John Muir Trail Expedition Backpack
Fresno, CA
Trip Highlights
- World Famous Thru Hike
- Dramatic Mountain Scenery
- 3 Weeks of Adventure
- Alpine Lakes
- Granite Peaks
- Stunning Views
Description
The John Muir Trail is one of the most iconic backpacking adventures in the USA, and in fact in the world. Our 23-day backpacking trek across the spine of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range is a unique wilderness journey. We enjoy breathtaking views, alpine lakes, glaciers, pristine wilderness, waterfalls and more – all made much more achievable by our re-supplies that allow us to endeavor on such a grand adventure. Join us as we traverse 8 high-mountain passes, pass through three national parks and summit Mount Whitney (14,500’), the highest point in the continental United States. Award-winning guides, dialed logistics and world-class mountain scenery make the John Muir Trail the “trip of a lifetime!”
This trip is operated in partnership with Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides: a permitted outfitter on the Sierra and Inyo National Forests, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Yosemite National Park.
$7705 Per Person
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 5
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
This trip features long daily hiking distances with moderate to severe elevation gains and losses for multiple days in a row. Backpack weight is 45+ pounds, and elevations go up to over 14,000 feet. All of these details combined make this trip a clear Level 5 difficulty expedition. Be prepared for long, challenging days of hiking through absolutely gorgeous country day after day for 23 days.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 13 miles
Backpack Weight:
45+ pounds
Terrain:
Significantly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 3500 feet
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 45+ lb backpack for 8-10 hours for multiple days in a row, at elevations of 8,000 to over 14,000 feet.
- Maintaining balance and footing on terrain that can be uneven, steep, rocky, snowy, or muddy
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
Solitude on this John Muir backpacking trip will vary significantly based on location, day of the week, weather conditions and more. We rate it Level 3 solitude, although there will be times when we are surrounded by other hikers, and there will be days when we see almost no one.
PRIVATE TRIPS
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
PRIVATE RATES FOR THIS TRIP
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 1.75
- 4 People: Rate x 1.25
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person
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ITINERARY
Day 1: Orientation
- Drive Time: 6 hours
Your guide will pick you up at the Fairfield Inn Hotel near the Fresno International Airport at 10:00 AM. We will shuttle to Reversed Creek Campground at June Lake, CA for a 5:00 PM orientation meeting. Your guides will conduct an in-depth orientation, going over the route, checking gear and answering questions. After the orientation we’ll enjoy a delicious welcome dinner prepared by your guides, and get a good night’s sleep in preparation for our first day of hiking!
Days 2-4: June Lake to Reds Meadow
- Hiking Distance: 22 miles
Today, after plenty of preparation and apprehension, we hit the trail and begin our hike! After a brief shuttle to the trailhead, we’ll shoulder our packs and hike up the eastern escarpment of the Sierra Nevada, crossing the boundary into the famous and dramatic Ansel Adams Wilderness. After our first delicious, backcountry lunch at Agnew Lake, we will embark on a steep series of switchbacks that takes us to our first night’s camp at Clark Lakes. Over the next two days, the trail passes beneath Mount Ritter, Mount Banner, and Devil’s Postpile on our way to Reds Meadow where cold beverages, hot showers and our first resupply drop await us.
Days 5-7: Silver Pass to Edison Lake
- Hiking Distance: 31 miles
In our next 3-day section we will hike by the amazing volcanic Red Cones, gorgeous Virginia lake and then descend into Tully Hole. After ascending up and over Silver Pass (10,900′), we will descend to Edison Lake and the Vermillion Valley Resort, where we will spend the night, enjoy hot showers, and pick up our second resupply.
Days 8-12: Evolution Canyon and Leconte Canyon
- Hiking Distance: 48 miles
Departing Edison Lake, we start with a steep climb over Bear Ridge, pass by the wildflower-covered RoseMarie Meadow, and then top out on a high pass (10,900′). From there, we hike downhill to the roaring South Fork of the San Joaquin River. A bridge over Piute Creek and a series of switchbacks take us to McClure Meadow and Evolution Lake, one of the most stunning sections of the John Muir Trail. We then hike up and over Muir Pass (11,955′) and into LeConte Canyon for our third resupply.
Days 13-17: Mather Pass to Vidette Meadow
- Hiking Mileage: 49 miles
After leaving LeConte Canyon, our next benchmark is ascending the Golden Staircase to our high camp at Palisade Lake. We then hike up and over Mather Pass (12,100′) before descending once again, this time to the South Fork of the Kings River. From the Kings River we climb over Pinchot Pass (12,130′) and drop down to Woods Creek, which we’ll cross via a welcome suspension bridge. We hike by Rae Lakes, Fin Dome, and The Painted Lady before climbing over Glen Pass (11,978′). We will rendezvous with our final resupply at Vidette Meadow.
Days 18-21: Forester Pass to Mount Whitney Summit
- Hiking Distance: 43.5 miles
Our final section of trail is every bit as breathtaking as the rest. We start off this 4-day stint by ascending to the impressive Forester Pass (13,200), the highest elevation on the John Muir Trail and our backcountry gateway to Sequoia National Park. From there we’ll continue directly to Mount Whitney, which gradually gets taller and more imposing as we approach it. The culmination of our trip is a summit attempt on Mount Whitney (14,495′) the highest peak in the Continental United States. After Mount Whitney, we’ll hike to Crabtree Meadow, then connect with the Pacific Crest Trail to our final camp along Rock Creek in the shadow of the Major General.
Days 22-23: Exit to Lone Pine and Fresno
- Hiking Distance: 10 miles
Today we’ll get an early start for our final stretch of trail among the gorgeous Foxtail Pines. We’ll exit the high country via Cottonwood Pass in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Our shuttle will meet us at the trailhead to take us into the town of Lone Pine. A well-earned hot shower will be followed by a celebratory dinner together.
On our final day we will enjoy a comfortable shuttle back to the Fresno Airport (approximately 5-hour drive). Please don’t plan a flight before 3:00 PM.
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
- High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use) – or bring your own.
- Use of trekking poles
- All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the final day
- Final night’s lodging at Historic Dow Villa Hotel in Lone Pine, CA
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Transportation originating and ending in Fresno, CA (including a ferry across Edison Lake)
- Bear cannisters for food storage
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device (InReach Explorer or satellite phone)
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
All of our hiking and backpacking tours include a diversity of tasty meals packed full of critical carbohydrates, proteins and fats. We carry foods that travel well in the backcountry – rice, pastas, lentils, beans, couscous, packaged meats, nuts, breads, oatmeal, granola, and more.
For optimal taste and energy, we supplement all our meals with spices, herbs, oils, cheeses, butter, sugar, and fruits and vegetables (fresh and dried). In addition, we provide you with with an assortment of trail mix, snacks, and dried fruits to eat at your own discretion.
We regularly accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and will make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Sierra Designs, Kelty or Big Agnes tents
- Sierra Designs, Big Agnes and Mountain Hardware synthetic-fill sleeping bags (or bring your own)
- Thermarest or Big Agnes sleeping pads
- Leki trekking poles
- Cooking stoves and cookware
- Bear cannisters
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Additionally, some guests choose to bring their own sleeping bag. We supply high quality, synthetic fill bags that are professionally laundered after every trip. Synthetic fill is non-allergenic, insulates when damp and stands up well to repeated washings, but is heavier and bulkier than down. If you’re able to bring your own down sleeping bag, there are multiple benefits. If not, we’ve got you covered!
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
This trip meets in Fresno, CA at 10:00 am on Day 1, after which we shuttle to June Lake for a pre-trip orientation meeting and welcome dinner. The pickup location is the Wyndham Garden Hotel near the Fresno International Airport. Your guide will be in contact approximately 10 days prior to coordinate the rendezvous.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Fresno, CA
Fresno International Airport is a convenient airport to fly into, and the starting and ending point of the trip (Wyndham Garden Hotel) is located across the street from the airport. Please arrive in Fresno well before 10:00 AM on Day 1 and don’t plan any departing flights on the final day before 3:00 PM.
Start/End Times
This tour begins at 10:00 AM at the Wyndham Garden Hotel near the Fresno International Airport on Day 1. On the final day we will be back into Fresno normally around 2:00 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time.)
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guide Shifts
High Sierra guides work daily shifts from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. During off hours (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) the guides’ time is their own, and they are free to sleep, rest, take personal time, postpone guest requests until the next morning, and any other legal, reasonable activity people engage in when not working. We ask all guests to respect the guides’ off-duty hours by not waking or asking anything of them unless there is a true emergency. Also, state law requires that employees receive an uninterrupted 10 minute break every four working hours, so guides are required to take four 10 minute breaks between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 10 and older to join private tours, with final approval on a case by case basis
- specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Weather in the Sierras
Being a high mountain environment, the Sierra Nevada Mountains are prone to sudden temperature and weather shifts. This is an exciting aspect of being in the mountains. On trips in June, snow is a possibility, and the rest of the summer rain is always a possibility on your trip. To be fully prepared, please follow the recommended clothing list closely (this list comes as part of your trip packet when you register). See below for average summer temperatures:
| Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | ||||||
|
Month
|
Valleys
|
Alpine
|
||||
|
hi
|
low
|
hi
|
low
|
|||
|
January
|
49°
|
26°
|
45°
|
25°
|
||
|
February
|
55°
|
28°
|
46°
|
26°
|
||
|
March
|
59°
|
31°
|
48°
|
27°
|
||
|
April
|
65°
|
35°
|
54°
|
30°
|
||
|
May
|
73°
|
42°
|
62°
|
37°
|
||
|
June
|
81°
|
51°
|
71°
|
46°
|
||
|
July
|
89°
|
57°
|
77°
|
50°
|
||
|
August
|
89°
|
56°
|
81°
|
53°
|
||
|
September
|
82°
|
51°
|
71°
|
46°
|
||
|
October
|
74°
|
39°
|
62°
|
37°
|
||
|
November
|
58°
|
31°
|
51°
|
29°
|
||
|
December
|
48°
|
26°
|
46°
|
25°
|
||
Accommodations
Dow Villa Hotel
1 Night
The Dow Hotel was built in the early 1920s and today it still reflects the refined, graceful air of its exhilarating Hollywood heyday, and is always being restored to maintain its historical charm. After our amazing hike through the timeless Sierra Nevada Mountains, this hotel is the perfect cherry on top before we conclude our adventure.
Backcountry Sleeping
21 Nights TENT CAMPING
Sleeping on llama treks is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
Backcountry Cuisine
FRESH & DELICIOUS
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your trekking guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
Amazing Campsites
IN THE ACTION
Campsites vary by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
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