This was our planned itinerary for the John Muir Trail. You’ll note that the first day is a helluva hike, but a big part of the elevation gain comes without carrying a pack. We’re planning to stash our packs and ascend Half Dome as long as we’re there.
Following this itinerary, our average daily mileage is 11.67 miles, our average ascent per day will be 2,335 feet, and the largest single day elevation gain will be 5,000 feet.
2013 UPDATE: I’ve added links to the corresponding actual trail covered for each day. We kept to this itinerary pretty closely until Muir Pass. You’ll spot the tweaks we made as you read through the posts.
Kevin Yang says
February 12, 2010 at 11:58 pmI did the JMT in 2009 and had a very similar itinerary. You can check it out at http://kevin-yang.com/travel/john-muir-trail-journal . You’ll have a great time this summer!
SoCal Hiker says
February 14, 2010 at 11:54 amThanks for the comment, Kevin! I took a look at your journal, and will return to read more. I’m going to be doing the same thing… taking notes and posting a journal after we return. Hopefully someone else can find some value from it.
Incidentally, how did you run across SoCal Hiker? I haven’t officially launched the site yet! I’ve still got a lot of content to flesh out before I do that.
Derek (100 Peaks) says
February 18, 2010 at 12:04 pmI’ve always wanted to do this. I’ve had the book since I was a teen. Someday.
Also, if you need any tips on managing WordPress, let me know!
SoCal Hiker says
February 18, 2010 at 12:15 pmThanks Derek! It will be my second time thru-hiking the JMT, the first being 30 years ago (gulp!). If you’re free for three weeks, join us!
And thanks for the offer re: WP tips. This isn’t my first WordPress-powered site, but I may hit you up sometime just to compare notes.
Derek (100 Peaks) says
February 22, 2010 at 5:11 pmA guy did nearly the whole trail in seven days. He was a little late in the season and had some weather issues, but it’s worth a look if you want to remind yourself of the look and feel of the trip…
Derek (100 Peaks) says
February 22, 2010 at 5:12 pmI wish I could join you, but I am aiming to do a short Whitney trip later this year. 3 weeks is simply too long to be away with a 2-year-old at home!
SoCal Hiker says
February 23, 2010 at 6:22 pmDerek, thanks for the video link! I’m not sure if seven days is impressive or obsessive — maybe both. The photos were beautiful, though. He said he carried 8 lbs of camera equipment! That’s a lot considering the mileage he was covering each day.
And good luck with your Whitney trip. If you’re up there in August, maybe we’ll run into each other!
Audrey Hicks says
March 16, 2010 at 12:38 pmI am from Manitoba Canada and planning on joining in on someones JMT hike for the part from the Devils Postpile to Vermillion Lake resort. This will be a totally new experience for me. Also I don’t have mountains or even much hills where I am from. How can I best physically get ready and what supplies including footwear should I be looking at. Because I am only doing 4 days, I hope to not spend too much money on supplies. Any help would be appreciated. Audrey
SoCal Hiker says
March 16, 2010 at 1:46 pmAudrey, you know better than I do what you are capable of. Have you backpacked before? If not, I’d suggest you get out and give it a try. Even a 1- or 2-night backpacking trip will give you some idea of what it’s like, what to carry, how to use the equipment — the basics. The best training would be to hike while carrying a backpack. Even hiking on level ground will be better than nothing. You would be wise to check the local library for some books on the subject, or check out the reasonably priced Allen & Mike’s Really Cool Backpackin’ Book.
As for the hills, the good news is that four days of hiking isn’t too much for anyone in reasonably good physical condition. So even if you’re uncomfortable, you can muddle through it knowing that you’ll be heading back to civilization while your friends will be continuing onward down the JMT. What you may have to contend with is the altitude. Some people are more susceptible to altitude sickness than others. Do you know how you do at higher elevations? In any case, hopefully you’ll arrive in Mammoth (outside Devil’s Postpile) at least one day before you join your friend. This will give your body a chance to acclimate to the altitude.
As for equipment, most of the equipment you need you can borrow or rent for such a short trip. Be sure to try it first. The one thing you’ll probably want to look into is a good pair of hiking shoes or boots, and the socks to match. Footwear is highly subjective. Some people swear by trail runners. I prefer them for day hiking myself. Others prefer the added support of a boot. Check out The Hiking Lady for footwear advice geared toward women.
Good luck and have fun!
Geoff Miller says
April 23, 2010 at 2:45 pmWill hopefully see you on the trail. I start on the 26th July.
SoCal Hiker says
April 24, 2010 at 3:11 pm@Geoff Miller – I’m sure we will cross paths at some point. Look forward to saying hi! Let me know what your schedule is.
Bob Dowling says
July 11, 2010 at 7:06 pmJeff,
I’ll be starting the JMT on the 28th of July,
Hope to see you on the trail.
SoCal Hiker says
July 13, 2010 at 9:15 amBob, I hope so, too! There are now four of us in the group — 3 guys and one gal. It’s only two weeks away!
If you do see us, please say hello!
Kira says
July 14, 2010 at 2:16 pmI’ll also be starting then (hopefully on the 26th, but I have to win a walk up permit) and have allotted similar day strategies. Plan to resupply at Tuolumne, Red’s, MTR, and Cedar Grove. See you on the trail!
SoCal Hiker says
July 15, 2010 at 5:48 amWe will see you on the JMT, Kira! 12 days and counting…
Tyler says
November 16, 2011 at 9:12 amGreat itinerary! I am planning on thru-hiking the JMT summer of 2013 and I wanted to do about 11-12 miles per day. How many hours did it take per day roughly to accomplish the miles? Also did you really go 12 days without resupplying at the end of your trip?
Thanks!
Jeff Hester says
November 18, 2011 at 2:16 pmTyler, thanks for the feedback.
We didn’t follow this itinerary precisely, other than the food drops, start and exits. We flexed a bit, particularly on the last leg. Check out our JMT trip report for a day-by-day breakdown.
Having said that, we did have about 10 days of food from the last resupply at Muir Ranch to Whitney Portal. If you check the maps, there are sections of Kings Canyon where bear canisters are NOT required, and we were able to hang food until we ate are way back to what we could store in the canisters.
As for the hiking, I would say about 9 hours from start to end of a day, including breaks, lunch, etc. We typically took long, leisurely lunches and used the opportunity to freshen up and enjoy our surroundings. Every day was a little different, and of course, your mileage may vary. Have fun on your trip! You’ve got plenty of time to prepare, but it’s great that you’ve already started.
nahcecinaj says
February 27, 2013 at 12:23 pmHi! Thanks so much for posting your itinerary. I’m thinking of doing it at the end of June/beginning of July 2013. Would you make any changes to your itinerary? Do you recommend the day off? Did you have any troubles with permits (did you plan in advance or walk-in)?
Thank you!
Jeff Hester says
February 27, 2013 at 12:51 pmNahcecinaj: I highly recommend a day off, and would suggest adding an extra day for flexibility. This lets you take a day off if you want, or exit a day early — it’s up to you.
We followed this itinerary very closely up until Muir Ranch, then we flexed a little. We still exited on the planned date, but we skipped the overnight at Trail Camp and just hoofed it all the way down to Whitney Portal. It was a long day, but we were rewarded with a cold beverage and a big burger.
As for permits, it’s too late for you to apply for permits (you would’ve applied in January for a June start), but depending on how many people there are in your party, you can probably get a walk-up permit. Check the JMT Overview page for more information on how that works.
One other consideration is the snow level (which in turn, effects water levels in the creeks). Late June/early July is do-able, but expect more snow over some of the passes. Snow doesn’t bother me, although it does slow me down. High creek crossings are another matter. I highly recommend checking the JMT Group on Yahoo. It is a very active group that can give pretty darn good advice on snow and water levels.
jwcocha says
March 13, 2014 at 12:50 pmThanks for posting this! When exactly did you do this? I’m researching for my 2014 Aug-Sept. JMT SOBO, and it’d be good to know what time of the year the photos depict. Thanks again! I can’t hardly wait… woot.
Jeff Hester says
March 14, 2014 at 11:43 am@jwcocha, we started on July 26, 2010. August to Sept. it will be drier (especially this year).
Danny says
November 9, 2017 at 12:38 pmanother great read!
keep following you,
your friends at http://www.pro-nomad.com
Jake Case says
November 21, 2018 at 12:28 amJMT is on my bucket list. Thanks so much for sharing this itinerary. It’s definitely a great starting point in figuring out how to pull it off within a 3 week period. One step closer to convincing the wife to letting me go!