Though most people choose to hike the JMT from north to south , there are some who opt for a northbound hike. Hiking north means you’ll begin with an intense climb to Whitney and then gradually decrease in altitude as you hike towards Yosemite.
Where do you begin and end John Muir Trail?
The John Muir Trail is also a land blessed with the mildest, sunniest climate of any major mountain range in the world. The trail is 211 miles long and runs (mostly in conjunction with the PCT) from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, in California .
How long does it take to thru-hike the John Muir Trail?
Over the last few years, a retired San Francisco lawyer named John Ladd has run an annual online survey of people who hike the John Muir Trail, a famous route through the Sierra Nevadas that typically takes about three weeks to complete (through the fastest known time is two days, 19 hours, and 26 minutes, set last ...
When on the trail always give the right way to hikers?
- Hikers coming uphill have the right of way. If you’re descending the trail, step aside and give space to the people climbing up.
- Bicyclists yield to hikers and horses or other pack stock. Come to a full stop and step to the side to give the right of way. ...
- Hikers yield to horses and other pack stock.
Is the JMT part of the PCT?
For most of its length, the John Muir Trail uses the Pacific Crest Trail . There are three places where the JMT and PCT are different: Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows, Thousand Island Lake to Reds Meadow and Crab Tree Meadow to Mt. Whitney. For approximately 170 miles, the JMT travels the Pacific Crest Trail.
Can you section hike the JMT?
The JMT can be done in segments or as a thru-hike , many opting for the latter. Pre-planning is critical to a successful JMT thru-hike, and advance permits are required. Most hikers take around three weeks to complete the journey following the trail southbound (SOBO) from Yosemite Valley.
How hard is it to hike the John Muir Trail?
Plus, except for the high passes, the JMT is not, step for step, as difficult as hiking in other parts of the country . Give serious thought to food supply and daily mileage, because leaving Muir Trail Ranch with 10 or 11 days worth of food will add about 20 pounds to your pack as you head for the JMT’s highest passes.
How do you prepare for the John Muir Trail?
- Step 1: Decide if you will go solo or with a friend. ...
- Step 2: Pick your dates and your starting trailhead. ...
- Step 3: Apply for a permit. ...
- Step 4: Gear up. ...
- Step 5: Start Training. ...
- Step 6: Map out a loose itinerary.
How crowded is the John Muir Trail?
The JMT is insanely crowded . While on the trail for only 13 days I counted over 1,800 people, and this doesn’t include the people in tents I couldn’t see. This means you should expect crowded tent sites. And your odds of experiencing solitude are greatly diminished.
Is the John Muir Trail worth it?
It is not for the beauty and fun of the trip that I make the recommendation that one not do it. It is that it is not worth the effort . Absent the ability to have multiple resupply stops and taking some 2-3 months to make the trip it is a long walk in a beautiful place.
Does JMT include Mt. Whitney?
The John Muir Trail
The popular John Muir Trail extends 220 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mt. Whitney . Most hikers prefer to start in Yosemite, allowing themselves to acclimate gradually to the increasing elevations as they move south toward 14,505-foot Mt. Whitney.
How can I hike 20 miles a day?
Why do uphill hikers have the right of way?
When you’re going downhill, yield to those going uphill. This is a courtesy to uphill hikers, since it takes much more energy to go uphill than down . Although mountain bikers are technically supposed to yield to hikers, it’s better to be safe than right.
What are the 10 hiking rules?
- Know exactly where you are going. ...
- Bring plenty of water along. ...
- Dress appropriately. ...
- Don’t overexert yourself. ...
- Leave local plants and animals alone. ...
- Bring a first-aid kit along. ...
- Leave everything as you found it. ...
- Know how to start a fire.
What is trail etiquette?
Be Aware: Be sure to look out for bikers, equestrians, and other hikers. If they are approaching from behind, they should announce “on your left” meaning you should stay to your right. Be Alert: Always make sure the trail you are on is a marked trail. Be alert of your surroundings; be sure to listen and to look around.
Can you hike the JMT in winter?
The John Muir Trail is gorgeous in winter, but hiking it can be dangerous once the temperature dips . If you’re truly looking for solitude on the JMT, the time to come is winter, when snowfall and chilly temperatures — which often drop below freezing — deter many would-be hikers.
Does JMT overlap PCT?
The John Muir Trail covers 210.4 miles, from Happy Isles, in Yosemite Valley (elevation 4,000 ft.), to Mount Whitney (elevation 14,505 ft), and overlaps with the PCT for approximately 160 miles . The JMT was completed in 1938, though construction started in 1915 (and scouting began in the late 1800s).
Can you hike the John Muir Trail without a permit?
You’ll need a wilderness permit for the JMT
If you hope to reserve a permit, you should apply exactly 168 days in advance. See which trailheads are full. The official northern terminus of the JMT is at the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite Valley.
Can you day hike the JMT?
3 Best Day Hikes on the John Muir Trail. The John Muir Trail runs 211 miles north/south along the high Sierra Nevada peaks. In Yosemite National Park, the trail stretches from Tuolumne meadows in the north to Yosemite Valley in the south. You could hike from one end to the other or break it up into smaller day hikes .
What is the best section of the JMT?
- Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows (~20 miles) ...
- Tuolumne Meadows to Devils Postpile (~34 miles) ...
- Purple Lake to Big Pete’s Meadow (~84 miles) ...
- Big Pete’s Meadow to Kearsarge Pass (~65 miles) ...
- Kearsarge to Whitney Portal (~49 miles)
Is the John Muir Trail a loop?
Check out this 42.4-mile loop trail near Independence, California. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 22 h 24 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
How much does it cost to hike the JMT?
Assuming you are hiking alone, live pretty close to the trail, have all the gear you need and want to eat pretty well; you can expect to shell out at least $825 to hike the JMT.
Did John Muir hike the John Muir Trail?
| John Muir Trail | Hazards Snowmelt, icy slopes early season, altitude |
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What is the longest hiking trail in North America?
| Rank Hiking Trail Route Length | 1 American Discovery 6,800+ total; 5,057 miles (Southern Route alone); 4,834 miles(Northern Route alone) | 2 Great Western Loop 6,800 miles | 3 Eastern Continental 5,400 miles | 4 North Country 4,600 miles |
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Can a beginner do the JMT?
Thru-Hike Success Plan
Yes, you can make mistakes and still hike the JMT . Or you can take a class and avoid the setbacks many beginners suffer.
Are there bears on the John Muir Trail?
A: You don’t have to worry about bears! First, no grizzly’s in the area . Second, be careful with your food and they will be more afraid of you than you are of them! A few things to remember and a few tips: if you leave your food out for bears they will become habituated to human food and seek it out.
What is the longest hiking trail in the world?
The world’s longest designated hiking trail is the Pacific Crest Trail , which runs for 4,260 km (2,650 miles) along the West Coast of the USA between the Mexican and Canadian borders. The Continental Divide Trail, currently around 70% complete, will be around 5,000 km (3,100 miles) long when finished.
