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The John Muir Trail, named after the celebrated naturalist, is arguably the most beautiful long-distance trail in the world, graced by an unsurpassed panorama of 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks, countless lakes, verdant meadows, and huge granite walls. It begins in the Yosemite Valley, follows the spine of the Sierra Nevada south, and ends 212 miles later at the summit of Mount Whitney (14,495'), the highest peak in the continental United States. Most people tackle the trail with heavily overloaded backpacks; on our trip all you’ll need to carry is a daypack, since we provide a string of mules to carry most of the gear. On this departure we offer you the opportunity to hike the first, “northbound” half of the trail: from Florence Lake to Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park (103 miles). (Note—this half does not include the climb of Mount Whitney. If you are interested in the “southbound” half that does include the climb, see The John Muir Trail - Southbound.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike one of the world’s most scenic wilderness trails—but with mules to carry most of the gear!
• Fantastic mountains, alpine lakes, verdant meadows filled with wildflowers—California’s High Sierra at its fines
• End the trek at famed Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park

Day 1 Travel to Fresno, California, gateway to the Sierra.

Days 2-4 Drive to Florence Lake and meet the horse-packer and mules. Ferry ride across Florence Lake (7,325') and begin hiking in the John Muir Wilderness. Cross Selden Pass (10,880') and hike into the Mono Creek Drainage at 7,870'.

Days 5-7 Cross Silver Pass (10,880') and hike to Red’s Meadow in the Mammoth area, where views of the Minarets and Mounts Ritter and Banner will last a lifetime. Here we’ll meet our food drop.

Days 8-10 Enter the Ansel Adams Wilderness, named after the famous photographer and conservationist, and continue through the famous “postcard” Muir Trail country of Garnett and Thousand Island Lakes. Hike over Island Pass (10, 205') to Waugh Lake )9,500'). Layover day to photograph, fish, hike, or just relax.

Day 11 Hike over towering Donahue Pass (11,050') and down to the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park.

Day 12 Hike the remaining 5½ miles along the John Muir Trail and finish the journey in Tuolumne Meadows. Return by vehicle through Yosemite with a stop in the valley for photos and a brief visit before returning to Fresno.

Day 13 Depart Fresno.

Photo Credits
©G. Brad Lewis/Larry Ulrich Stock