The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the world. The full hike reaches about 200 miles from Yosemite National Park to the high point of the lower forty-eight states, Mount Whitney, and takes about 20 days.
This four day segment of the trail takes us through some of the most beautiful portions of the JMT. This hike has a little of everything, condensing the best parts down to four days: a wide river valley, a high pass crossing, great views, stunningly beautiful lakes and jagged peaks.
Inclusions
Price includes guiding, permits, tents, kitchen gear, shuttles, breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. We will leave vehicles in Mammoth Lakes during the trip. We will take the YARTS shuttle from Tuolumne Meadows, back to Mammoth, at the end of the trip. Shuttle is included in your trip price and is organized by SMC. Our meals are healthy and prepared by your guide before the trip. We use good quality dehydrated ingredients to make a variety of delicious, protein-packed meals.
Prerequisites
Prior day hiking experience is required. No prior overnight experience is required but you need to be in good physical condition, able to walk 8 miles, and gain up to 1,100 feet daily while carrying a multi-day backpack.
Acclimatization & Physical Training
For proper acclimatization, we suggest spending at least one night at a moderate altitude, higher than 8,000 feet, just prior to the start of the journey. See our detailed tips on acclimatizing an physical training in the “Resources” tab.
Shuttle
We will leave vehicles in Mammoth Lakes during the trip. We will take the YARTS shuttle from Tuolumne, back to Mammoth, at the end of the trip. Shuttle is included in your trip price and is organized by SMC.
Day 1
We head up the rushing San Joaquin River from Agnew Meadows along the River Trail. Shortly after Olaine Lake, we head up and pass the beautiful Shadow Lake with fantastic views of the jagged Minarets and the blocky summits of Mounts Ritter and Banner. We plan to camp above Shadow Lake, close to Shadow Creek, making this a short day.
Starting elevation: 8,300 feet
Ending elevation: 9,000 feet
Distance: 4.5 miles with 1,100 feet of gain and 400 feet of loss
Day 2
We head north paralleling the San Joaquin river and pass by some of the Sierra’s most beautiful lakes all aptly named from precious gems: Ruby, Garnet, Emerald and finally to the incomparable Thousand Island Lake. We wander around the lake, stopping to enjoy the scenery as we climb up and over the low and easy Island Pass. From here we descend into Rush Creek and stop near the forks of the creek to set up camp.
Starting elevation: 9,000 feet
Ending elevation: 9,500 feet
Distance: 8.o miles with 2,000 feet of gain and 1,500 feet of loss
Day 3
Today is our biggest pass but the distance to the top is not too far. So we shoulder our ever lightening packs, head over Donahue Pass and drop into Lyell Canyon. Above us rises Mt. Lyell, the high point of Yosemite National Park, and we start a steady drop into the wide glacially carved valley of Lyell Canyon. We plan to camp near the Tuolumne River in the base of Lyell Canyon.
Starting elevation: 9,500 feet
Ending elevation: 8,800 feet
Distance: 8.0 miles with 1,500 feet of gain and 2,200 feet of loss
Day 4
All downhill now to Tuolumne Meadows through Lyell canyon. As we walk, we pass the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River as it is lazily meandering its way to the Meadows. We catch our afternoon shuttle and head back to Mammoth for a well earned rest.
Starting elevation: 8,800 feet
Ending elevation: 8,500 feet
Distance: 8.0 miles with 200 feet of gain and 500 feet of loss
Total trip mileage: 28.5
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