How many days does it take to hike the John Muir Trail?

How many days does it take to hike the John Muir Trail?

Most people take about three weeks to complete the JMT, with many averaging around 10-12 miles a day. That said, very fit and experienced hikers may cover 15-17 miles a day. Hiking in the Sierras is no joke, so we recommend overestimating your time on the trail.

Can you hike the John Muir Trail alone?

Solo hiking the John Muir Trail: the reality This is a solo hike — my first one actually — so vulnerability is inevitable. There is no one else to encourage me when there’s no other option but to cross a raging river.

How do you plan a hike on the John Muir Trail?

The 8-Step Guide to Planning a Thru-Hike on the John Muir Trail

1. Step 1: Decide if you will go solo or with a friend.
2. Step 2: Pick your dates and your starting trailhead.
3. Step 3: Apply for a permit.
4. Step 4: Gear up.
5. Step 5: Start Training.
6. Step 6: Map out a loose itinerary.

How much does it cost to hike the John Muir Trail?

Assuming you are hiking alone, live pretty close to the trail, have all the gear you need and want to eat pretty well; you can expect to shell out at least $825 to hike the JMT.

What is the best time of year to hike the John Muir Trail?

According to the Pacific Coast Trail Association, the best time to hike the John Muir Trail is usually during June through September (after the majority of the snowpack has melted) for casual backpackers, though more hardcore hikers may choose to challenge themselves with substantial snowfall starting in October.

How crowded is the John Muir Trail?

The JMT is insanely crowded. While on the trail for only 13 days I counted over 1,800 people, and this doesn’t include the people in tents I couldn’t see. This means you should expect crowded tent sites. And your odds of experiencing solitude are greatly diminished.

Does JMT include Mt Whitney?

The official southern terminus of the JMT is on the summit of Mt. Whitney. Most people access the summit from Whitney Portal, a trip of about 11 miles.

Do you need a permit for the John Muir Trail?

No matter where you start your hike, anyone who is hiking along the John Muir Trail is required to carry a wilderness permit. You only need one permit for the entire trip and how you obtain your permit depends on which trailhead you will use to access the John Muir Trail.

Are there bears on the John Muir Trail?

Bears and bear canisters on the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail. In California, the bear population has grown from about 10,000 in the 1980s to around 35,000 now. Their range has also expanded. In places where you didn’t use to worry about bears getting your food, there are now bears.

What is the best part of the John Muir Trail?

5 Best John Muir Trail Section Hikes

1. Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows (~20 miles)
2. Tuolumne Meadows to Devils Postpile (~34 miles)
3. Purple Lake to Big Pete’s Meadow (~84 miles)
4. Big Pete’s Meadow to Kearsarge Pass (~65 miles)
5. Kearsarge to Whitney Portal (~49 miles)

What is the hardest pass on the JMT?

Hardest: Glen Pass. It’s a long, steep climb, with a cruel psychological twist near the end.

How do you hiking the John Muir Trail without a permit?

If you can’t get a permit, you might need to hike somewhere else on the PCT or in the Sierra Nevada off of the JMT/PCT corridor. The John Muir Trail runs from the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mt. Whitney near the Whitney Portal trailhead on Inyo National Forest.