Alan Castle

John Muir Trail

The John Muir Trail (JMT) is one of North America’s most celebrated long-distance treks, stretching approximately 348km (216 miles) through the high peaks of California’s Sierra Nevada from Yosemite Valley to Whitney Portal. Taking around three weeks to complete, this epic route links granite domes, alpine lakes, towering passes, and spectacular wilderness scenery as it crosses three famous national parks — Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia. This trusted Cicerone guidebook provides everything needed to navigate the John Muir Trail with confidence. Presented in clear, stage-by-stage descriptions and packed with practical advice on preparation, logistics, and wilderness travel, it helps you plan thoroughly for a route suitable for hikers with experience in remote high-mountain wilderness. Detailed route descriptions break the John Muir Trail into 21 daily stages of between 11 and 26km (7–16 miles) from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley to Whitney Portal, helping you plan each day’s distance Sketch maps, ascent/descent tables, and distance summaries support navigation through high alpine passes like Donohue, Mather, and Forester, keeping you on track in mountainous terrain Practical planning guidance covers permits, transport, equipment, food, and training — essential for Sierra wilderness logistics and regulations Lists of camping areas, ranger stations, water sources, and bear box locations provide vital on-trail information for safety and resupply, crucial for a remote-long-distance trail Insightful background on the High Sierra’s natural history, from Yosemite’s granite giants to subalpine flora and fauna, enriches your experience of the landscapes you traverse Everything needed to organise, navigate, and complete the John Muir Trail is gathered in one reliable, expertly structured guide. Lace up your boots and immerse yourself in this legendary Sierra Nevada adventure — a bucket-list experience for seasoned hikers and mountain trekkers alike.