The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the world. Along the way, it 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. 

Mammoth to Yosemite is one of our favorite sections. Traveling through the Ansel Adams Wilderness with the Minaret Spires and the Ritter Range towering over green meadows and alpine lakes. We climb Donahue Pass to follow the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River before ascending one last time past Cathedral Lakes before the long descent to Yosemite Valley.

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 guiding, pack stock support, permits, tents, kitchen gear, shuttles, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and a resupply. We will leave vehicles in Mammoth Lakes during the trip. We will take a shuttle from Yosemite Valley, back to Mammoth, at the end of the trip. Shuttle is included in your trip price and is organized by SMC. Our meals are delicious, healthy, and fresh!

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.

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.