Hiking the John Muir Trail
One of the finest hikes in North America, the alpine peaks of California's John Muir Trail won't disappoint.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.1*
ECO SCORE
10
PASSENGERS
23
DAYS
4.5/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
High Sierra: Drink It In
Cross through three national parks, follow the rugged spine of California's High Sierra, and hike Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states. Climb over 13,000ft passes, wander beneath high alpine peaks and traverse beautiful meadows and forested river valleys. The spectacular scenery is combined with the clement weather of California and warm summer temperatures. For all participants this will be a trip of a lifetime and one to be remembered for years to come.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
- • Join trusted mountaineer guides to show you the most beautiful scenery.
• Trailhead shuttle at both ends of the trip plus porter or mule-supported supply drops.
• Let someone else handle meals and logistics while you immerse yourself in extreme beauty.
Trip Sustainability Awards
CARBON
Fantastic advances in minimizing carbon footprints at locations.
ENERGY
On the East African Energy Renewal Board
EDUCATION
Runs local educational facilities for children.
Itinerary
Days 1-13: Cottonwood - Big Pete Meadow
This segment includes several high passes and stays close to the Sierra Crest. After climbing Mt. Whitney, you travel through the wide-open alpine valley of Upper Basin and the trail passes below the fourteen-thousand-foot peaks of the Palisade region. The passes here are high and steep, but the effort is more than compensated by the incredible scenery. We'll meet in Bishop at the headquarters for a gear check, then a shuttle to the Horseshoe Meadows Campground. Here we have dinner and an early bedtime, to start the process of getting the body adapted to the thin air of 10,000 feet.
To further aid in our acclimatization Day 1 is a short day, but after this we steadily pick up the pace to Crabtree Meadows and from here climb to the 14,505-foot summit of Mount Whitney. Returning to camp we head north, pick up a resupply coming in over Kearsarge Pass, and then after numerous high passes drop into the deeply incised cleft of Le Conte Canyon. Here we get a resupply brought in by packstock.
Day 1:
Meet in Bishop, do a gear check and shuttle to Horseshoe Meadows.
Day 8:
Arrive at Bullfrog Lake with a resupply coming in over Kearsarge Pass.
Day 13:
Arrive in Le Conte Canyon and a resupply. From here we head north to Little Pete Meadow.
Days 14-20: Big Pete Meadow - Reds Meadow
After our re-supply on Day 13 we head north to Little Pete Meadow. This next section takes you into the heart of the mountains.
From Le Conte Canyon, we cross Muir Pass and enter the stunningly beautiful high alpine area of Evolution Valley. We drop in the San Joaquin River drainage, staying well to the west of the main Sierra Crest, pass Lake Thomas Edison before climbing up onto the Silver Divide.
We briefly touch an outpost of 'civilization' at Reds Meadow, where our next resupply arrives along with lunch. Those doing Section two only leave from Reds Meadow via vehicle.
Day 16:
A short side trip to Muir Ranch to pick up a resupply.
Day 20:
Arrive at Reds Meadow north of Mammoth. Here we pick up our re-supply, and head north to camp at Johnston Meadow.
Days 21-22: Reds Meadow - Tuolumne
For many people, this is the most beautiful section of the trip. Being trail hardened and carrying lighter packs, we may finish the final section quickly and efficiently. After leaving Reds Meadow we camp at Johnston Meadow. We skirt the beautiful Garnet and well named Thousand Island Lakes before dropping into Rush Creek and then cross Donohue Pass, our last one. Lyell Canyon is long but nearly flat, and ending at Tuolumne Meadows, you'll get a well-deserved rest.
Day 23:
Arrive Tuolumne Meadows.
Please Note: This trip can change due to permitting issues, should this occur, any amendments will be advised prior to travel. It is not recommended to fly out the night the tour finishes in case of unexpected delays.
Details:
.8 to 15 miles covered per day; total of 207 miles covered .
22 nights basic camping in the backcountry, at altitude .
Group maximum of 10, plus leader.
. Must be age 18 and older.
. Expert hiking guides (1:5 ratio)
. Maximum luggage weight is 20kg
Rates
Questions?
If you feel comfortable with the fitness level, this operator will make sure this deep dive into the High Sierra will be unforgettable.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
. All accommodation
. 22 breakfasts, 22 lunches and 22 dinners . All transport and listed activities . Tour leaders throughout
NOT INCLUDED
. Flights
. Travel insurance
. Visas or vaccinations
. Arrival & departure transfers
CANCELLATION POLICY
If, after our confirmation has been issued, you (i) make a change to your existing booking or (ii) wish to change to a different tour or change departure date, we will try to make the changes subject to availability, provided that notification is received in writing at our offices from the lead name at least 43 days before departure, but we reserve the right to charge an amendment fee of $75 CAD per booking for each change.
