallon buckets for remote locations