
more images of California John Muir Trail Northbound to Yosemite Trek
more images of California John Muir Trail Northbound to Yosemite Trek
Tackle the northbound half of the John Muir Trail set in California's stunning Sierra Nevada, beginning in Lake Florence and ending at 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.
Fresno, California
Fresno, California
13 Days
6-10 Guests
15 yrs
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 here.
Day 1
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
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.
Meals: Dinner
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 6.2 miles with a 400-ft elevation gain to the junction of the John Muir Trail at the Sallie Keyes cut-off.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-John Muir Trail Northbound
We supply all camping and commissary gear, including tents and sleeping pads. We encourage clients 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 clients with their tents on the first night, but then it is up to the clients to set up their tents after that.
Activity: 3-4 hours/4.5 miles hiking. with 920' elevation gain and 460' elevation loss
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-John Muir Trail Northbound
We supply all camping and commissary gear, including tents and sleeping pads. We encourage clients 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 clients with their tents on the first night, but then it is up to the clients to set up their tents after that.
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
Reason #01
This epic trek is aided by full mule support to allow for greater ease on the trail and to traverse this beautiful landscape as many pioneers of California's historical past have done.
Reason #02
Expert MT Sobek guides entertain with in-depth knowledge of local flora, fauna and legends about the great explorers who first blazed these trails.
Reason #03
MT Sobek's legacy of preservation and protection enables us to operate in over 30 Global National Park adventures. Stewardship and collaboration with National Parks allows for us to contribute to accessibility of these Federally protected resources.
Fred Ackerman
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.
Alex Kendrall
Alex grew up in Concord, New Hampshire exploring the mountains of New England. It was here that his spirit and passion for adventure began. Alex's love for shared wilderness experiences has culminated in a degree in Outdoor Education and certifications from the American Mountain Guiding Association (AMGA). Moving to California was the culmination of a dream come true, where he is able to combine his passion for climbing with a career in guiding. He has a tremendous amount of experience in the backcountry and great leadership qualities.
Sierra Zacks
Sierra was born and raised on the entrance road to Joshua Tree National Park and spent her early years hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding in the park. She went on to graduate from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Ecology and Plant Biology. During this period, she worked at UC Santa Cruz's Adventure Outings Department where she led climbing, backpacking, and river trips. She now spends her summers in the High Sierra leading trips and exploring the beautiful landscape. In her free time you can find her rock climbing, botanizing, or birdwatching in the mountains.
Strenuous hikes with elevation changes up to 3,555' paired with stunning scenery, dining and camping outdoors, and time to unwind and take it all in.
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 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.
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 and shower 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. One 5-gallon solar shower will provide some warm water for washing/showering up.
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.
Beautiful and wonderful!
Donna Bevan-Lee
MT Sobek Guest
Great trip. Great guides.
Leslie Francis
MT Sobek Guest
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
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The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
Scheduled Dates
Price Includes
Price Does Not Include
Contact An Expert
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
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