Trek from Mount Whitney North to Yosemite Valley

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 trail does not include the climb of Mount Whitney. If you are interested in the "southbound" half that does include the climb, see our award-winning trip The John Muir Trail - Southbound.

Activities

11 days strenuous hiking (max. elev. 11,050')

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 finest
• Hike into Yosemite National Park

2010 Prices
$4,695 (11-12 members)
$4,895 (9-10 members)
$5,195 (7-8 members)
$450 single supplement

Duration: 13 days Start Location: Fresno End Location: Fresno Best time to go: August

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Travel to Fresno, California

  Travel to Fresno, California, gateway to the Sierra.

• Days 2 - 4 : Sallie Keyes cut-off / Bear Creek Meadows / Mono Creek

  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 : Chief Lake / Duck Lake / Red’s Meadow

  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.

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  Days 8 - 10 : Shadow Creek / Layover day / Upper Rush Creek

  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 : Lyell Fork

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

• Days 12 - 13 : End trek – Yosemite Valley Tour – Fresno / Depart

  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.

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  Piccadilly Inn Airport Hotel

  A superb full service hotel for business and leisure travelers alike, Piccadilly Inn Airport offers a combination of comfort, convenience and style with 185 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites. Experience a refreshing change of pace in our outdoor pool, set in a lush tropical setting. Or work off some energy in our fitness center and then relax in our heated outdoor spa.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Greg Aiello

  Greg is a Yosemite-area native whose love for his backyard, the Sierra, shows in every moment spent with him in the mountains. Between guiding stints, he works as a videographer for the news in Fresno, and he has won Emmys for his work. Greg’s high energy, passion for the mountains, and sense of adventure make him an outstanding guide.

• Tim Bluhm

  Tim was named one of the 25 coolest people by Outside magazine in the December 2004 issue, with the likes of Lance Armstrong and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Why is he so cool? He is an avid outdoorsman who plays a mean guitar, is the lead singer of the Mother Hips, and has released nine albums. Tim learned to ski and climb in the Sierra, and has passed many sun-drenched days in the high country with his family and friends. He thinks the passing of the sun, the stars, and the moon, and the sound of one’s own footsteps take over, slowing the internal clock to a normal rate, a slower speed that is all but forgotten in the race of modern life. He believes it is a privilege to share this experience with others who seek it.

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