JMT: Segment 2 - Tuolomne Meadows to Devils Postpile

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• John Muir Trail (JMT)

The market and café in Tuolumne Meadows is the first opportunity for resupply, hot showers, and prepared hot food for southbound JMT hikers. There is also a ranger station and a backpacker's camp located within Tuolumne Meadow's Campground, all of which are situated adjacent to the JMT along the southern edge of the meadow. The southern end of this section is at Red's Meadow, just beyond Devils Postpile National Monument, and the next opportunity for amenities and resupply.

From Tuolumne Meadows the JMT turns southward and traces the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River up to the border of Yosemite National Park at Donohue Pass. At 11,050 feet, Donohue Pass is the first high elevation pass that southbound JMT hikers encounter. Early season hikers should note that snow can cover the Donhoue Pass in June, and on big snow years this can extend into early July, when route finding becomes imperative (this applies to all high passes along the JMT in the early season).

The JMT then drops to Thousand Island Lake and Garnet Lake under the watchful guise of the Ritter Range to the west. The scenery around Thousand Island Lake, situated beneath Mount Banner and Mount Ritter, is breathtaking and offers some nice camps (campfires not allowed); Garnet Lake is a good backup. - Description by Aron Bosworth, Outdoor Project

The JMT passes by a few more lakes before beginning the descent down to the Devils Postpile/Red's Meadow area. This is the next resupply/cache point and is also home to a rustic resort, store and restaurant. There is a backpacker camp located less than a mile from Red's Meadow Resort. For a small fee, Red's Meadow Resort will hold onto packages that can be retrieved at the general store (this service needs to be booked in advance). Shower and laundry are also available. Before reaching Red's Meadow, hikers should take the time to check out the columnar basalt formation of Devils Postpile.