A Complete Guide To Hiking the John Muir Trail

By Molly Harris October 5, 2021

Of all the challenging long-distance thru-hikes in the United States, few are as difficult as the John Muir Trail. Though hiking trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail or the Appalachian Trail are just as beautiful, the John Muir Trail spans 211 miles through California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Those who undertake the trek will traverse nearly 80,000 feet in elevation change and discover alpine lakes and grassy fields among the high-altitude peaks. However, the hike offers few opportunities for resupply stops, which means most thru-hikers must be self-sufficient and self-supported. With proper planning and preparation, anyone can tackle the John Muir Trail.

Contents

Hiking the John Muir Trail
Planning for the John Muir Trail

Hiking the John Muir Trail

Panoramic view of mountains and valleys along the John Muir Trail. — Pixabay

How Long it Takes to Hike the John Muir Trail

Many people opt to start their trek along the Sierra Nevada mountains in Yosemite Valley and wind their way to the final climb up Mount Whitney, some 14,505 feet. Over the 211 miles that the trail spans, hikers gain a total of 47,000 feet. With such a strenuous walk ahead of anyone who takes on the challenge, hikers often wonder how long it will take to complete the John Muir Trail.

That largely depends on the individual fitness of those who hit the trail. The average hiker can likely complete the John Muir Trail in about three weeks give or take a few days. Some experienced ultra-light thru-hikers might manage the trail in just a week or 10 days. What is most important is that hikers pace themselves to avoid injury, but also to enjoy the incredible journey.

The Best Time to Hike the John Muir Trail

Apart from getting into hiking shape and carefully planning meals, another very important yet tricky component of the long-distance trail is choosing the best time to go. Set off too early and snow and ice can make the hike slow and dangerous while leaving too late can result in being on the trail when harsh weather returns in the fall. That’s why the period between June and September tends to be the best window of time.

Different points within the summer window present unique challenges, though. Mosquitos, heat, crowds, rocky sections, and water crossings from the melted snow are all challenges to keep in mind and prepare for. But ultimately, it is your permit that will determine exactly when you can hike the John Muir Trail.

There is now an online option to request a permit to hike the trail. It is, however, still a lottery system, and since it is online, more people will likely apply. So, have patience and apply for the dates you would like to go around five or six months in advance. Once you have received a response and have been granted a permit, you can collect it from any one of the Yosemite Valley Wilderness Centers.

Planning for the John Muir Trail

Person pouring coffee from a thermos on a hiking trail. — Pixabay

Fitness and Food for the John Muir Trail

Before you select and submit your dates for a permit, you should start training to be in hiking shape. Start exercising to build endurance capability and strengthen muscles for hiking-specific movements at least two to three months in advance. The fitness level of hikers will in turn determine how long it will take them to complete the John Muir Trail.

That’s a key factor to approximate because it also determines how much food, and therefore weight, you will need to carry. Remember to pack plenty of food to keep you sustained including both meals and plenty of snacks. Even though it is heavier, packing slightly more than you need is safer than not having enough food. Try to find the right balance for yourself while training. Fortunately, there are plenty of water sources along the trail, so there’s no need to pack anything other than a filter or treatment solution in that regard.

As for parking, you can plan to park at either the starting point in Yosemite Valley or at the end at Mount Whitney. From either point of the trail, hikers can hop on the shuttle to get back to their car.