• COVID-19 Park and Trail Closures
  • Learn about the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge
  • Shop
  •  

SoCal Hiker

  • Find a Hiking Trail
    • All Areas
    • Arizona
    • Colorado
    • Los Angeles
    • Orange County
    • Oregon
    • San Francisco Bay
    • Washington
  • Trail Guides
  • Six-Pack of Peaks
    • Colorado Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Bergen Peak
      • Rocky Mountain
      • Birthday Peak
      • Horseshoe Mountain
      • Grays Peak
    • New England Six-Pack of Peaks
    • NorCal Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Mount Umunhum
      • Mount Saint Helena
      • Mount Tamalpais
      • Mount Diablo
      • Mount Sizer
      • Rose Peak
    • Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Tumalo Mountain
      • Black Butte
      • Black Crater
      • Maiden Peak
      • Mount Bachelor
      • South Sister
    • SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks
      • Mt. Wilson
      • Cucamonga Peak
      • Mt. San Antonio (Mt Baldy)
      • San Bernardino Peak
      • San Jacinto Peak
      • San Gorgonio
  • Backpacking
    • High Sierra Trail
    • John Muir Trail
      • Overview of the John Muir Trail
      • Training
      • Day-by-Day Itinerary
      • Resupply Addresses
      • JMT Discussion Forum
    • Lost Coast Trail
    • North/South Lake Loop
    • Rae Lakes Loop
    • Red Peak Pass Loop
    • Theodore Solomons Trail
    • Trans-Catalina Trail
    • Wonderland Trail
  • Gear
  • Forums
    • Latest Topics
    • Ask a Question
    • Campfire
    • Trails
    • Trail Reports
    • Gear Wisdom
    • Classifieds
  • Login

Itinerary for the John Muir Trail

February 5, 2010 By Jeff H 26 Comments

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.

DayItineraryMileageAscentDescentTotal MilesTotal Ascent
1Happy Isles to Half Dome Junction12.35000185012.35000
2Half Dome Junction to Sunrise Camp7.6260040019.97600
3Sunrise to Tuolumne Meadows11.4400120031.38000
4Tuolumne Meadows to Upper Lyell Canyon9.5120010040.89200
5Upper Lyell Canyon to Thousand Island Lake9.72200195050.511400
6Thousand Island Lake to Devil's Postpile16.21800410066.713200
7Devil's Postpile to Deer Creek9170015075.714900
8Deer Creek to Tully Hole12.3205020508816950
9Tully Hole to Edison Lake11.81850315099.818800
10REST DAY00099.818800
11Edison Lake to Rosemarie Meadow12.333501050112.122150
12Rosemarie Meadow to Muir Trail Ranch9.510503350121.623200
13Muir Trail Ranch to McClure Meadow10.62200200132.225400
14McClure Meadow to NE of Helen Lake12.224501300144.427850
15NE of Helen Lake to Deer Meadow11.310002900155.728850
16Deer Meadow to Kings River1233002000167.732150
17Kings River to Woods Creek11.620503700179.334200
18Woods Creek to Vidette Meadow13.236502600192.537850
19Vidette Meadow to Tyndall Creek1238002500204.541650
20Tyndall Creek to Guitar Lake12.118001200216.643450
21Guitar Lake to Trail Camp1032002600226.646650
22Trail Camp to Whitney Portal6.8503700233.446700

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.

Filed Under: JMT Resources Tagged With: Backpacking, JMT Resources

Like what you found here at SoCal Hiker? This site is a labor of love. Share your support for the site and help us development of new trail guides and expanded coverage -- make your next outdoor equipment purchase through our advertisers.

You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Jeff H

About Jeff H

I'm an avid hiker and backpacker. My wife Joan and I are on the trails every weekend. I started SoCal Hiker to share my passion for outdoor adventure.

Comments

  1. Kevin Yang says

    February 12, 2010 at 11:58 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
  2. SoCal Hiker says

    February 14, 2010 at 11:54 am

    Thanks 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.

    Reply
  3. Derek (100 Peaks) says

    February 18, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    I’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!

    Reply
    • SoCal Hiker says

      February 18, 2010 at 12:15 pm

      Thanks 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.

      Reply
  4. Derek (100 Peaks) says

    February 22, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    http://vimeo.com/7851505

    A 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…

    Reply
  5. Derek (100 Peaks) says

    February 22, 2010 at 5:12 pm

    I 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!

    Reply
  6. SoCal Hiker says

    February 23, 2010 at 6:22 pm

    Derek, 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!

    Reply
  7. Audrey Hicks says

    March 16, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    I 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

    Reply
    • SoCal Hiker says

      March 16, 2010 at 1:46 pm

      Audrey, 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!

      Reply
  8. Geoff Miller says

    April 23, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    Will hopefully see you on the trail. I start on the 26th July.

    Reply
  9. 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.

    Reply
  10. Bob Dowling says

    July 11, 2010 at 7:06 pm

    Jeff,

    I’ll be starting the JMT on the 28th of July,
    Hope to see you on the trail.

    Reply
    • SoCal Hiker says

      July 13, 2010 at 9:15 am

      Bob, 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!

      Reply
    • Kira says

      July 14, 2010 at 2:16 pm

      I’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!

      Reply
      • SoCal Hiker says

        July 15, 2010 at 5:48 am

        We will see you on the JMT, Kira! 12 days and counting…

        Reply
  11. Tyler says

    November 16, 2011 at 9:12 am

    Great 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!

    Reply
    • Jeff Hester says

      November 18, 2011 at 2:16 pm

      Tyler, 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.

      Reply
  12. nahcecinaj says

    February 27, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    Hi! 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!

    Reply
  13. Jeff Hester says

    February 27, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    Nahcecinaj: 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.

    Reply
  14. jwcocha says

    March 13, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    Thanks 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.

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeff 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).

      Reply
  15. Danny says

    November 9, 2017 at 12:38 pm

    another great read!
    keep following you,
    your friends at http://www.pro-nomad.com

    Reply
  16. Jake Case says

    November 21, 2018 at 12:28 am

    JMT 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!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Newsletter

Sign up to get your weekly trail recommendation and the latest updates from SoCal Hiker.

JMT Planning

  • Overview of the JMT
  • JMT Maps, Guidebooks & Software
  • Our JMT Itinerary
  • Resupply Addresses
  • JMT Discussion Forum

Day-by-Day on the JMT

  • Driving to Lone Pine
  • Shuttle from Lone Pine to Yosemite
  • DAY 1: Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley (plus Half Dome)
  • DAY 2: Little Yosemite Valley to Sunrise Camp
  • DAY 3: Tuolumne Meadows Resupply
  • DAY 4: Tuolumne to Upper Lyell Canyon
  • DAY 5: Lyell Canyon to Thousand Island Lake
  • DAY 6: Thousand Island Lake to Reds Meadow
  • DAY 7: Devil’s Postpile to Deer Creek
  • DAY 8: Deer Creek to Tully Hole
  • DAY 9: Tully Hole to VVR
  • DAY 10: Zero DAY at VVR
  • DAY 11: Mono Creek to Rosemarie Meadow
  • DAY 12: Rosemarie Meadow to Muir Trail Ranch
  • DAY 13: Muir Trail Ranch to McClure Meadow
  • DAY 14: Over Muir Pass to Helen Lake
  • DAY 15: Le Conte Canyon to Palisade Creek
  • DAY 16: The Golden Staircase and Mather Pass
  • DAY 17: Over Pinchot Pass to Woods Creek
  • DAY 18: Woods Creek to Rae Lakes
  • DAY 19: Rae Lakes, Glen Pass to Vidette Meadow
  • DAY 20: Forester Pass to Wright Creek
  • DAY 21: Wright Creek to Guitar Lake
  • DAY 22: To Mt Whitney and Whitney Portal

Sponsors

Sponsor SoCalHiker and see your banner here

Buy MILE...MILE & A HALF and watch now!

Latest Posts

  • Hiking Belknap Crater in the Mountain Washington Wilderness October 20, 2022
  • Hiking to the Simpson Reef Overlook on the Oregon Coast Trail August 25, 2022
  • Join Team SoCalHiker at the Climb for Heroes August 23, 2022
  • Hiking the Welch-Dickey Loop in the White Mountain National Forest August 18, 2022
  • Hiking Turtlehead Peak from Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area July 15, 2022

Recent Forum Topics

  • How to deal with accidents while hiking in the winter?
  • Warm Tips for your hiking in winter
  • Some tips for hiking.
  • Keep your body warm in the winter hiking
  • The benefits of hiking, more than you can imagine!

The Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series

Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge SeriesThe Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge Series gives you an opportunity to explore your world while supporting a great cause. There are eleven challenges around the country. Hike or run them at your own schedule.

Flex your adventure muscles!

Learn more here.

 

Search

Tags

3-6 miles 6-8 miles 8-10 miles 11+ miles Arizona Backpacking coastal dog-friendly easy family-friendly High Sierra Trail hiking Hiking The John Muir Trail hipster inspiration JMT John Muir John Muir Trail Kings Canyon National Park LA County moderate Mount Rainier National Park Muir Monday National Park Orange County Oregon out of bounds Pacific Crest Trail peak peakbagging quote scenic Sequoia National Park Sierra Nevada Six-Pack of Peaks State Park strenuous Thru-hiking Utah vista Washington waterfall wilderness Wonderland Trail Yosemite

Copyright © 2023 SoCalHiker.net · Metro Theme on Genesis Framework with WPEngine Hosting · Contact SoCal Hiker · Sitemap · Privacy Policy