John Muir Trail

The trail starts (or ends) in Yosemite Valley, where you will be surrounded by dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. Soon, you’ll climb into alpine country, leaving behind the crowds and entering a quiet wilderness filled with granite ridgelines and glassy lakes.

One of the magical things about the JMT is its rhythm: hike through a forested valley, climb a dramatic mountain pass, descend into another valley, and repeat. Each pass has a new view, different light, different colors, and a different feeling of being absolutely tiny in a landscape that stretches beyond comprehension.

As you move south, the peaks grow taller and more dramatic. Evolution Basin, Muir Pass, Guitar Lake—each day brings another jaw-dropping moment. Finally, the trail ends (or starts) with a climb up Mount Whitney (4,421 meters). Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States, which makes it a bucketlist hike of its own!

American backpacking culture is incredibly friendly and open. Hikers chat at campsites and trade stories over dehydrated meals. Even though you’re deep in the wilderness, you rarely feel alone in the summer; there’s a warm, communal spirit that makes the journey even more meaningful.

While the JMT crosses high passes and wild terrain, it’s not a technical trail. You don’t need to be an elite mountaineer to do it. With decent fitness and preparation, most people find the trail physically demanding but totally doable. There’s no climbing or scrambling involved, and the footpath is well-trodden and easy to follow.

Camping is entirely wild. There are no huts, but plenty of stunning campsites beneath the stars. And yes, bear canisters are required (and absolutely necessary), but with a little care and good planning, wildlife encounters are mostly just a treat for the eyes.

The best time to hike the John Muir Trail is during the summer months, from July through September. While PCT thru-hikers often begin crossing the Sierra as early as late May or June, JMT hikers should time their start based on snow conditions. In low-snow (drought) years, the trail may be accessible by mid-June, but in heavy snow years, it may not fully open up until mid to late July. Even in summer, north- and east-facing slopes at higher elevations can hold snowbanks well into the season.

Be especially cautious of afternoon thunderstorms. Lightning is one of the most serious hazards on the trail, and storms can develop rapidly in the mountains.

Wildfires are another major concern during the summer months. Fires can lead to trail closures, poor air quality, and dangerous conditions. Always check current fire updates and air quality reports before and during your hike, and have a backup plan in case your route needs to change.

Planning your resupply points is one of the most important steps in preparing for a successful JMT thru-hike. Knowing what each stop offers and arranging your resupply boxes in advance makes your journey through the Sierra Nevada much smoother and more enjoyable. Always double-check the operational dates and logistics for each resupply location before your trip, as services can vary seasonally.

Resupply

Here’s a breakdown of the key resupply stops along the trail:

1. Tuolumne Meadows
   Southbound Mile 23 / Northbound Mile 187
   Located in Yosemite National Park, this stop has a post office and a small camp store. It’s a good place to grab fresh snacks, drinks, and a few vegetables.
2. Red’s Meadow & Mammoth Lakes
   Southbound Mile 60 / Northbound Mile 150
   Red’s Meadow offers basic resupply options and easy shuttle access to Mammoth Lakes, which has full-service grocery stores, outdoor gear shops, and restaurants. There are also hiker boxes at Red’s Meadow. A very popular and convenient resupply stop.
3. Vermilion Valley Resort (VVR)
   Southbound Mile 88 / Northbound Mile 122
   VVR is a classic JMT resupply point, accessible via a ferry ride or hike from the trail. They offer hot meals, lodging, hiker boxes, and a small store. You can send a resupply package here, but make sure to plan it well in advance.
4. Muir Trail Ranch (MTR)
   Southbound Mile 106 / Northbound Mile 104
   MTR is known for its expensive resupply service and lack of a food store. If possible, try to skip sending a package here. However, the hiker boxes are often well-stocked, so it’s worth a quick stop to grab extras before pushing into the more remote southern stretch.
5. Kearsarge Pass / Onion Valley
   Southbound Mile 180 / Northbound Mile 30
   A popular exit point to access the town of Independence via hitchhiking. There’s no major store in town, so send a resupply package to a local lodging option or post office.

More information about the resupply points here.  

It is recommended, if you have the time, to travel to the JMT a few days early on a flight to San Francisco. Then, stay a few days in Mammoth Lake, recovering from jetlag and shopping (nice little town that has everything), bring a resupply to Reds Meadow, ship one to Independence, and order one for VVR (you can also easily buy things there). Take the bus to Lone Pine to start and then finish in Yosemite, from which it is easy to go back to San Francisco with public transport.

Gear

Be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions with standard backpacking gear. Much of the John Muir Trail is exposed, so sun protection is essential. Think high SPF sunscreen, a sun hoody, a hat, and even an umbrella for extra shade during the hot Californian summer.

If you plan to camp at higher elevations, keep in mind that the terrain can be very rocky. A freestanding tent will make setting up camp much easier.

Don’t forget your map and compass and bring an emergency beacon as there is no cell reception on most parts of the trail.