The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the world. Along the way, it summits Mt Whitney, the highest point in the continental US, climbs over 13,000’ passes, wanders beneath high alpine peaks, and traverses beautiful meadows and forested river valleys. The spectacular scenery is combined with the generally clement weather of California and warm summer temperatures. 

This section from Cottonwood to Onion Valley follows the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) for three days to stage for the ascent to Mount Whitney. The top of Mount Whitney begins the start of our trek along the John Muir Trail (JMT). We will then follow the JMT north enjoying views of the Kaweah Range to the west and the Sierra crest to the east before crossing over Forester Pass, the highest pass on the John Muir Trail. Dropping into the glacially carved U-shaped valley of Bubbs Creek, we descend to Vidette Meadow before exiting over Kearsarge Pass.

You will carry only a light daypack with water, clothing, lunch, sunscreen, etc. Your day pack ideally weighs less than 15 pounds. and the mules will carry the rest!

Inclusions

Price includes shuttle, guiding, pack stock support, permits, group gear, tents, kitchen gear, breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. We provide delicious healthy meals – our guides are great backcountry chefs! No pre-packaged dehydrated meals, we promise!

Prerequisites

You should be able to hike, with a day pack, up to fourteen miles a day with 2,000 feet or more in elevation gain. While we use mules to carry the loads, the distances to be covered each day are significant. Review our Fitness, Training, and Acclimatization Tips in the “Resources” tab.