When is the best time to hike John Muir Trail?

Jul-Sep Conditions vary year to year, so confirm locally before you go.

How hard is John Muir Trail?

Manta rates it 5/5 (Very hard). 5 (Very Hard) - a sustained high-Sierra thru-hike over many passes

Start a trip

Hikes United StatesJohn Muir Trail

John Muir Trail

Also known as: JMT

The John Muir Trail - Yosemite, Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness, Kings Canyon, and Mount Whitney

Difficulty 5/5 · Very hardMultidayThru-hikeMulti-week thru-hike

Distance

~340 km

Max elevation

4,421 m

Elevation gain

~14,000 m

Duration

~2-3 weeks

iconicthru hikesierrapermit lotterylong trail

Plan this hike

Explore the rugged beauty of the Tetons in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park during autumn.

The route

The line through Sierra Nevada, California, United States - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Elevation profile4,421 m (Mount Whitney)

0 km340 km

Waypoints

1
Happy Isles (Yosemite Valley)Trailhead
~1,234 m0 km
Northern terminus
1
Happy Isles (Yosemite Valley)Trailhead
~1,234 m0 km
Northern terminus
2
Tuolumne MeadowsJunction
~2,630 m35 km~3 h
Early resupply/junction
2
Tuolumne MeadowsJunction
~2,630 m35 km~3 h
Early resupply/junction
3
Reds Meadow / Devils PostpileJunction
~2,300 m95 km~4 h
Resupply
3
Reds Meadow / Devils PostpileJunction
~2,300 m95 km~4 h
Resupply
4
Muir Trail RanchJunction
~2,400 m170 km~4 h
Key resupply
4
Muir Trail RanchJunction
~2,400 m170 km~4 h
Key resupply
5
Forester PassPass
~4,009 m300 km~5 h
Highest point on the PCT
5
Forester PassPass
~4,009 m300 km~5 h
Highest point on the PCT
6
Whitney Portal (exit)Trailhead
~2,550 m340 km~6 h
Southern terminus via Whitney
6
Whitney Portal (exit)Trailhead
~2,550 m340 km~6 h
Southern terminus via Whitney

Season & conditions

Best season

Jul-Sep

Weather risks

Afternoon storms, altitude, cold nights, occasional early snow

Best Jul-Sep; heavy snow years delay the start and arm the fords. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

Granite passes, alpine lakes, forested valleys, the highest trail in the US

Technical & exposure

Non-technical maintained trail; snow on the passes early season

Navigation & waymarking

Marked/waymarked route; navigation generally straightforward - carry a map and confirm locally

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Crowds & solitude

A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season

Variants & turnaround

Section-hike it; start alternates (Lyell Canyon); exit alternates if Whitney is snowbound

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

Northern terminus Happy Isles (Yosemite Valley); southern Whitney Portal

Shuttle & transport

Point-to-point may need transport between ends - confirm

Huts, camping & refuges

Camping only (no huts on-trail); resupply at Reds Meadow, Vermilion, Muir Trail Ranch etc.

Gear, water & connectivity

Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote

Facilities

Services in Yosemite Valley; limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Not required; self-guided

Permits & safety

A wilderness permit with a competitive Yosemite (or alternate) trailhead lottery; bear canister required; exit-via-Whitney adds a Whitney stamp. Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

Altitude, river fords, bears, weather, remoteness; resupply logistics

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

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Walk John Muir Trail with your group

Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.

Plan this hike