Trail Run Project Logo

Run in the footsteps of John Muir and experience amazing peaks, lakes, canyons and granite cliffs.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

182.7

Miles

294.0

KM

82%

Runnable

14,434' 4,399 m

High

4,054' 1,236 m

Low

43,234' 13,178 m

Up

32,854' 10,014 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Lake · Views

  • Permits are required to run the JMT Trail. SOBO runners (departing from Yosemite NP) must apply 168 days in advance! NOBO runners (departing from Whitney Portal) can apply for a permit between Feb 1. and March 15.
  • The NPS requires runners to use a bear canister on the JMT.
  • A California Campfire Permit is required for all campfires, stoves, or lanterns

Overview

The John Muir Trail offers runners an opportunity to explore the backcountry without having to take several months off work. If you are running South Bound (SOBO) this run starts in Yosemite National Park and ends in Sequoia National Park as you summit Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States.

Runners will see the best of Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, Devils Postpile National Monument and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The JMT will take you over six mountain passes with elevations over 11,000 feet with a total trail elevation gain of 47,000 feet! It is important to note that the typical runner will take around 21 days to complete the JMT as a through journey.

Run Sections

Need to Know

  • SOBO Permits for the JMT can be reserved at yosemiteconservacy.org.
  • A list of NPS approved bear canisters can be found here. These cansiters also keep marmots out - don't keep food in your pack or you'll find they'll destroy it.
  • There are plenty of water sources along the JMT, bring a water filter or purifying system. Also, note that with the convenience of abundant water comes mosquitoes. Come prepared.
  • Make sure to plan ahead for transportation. If you are traveling SOBO, it is suggested to park a car at Lone Pine and take the shuttle to Yosemite.

Description

The summer season for running the JMT generally spans from July through September (though this will depend on the previous winter's snowfall). The majority of runners will start their JMT journey from Yosemite National Park. If you are starting in Yosemite Valley, don't be surprised to see large numbers of people traveling to the top of Vernal Falls (the first 2 miles of the run). This is an extremely popular day trip! For runners traveling North Bound (NOBO) ending the trail in Yosemite Valley the crowds can be overwhelming after being on the trail for several days.

The John Muir Trail is the same path used to run to the top of Half Dome. Once the trail splits from the Half Dome route, the crowds become more manageable. It is not uncommon for runners to spend their first night around the Clouds Rest Trail cut off (about 7.5 miles from the valley floor) so runners might find this section impacted. Runners will encounter countless switchbacks on the JMT, but the trail is well maintained.

The Golden Staircase (around mile 145 headed SOBO) will present challenges. It is best to stay close to Deer Meadows (around mile 144) the night before you start your ascent up the Golden Staircase. As you climb the Golden Staircase, the full sun can be relentless as there is no shade in almost 2,000 feet of elevation gain in two miles. This section then leads to the top of Mather Pass. In all, the two combined require runners to make a 4,000-foot ascent with the highest point being just over 12,100 feet (top of Mather Pass).

If you are planning a through trip, resupplying will be required! Pacific Crest Trail Association does a great job listing the resupply options for the JMT. Both Red's Meadow and Vermillion Valley Resort offer fresh cooked meals and have small stores.

Flora & Fauna

The trail will lead through the forest, meadows, and lakes along this run. You may find deer, marmots, and even bear.

History & Background

The trail was the brainchild of Theodore Solomons. As stated on the Pacific Crest Trail website "Exploring and mapping of the High Sierra was done in the late 1800′s by men like Theodore Solomons, Bolton Brown and Joseph LeConte. Solomons has been referred to as the "father' of the JMT and was quoted as saying "the idea of a crest-parallel trail came to me one day while herding my uncle's cattle in an immense unfenced alfalfa field near Fresno. It was 1884 and I was 14." The PCT's website further highlights, "John-of-the-mountains, as he was sometimes fondly referred to, was inarguably the most influential man in the history of the Sierra and its wilderness. His influence transcended his death, and in 1915 the Sierra Club won California legislation appropriating the first $10,000 for the construction of the John Muir Trail. Twenty-three years, and many man-hours later, the trail construction was completed in 1938; the year of the 100th anniversary of John Muir's birth."

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Yosemite

Shared By:

Xtreme Hiking with improvements by Evan Ferree and 2 others

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 15 votes

#474

Overall
  4.9 from 15 votes
5 Star
93%
4 Star
7%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#76

in California

#474

Overall
85 Views Last Month
18,136 Since Sep 26, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
8%
8%
8%
75%
0%

Photos

The top of Nevada Falls is the best place on earth.
Mar 31, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
John Muir Trail Vista, Yosemite National Park
May 7, 2015 near Yosemit…, CA
Rae Lakes, Pacific Crest Trail, Kings Canyon National Park.
Dec 30, 2015 near Big Pine, CA
Evening brings a sublime sunset at Upper Cathedral Lake on the John Muir Trail in Yosemite National Park.
Jan 25, 2017 near Yosemit…, CA
Fin Dome from the PCT.
Feb 3, 2016 near Big Pine, CA
July 2018 JMT thru hike. Cathedral Peak
Nov 26, 2019 near Yosemit…, CA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.