John Muir Trail Expedition Backpack
Guided Backpacking Trips
24 Days, 23 Nights
203MI / 327KM
Description
The John Muir Trail (JMT) is one of the most iconic backpacking adventures in the USA, and in fact in the world. Our 24-day backpacking trek (includes two day hikes on the JMT in Yosemite) 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!”
Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
24 Days, 23 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
Up to 13 miles -
Group Size
5-12 Guests
What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack -
High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Use of trekking poles
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All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the final day
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Final night’s lodging in Lone Pine, CA
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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.
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Two Pre-Trip video calls with your Guide
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Transportation originating and ending in Fresno, CA (including a ferry across Edison Lake)
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Bear canisters for food storage
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Day 1: Day Hike JMT, Yosemite Valley
- Drive Time: 4 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 2.5-5.5 Miles
Your guide will pick you up at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Hotel near the Fresno International Airport. We will shuttle into Yosemite National Park, stop to take in some famous views of Yosemite Valley and head out for a day hike on the John Muir Trail toward Vernal and Nevada Falls. After our hike, we will continue to our camp just outside Yosemite. Your guides will conduct an in-depth orientation, go over the route, check gear and answer questions. After the orientation we’ll enjoy a delicious welcome dinner and get a good night’s sleep in preparation for our first day of hiking!
Day 2: Day Hike JMT, Tuolumne Meadows
- Drive Time: 3 Hours
- Hiking Mileage: ~4-6 Miles
Today we will pack up and shuttle up to Yosemite’s stunning high country, Tuolumne Meadows for another short section of the John Muir Trail. Our day hike begins at the Lyell Canyon trail as we head southbound on the JMT along the Tuolumne River. After a few miles we will stop for a picnic along the Tuolumne prepared by your guide. After lunch we will head back toward the vehicle and take a short shuttle back to camp. Tonight, we will wrap up any loose ends and prepare for the long journey ahead.
Days 3-4: 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 18-22: 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.
Day 23: Rock Creek to Cottonwood Pass
- 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.
Day 24: Lone Pine to Fresno
- Drive Time: 5 hours
On our final day we will enjoy a comfortable shuttle back to the Fresno Airport (approximately 5-hour drive). Your guide will drop you off at Fairfield Inn or the Fresno Airport. Please don’t plan a flight before 3:00 pm.
Itinerary Note
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.
Packing List
IMPORTANCE OF BEING PREPARED
Your safety and enjoyment will depend on your level of preparedness. It is your responsibility to arrive with the items listed below. Our Gear Guide is a resource to find more information about these items and links to online options. If you have additional questions about what to pack, please ask your guide during the pre-trip contact (~10 days prior to the trip start date) or call our Adventure Consultants 7 days a week at 928-223-HIKE (4453).
Packing List Video
For more guidance on the packing list, we recommend watching our Wildland Packing List Video. A senior Wildland guide and outdoor retail expert walks us through each item with examples and insights. Click here to see the video.
Resupplies
To assist with maintaining manageable pack weights, there are four food/gear resupplies for this trip. The first two resupplies (Days 4 and 7) are front country resupplies where there are bathrooms, showers, food, pay phones…etc. available. The final two resupplies (Days 13 and 17) are remote resupplies brought in by pack mules. You are welcome to pack fresh socks, underwear, shirts…etc. for yourself to be included in the resupplies. Your dirty laundry can also be packed out and will be waiting for you at the end of the trip.
(GG) = Gear Guide: see for more info and links to product options
STANDARD CLOTHING CHECKLIST
The following items are required for your trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.
Supportive, lightweight, well-drained shoe or sport sandal for creek crossings and/or for camp comfort (Camp Shoes GG)
One pair for every two days of your trip, plus an extra pair to sleep in. Hiking-specific padded socks, no cotton please! (Socks GG)
( Note: wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks can help prevent blisters )
Wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo (Sun Hats GG)
Lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves (Hat/Gloves GG)
1-2 pairs of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool…etc. (Base Layers GG)
4-5 non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long-sleeve shirts (Hiking Shirts GG – Sun Hoodie GG) (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
2-3 mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material: merino wool, fleece or polypropylene (Mid Layers GG)
Down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy-weight fleece jacket (Mid Layers GG)
3-4 pairs nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings (Shorts GG – Pants GG)
waterproof jacket and pants, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will allow you to pull them over your boots. (Rain Jackets GG – Rain Pants GG)
recommended for June/July. Aug/Sept may be needed but will be weather-dependent. (Mosquito Repellent GG)
Important Note
Important Note : Please, no cotton hiking clothes and please feel free to call us if you have any questions or you can reference the Gear Guide .
GEAR CHECKLIST
2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle (Hydration Bladders GG) ( Note: We recommend always having a bottle with 1 liter of capacity as a back-up in case of a hydration system failure and to use while in camp )
Preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Headlamp GG)
( Note: always test your headlamp before trips, travel/pack without batteries in device, and for longer trips (4+ days) consider a spare bulb and 1 set of spare batteries )
if you wear contact lenses, please also bring a pair of glasses – your contacts are likely to become dirty and may be difficult to clean
preferably a product containing at least 25% “DEET” (Mosquito Repellent GG) ( Note: some people are sensitive to this product )
small amounts, travel sizes and/or just what you need for the trip (important that they are small!)
please inform your trip leader of any medications you are taking
for any shopping you would like to do and for consideration of tipping your guide
( Note: industry tipping recommendation is 10-20% of the trip cost based on your level of satisfaction )
Important Note
Important Note : We need to be “bear aware” on our trip. All food, toiletries, and scented items must be secured each night and never left in tents or backpacks overnight. Please keep scented items to a minimum and bring the smallest amount necessary for your trip (travel size items are perfect) in order to best fit into bear canisters or into bear bags to be hung away from camp each night.
OPTIONAL ITEMS
please see information about bringing your own below (Sleeping Bags GG).
As a Wildland guest, you can enjoy a 20% discount off Leki trekking poles (reservation number required.) Click here for discount. Trekking poles are provided for guests who do not bring their own. (Trekking Poles GG)
only if swimming is an option on your trip, some guests prefer to swim in quick drying hiking clothes, sports bra, etc…
recommended for wet or snowy conditions (Gaiters GG)
lightweight, compressible and packable (Camp Pillow GG) ( Note: many guests use their extra clothing in a stuff sack with a bandana as a pillowcase, and it works well )
various sizes for better organization of clothing & gear, and/or to help create a camp pillow, etc.
( Note: A lightweight waterproof stuff sack can be extremely useful in wet conditions )
consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc…)
lightweight paperback book, magazine or small notebook/pen for journaling
for camera, headlamp or other electronics
Small, lightweight devices to recharge electronics (Power Bank GG)
lightweight, compressible and packable – bandanas also work (Camp Towel GG)
optional, lightweight and packable equipment for fly-fishing or reel-casting. A license may be required. Check with your guide about fishing opportunities and requirements for your trip.
DO NOT Bring
– per our terms and conditions no firearms or other weapons are permitted, including knives with blades longer than 4 inches
– including marijuana, which is illegal on federal lands and in national parks
TRAINING
Training is extremely important for you to maximize your enjoyment! The more physically prepared you are, the more fun you’ll have! Click below to read our training recommendations.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORTATION, MEETING & LODGING
MEETING TIME & PLACE
This trip begins and ends at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Fresno Airport Hotel in Fresno, California at 7:00 am on Day 1.
TRIP CONCLUSION
This trip will conclude at approximately 2:00 PM on the last day in Fresno. Please do not plan flights before 3:00 PM on the final day.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DATES
Travel to and from the trip starting points for this trip is not included in the cost.
GATEWAY CITY:
Fresno, CA
STORAGE OF PERSONAL ITEMS & VEHICLES
We recommend checking with your pre- and post-trip hotel(s) to inquire about luggage storage. Most of the time hotels are happy to accommodate.
PRE & POST-TRIP on request lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Fresno Airport Hotel in Fresno, CA as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
RECOMMENDED LODGING
Fresno Inn and Suites by Marriott (location of our pre and post-trip lodging)
Website / 559-825-5200
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. We designed our terms and conditions with trip insurance in mind. When you register for a trip, your spot is no longer available to other guests. Therefore, if you discover that you are unable to travel, no refund is available past a certain point. With trip insurance, your payment to Wildland may be covered, but also your flights, hotels and other travel costs can also be insured.
Read more about our trip insurance recommendations.
Pack Weight & Contents
You will be hiking with a multi-day backpack that we provide. You’re also welcome to bring your own. The contents will be what you need for the trip, which includes Wildland-provided gear and personal items – tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, clothing, rain gear, personal items, water, snacks and a share of the group food or gear.
ESTIMATED PACK WEIGHT: 45+ POUNDS
BRINGING YOUR OWN SLEEPING BAG
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!
Thinking of purchasing a sleeping bag for your trip? Take a look at our Sleeping Bags Gear Guide for suggestions.
SLEEPING BAG TEMPERATURE RATING NEEDED FOR THIS TRIP:
– JULY/AUG 15-30° F
– SEPT 0-15° F
Prior Experience
We strongly recommend that guests on this trip have recent backpacking experience before tackling the John Muir Trail. The most successful guests on this trip have completed several backcountry trips (some recently) carrying a 35-40 pound backpack for multiple days. If you don’t currently have this experience, and are unable to obtain it before the trip begins, we encourage joining us on a shorter, beginner backpacking trip prior to joining us on the John Muir Trail.
Check The Weather Forecast For Your Trip
We recommend using NOAA’s website (www.weather.gov) for the most accurate 5-day weather forecasts. Because this trip has significant elevation change, we recommend checking two forecast:
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) | ||||||
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Month
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Valleys
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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°
|
||
Guide Shifts
Guides are required to take 10-12 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal time, take rest breaks…etc. and be uninterrupted for a minimum of 8 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Tipping Your Guide
Tipping your guide is greatly appreciated! Wildland guides, and outdoor/backcountry guides in general, do much more than lead guests down the trail. Although supported by amazing in-town staff, they often work independently in the field due to permit and logistical constraints. The guide is responsible for the group’s safety, menu planning (including dietary restrictions), cooking for the group, prepping and taking care of the gear, handling livestock (on stock-supported trips), driving, complying with government regulations, ensuring guest satisfaction, and generally making sure the tour runs smoothly. They wear many hats and are extraordinary at what they do!
The industry standard tip amount for hiking and backpacking guides is between 10% and 20% of the tour cost per person, depending on your level of satisfaction. If you have any questions about tipping, feel free to call us 7 days a week at 800-715-HIKE (4453)!
Group Travel
Please take the time to clearly understand the trip you’re registering for, and select a tour that matches your ability level.
It is possible there will be a discrepancy in fitness levels on your trip. Consider that the trip may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for your fellow travelers and it is important to respect each guest’s individual condition, needs and desires.
Finally, guided groups are required by land management agencies to stay together on the trail. Hiking together can require patience and flexibility. If hiking at a very specific pace is extremely important to you, you may want to consider booking a private trip.
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.