California John Muir Trail Northbound to Yosemite Trekking Tour
A Legendary Wilderness Adventure in the Sierra Nevada
Tackle the northbound half of the John Muir Trail set in California's stunning Sierra Nevada, beginning at Lake Florence and ending in Yosemite National Park's beautiful Tuolumne Meadows. Traverse mountain passes through several protected zones, including the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness areas — totaling 103 miles through dazzling scenery of 13,000-foot peaks, countless lakes, huge granite walls, and rich meadows. The hiking is tough but you'll travel light, as the trip is fully aided by mule support and expert MT Sobek guides who share local legends.
Tackle the northbound half of the John Muir Trail set in California's stunning Sierra Nevada, beginning at Lake Florence and ending in Yosemite National Park's beautiful Tuolumne Meadows. Traverse mountain passes through several protected zones, including the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness areas — totaling 103 miles through dazzling scenery of 13,000-foot peaks, countless lakes, huge granite walls, and rich meadows. The hiking is tough but you'll travel light, as the trip is fully aided by mule support and expert MT Sobek guides who share local legends.
Hike 103 miles on one of the most scenic wilderness trails in the world
[Description] => Hike 103 miles on one of the most scenic wilderness trails in the world
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Take in spectacular protected areas, including the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness
[Description] => Take in spectacular protected areas, including the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness
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Descend from the Pacific Crest to Yosemite's high-elevation Tuolumne Meadows with its meandering river
Arrive in Fresno, California, to check in at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Fresno Yosemite Airport, near the Fresno air terminal, by 4pm. At 6pm, join the guides for an orientation and final gear check, along with a welcome dinner near the hotel.
Accommodation: Fairfield Inn & Suites Fresno Yosemite Airport
Meals: Dinner
Start the John Muir Trail at Sallie Keyes
Day 2
Meet at 7am after breakfast. Drive about three hours to Florence Lake, and meet the horse-packer and mules to offload the gear. Then begin the first leg of the trip, which starts with a ferry ride across Florence Lake (7,325') into the John Muir Wilderness. Today's hike is a mild 5.24 miles with a 862-ft elevation gain and 453-ft elevation loss to the junction of the John Muir Trail at the Sallie Keyes cut-off and Shooting Star Meadow.
Activity: 3-4 hours/5.24 miles hiking with 862' elevation gain and 453' elevation loss
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Over Selden Pass to Rosemarie Meadow
Day 3
Hike 9 miles over the Selden Pass (10,880') to Rosemarie Meadow, past the picturesque Sallie Keyes Lakes, which were named after Sallie Keyes Shipp, the daughter of the principal owners (and sheepherders) of Blayney Meadows (from 1890-1940). An aspen tree in the meadows is rumored to still have her name carved in it.
Activity: 5-6 hours/8.9 miles hiking to 10,880', with 3,297' elevation gain and 1,103' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend to Mono Creek
Day 4
Today's hike is 10.87 miles downhill (except for a stout but brief uphill climb of Bear Ridge) to Quail Meadows and into the Mono Creek Drainage at 7,870'. Mono Creek, named after the Mono Indians, drains from the nearby Mono Divide, first crossed on August 2, 1864, by the Brewer party of the Whitney Survey. Mono Creek serves as a main artery in the California watershed.
Activity: 6 hours/10.87 miles hiking to 10,036'', with 1,125' elevation gain and 3,287' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head Up to Chief Lake
Day 5
Today is another uphill day. You'll journey 8 miles to Chief Lake over Silver Pass (10,880') across the Silver Divide, named in 1907-09 by the USGS survey from Theodore S. Solomons' 1896 map of the area. Solomons gave the creek its name because of its silvery appearance.
Activity: 4-6 hours/8 miles hiking, with 3,150' elevation gain and 413' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pass Tully Hole & Camp at Duck Lake
Day 6
Just over 11 miles of hiking up and down leads past Tully Hole and Purple Lake to the camp at the Duck Lake junction (9,520'). Tully Hole was named after Gene Tully, who was one of the original 60 rangers of the US Forest Service. He helped rid Yosemite National Park of sheep from 1905-07. Tully Hole was where he rested his stock during his 6-week patrols of the mountains. One of today's highlights is a lunch stop at the picturesque Lake Virginia.
Activity: 6-7 hours/11 miles hiking, with 2,210' elevation gain and 2,870' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Onward to Red's Meadow
Day 7
Today enjoy 11.5 miles of cruising to Red's Meadow in the Mammoth area, with astounding views of the Minarets as well as Mount Ritter and Banner Peak. John Muir made the first ascent in October 1872 and his account of the climb is legendary to mountain climbers. Meet the food drop here and be treated to a shower.
Activity: 6-7 hours/11.5 miles hiking, with 670' elevation gain and 2,984' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Reach Ansel Adams Wilderness & Shadow Creek
Day 8
Today enter the Ansel Adams Wilderness, named after the famous photographer and conservationist who took all those iconic photographs of the West. Highlights include the unique Devil's Postpile National Monument. It's an 11-mile hike to Shadow Creek, the next camp, home for the next two nights.
A 10-mile hike today leads through the famous "postcard" John Muir Trail country of Garnett, Waugh, and Thousand Island Lakes. Hike over Island Pass (10,205') to the campsite on Rush Creek.
Activity: 5-6 hours/9.9 miles hiking to 10,205' with 2,925' elevation gain and 1,812' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meet the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River
Day 11
Hike over towering Donahue Pass (11,050') beneath the highest peak in Yosemite (Mt. Lyell at 13,114') and down to the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park. Donahue was a sergeant in the cavalry and the peak and pass were named after him by Lt. McClure in 1895, when Donahue made the first ascent.
Activity: 5 hours/6.4 miles hiking to 11,050' with 1,134' elevation gain and 2,306' elevation loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
End the Trek and Return to Fresno
Day 12
Hike the remaining eight miles along the John Muir Trail and finish the incredible journey in Tuolumne Meadows, where the shuttle awaits with cold drinks and a fresh lunch. After lunch, continue through Yosemite National Park en route to the airport hotel in Fresno for a celebration dinner and a good night's sleep.
Accommodation: Fairfield Inn & Suites Fresno Yosemite Airport
Activity: 5 hours/8.4 miles hiking with 295' elevation gain and 624' elevation loss
Transportation: 4-hour transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Fresno
Day 13
Today take the hotel's airport shuttle to the terminal to catch your flight, which can be scheduled to depart at any time.
MT Sobek has been exploring US National Parks for more than 50 years, placing a strong emphasis on responsible travel practices that support local communities and protect the natural environment.
This legendary 13-day northbound trek is fully aided with the support of a professional packer and mules that transport gear and move camp. This allows you to fully focus on the epic scenery and enjoy the challenge of the adventure.
Trek with our expert MT Sobek guides, who have in-depth knowledge of this remote and expansive mountain region. They'll also entertain with in-depth knowledge of local flora, fauna and legends about the great explorers who first blazed these trails.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Fred A.
Fred enjoyed his first backpacking trip in college, walking 20+ miles in inappropriate footwear and spending a few cold nights in front of the fire without a sleeping bag. He caught the travel bug from there and was soon plotting and executing adventures in California's endless wild places. In addition to being an adventure guide, Fred is also an EMT with a certification in wilderness medicine. He's hiked and climbed thousands of miles around the Sierra including a solo 200+ mile hike of the Sierra High Route. Join Fred on MT Sobek's hiking adventures in California.
Meghan O.
Meghan grew up in a family of travelers and always wanted to be an explorer. She loves being in nature, cooking good food, moving her body, and visiting places that remind her of the diversity of the human experience. In addition to guiding, she has worked as a yoga teacher, Peace Corps volunteer, health educator, chef, and snowboarding coach. She finds joy in teaching people new things and empowering them to work through challenging experiences. She has traveled and trekked around the world, but the Sierra Nevada is her favorite place on Earth. The grandeur of its granite peaks, the crystal clarity of its glacial streams, and the vibrant wildflowers that blanket its meadows leave her in constant awe. She is excited and grateful to spend her summers exploring the infinite beauty of its wilderness alongside brave and curious people.
Arrive in Fresno, California, to check in at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Fresno Yosemite Airport, near the Fresno air terminal, by 4pm. At 6pm, join the guides for an orientation and final gear check, along with a welcome dinner near the hotel.
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Today enjoy 11.5 miles of cruising to Red\'s Meadow in the Mammoth area, with astounding views of the Minarets as well as Mount Ritter and Banner Peak. John Muir made the first ascent in October 1872 and his account of the climb is legendary to mountain climbers. Meet the food drop here and be treated to a shower.
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Today is a well-deserved layover day in the heart of John Muir Trail country. Take time to photograph, fish, hike, wash socks, or just plain hang out.
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Today take the hotel\'s airport shuttle to the terminal to catch your flight, which can be scheduled to depart at any time.
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[ActivityHighlight] => This trip is designed for the seasoned hiker. You are expected to hike with up to 15 pounds in your daypack about 5 to 13 miles per day (about 5 to 8 hours per day) for 12 days, with one layover day. We will hike a total of 90 miles on mountain trails that are often steep and uneven and mostly at elevations above 9,000\'.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 5. This trip is designed for the seasoned hiker. You are expected to hike with up to 15 pounds in your daypack about 5 to 13 miles per day (about 5 to 8 hours per day) for 12 days, with one layover day. We will hike a total of 90 miles on mountain trails that are often steep and uneven and mostly at elevations above 9,000'. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
3-4 hours/5.24 miles hiking with 862' elevation gain and 453' elevation loss
Day 3
5-6 hours/8.9 miles hiking to 10,880', with 3,297' elevation gain and 1,103' elevation loss
Day 4
6 hours/10.87 miles hiking to 10,036'', with 1,125' elevation gain and 3,287' elevation loss
Day 5
4-6 hours/8 miles hiking, with 3,150' elevation gain and 413' elevation loss
Day 6
6-7 hours/11 miles hiking, with 2,210' elevation gain and 2,870' elevation loss
Day 7
6-7 hours/11.5 miles hiking, with 670' elevation gain and 2,984' elevation loss
Day 8
6 hours/11 miles hiking, with 2,905' elevation gain and 1,482' elevation loss
Day 10
5-6 hours/9.9 miles hiking to 10,205' with 2,925' elevation gain and 1,812' elevation loss
Day 11
5 hours/6.4 miles hiking to 11,050' with 1,134' elevation gain and 2,306' elevation loss
Day 12
5 hours/8.4 miles hiking with 295' elevation gain and 624' elevation loss
Accommodations
Camps in pristine settings along the way and a full-service hotel as the bookend, featuring an outdoor pool and spa to enjoy before and after the expedition.
We supply all camping and commissary gear, including tents and sleeping pads. We encourage guests to bring their own sleeping bag, rated to 15 degrees in the 2-3 pound range. We encourage this because everyone sleeps differently, some need a really warm bag, others not so much thus having your own will ensure more comfort than renting. We also provide a Crazy Creek chair for every trip member. Previous camping experience is required for this trip! Guides will assist guests with their tents on the first night, but then it is up to the guests to set up their tents after that.
Conveniently located two blocks from Fresno Yosemite airport, the Fairfield Inn is clean and modern, and offers all the amenities necessary to rest and recharge on your MT Sobek adventure. The hotel boasts a 24-hour fitness center, heated outdoor pool, in-house restaurant for breakfast, and local restaurant delivery service for dinner. Each room features complimentary Wifi, a flat screen Smart TV for streaming services like Hulu and Netflix, comfortable bedding, electronics dock, coffee maker and microwave.
Weather
You will be camping at 9,000-10,000', and there can be snow on the ground. Daytime temperatures are 65-85°F and 20-35°F at night.
Jul
Aug
Ansel Adams Wilderness
High
Low
High
Low
Ansel Adams Wilderness
60
26
60
25
Sierra National Forest
High
Low
High
Low
Sierra National Forest
80
65
79
63
Yosemite National Park
High
Low
High
Low
Yosemite National Park
90
46
90
55
FAQs
What do I have to carry on this trip?
You only carry your daypack the entire way. Mules & guides will carry 15 pounds of each guest's gear and you are responsible for carrying any weight over this.
Does this trip include Mount Whitney?
This itinerary 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 John Muir Trail: Southbound to Mount Whitney.
How is water treatment handled on this trip?
We supply water filters on this trip. Although the water in the Sierra is renowned for its cleanliness, we still take precautions. You are responsible for filtering your own daily water.
What are the toilet procedures?
We provide everything needed for a comfortable wilderness toilet experience. Certain "Leave No Trace" practices apply, and your guide will go over this as part of the camp orientation.
What can I expect from my guide?
All our professional mountain guides are trained in wilderness medicine at the professional level and are experienced backcountry leaders. They are well versed in the natural and cultural history of the area, cook excellent food, and are fun, personable people to spend time with.
What are my duties while on this camping trip?
You are responsible for setting up and taking down your own tent, packing your personal gear, and filtering your own water. Our guides are always available to assist. Other camp chores such as cooking, cleaning, hauling water, etc. are left to the guides.
What happens if the weather conditions are bad?
MT Sobek is proud to offer trips in protected wilderness settings.
As with any backcountry adventure, unforeseen natural events can impact your trip, including extreme weather conditions, snow levels and wildfires. As your health and safety are paramount, our expert guides and office staff will respond to these natural occurrences accordingly which may result in canceling, redirecting or shortening the trip.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
The standard minimum age for this trip is 18 years old.
Do I have to be extremely fit to do this trip?
Yes, this is a Level 5 trip which requires a high level of fitness. The very best way to prepare is to go hiking! This also allows you to get used to your backpack and boots.
