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 Onion Valley to Bishop Pass is truly the Sierra High Country! We will climb over three 12,000’ passes and walk down the famous golden staircase. Much of this section is above treeline, affording us expansive views of the glacial cut granite walls of Kings Canyon National Park. The varied landscape rewards us with cascading creeks as well as serene meadows along much of the hike. This section has several “shorter” days as well as two layover days.

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 10 miles a day with 3,000 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.