Click on the graph above to view a version with more details.
Below is a schedule for a 14 day hike of the JMT. Our trip includes two additional days: one day on the trail and one day to get home. (See the transportation page for more details on getting home.) The extra day on the trail might be used as a "zero day" to rest or we can reduce the daily mileage on a few days as needed. Weather might also affect the schedule and require some adjustments. Every day on the JMT is different and an amazing adventure!
Detailed Trip Plan with Daily Mileage and Altitude Change (PDF)
Want to know how much it cost to hike the JMT? Check this out!
Hiking the John Muir Trail requires a wilderness permit. We will be starting in Yosemite, so that's where our permit will be issued. The JMT is a popular trail and the Yosemite trailhead used to begin the hike is also popular for other hikes, so it's not easy to get a permit. I applied on the first day a permit was available for the Happy Isles trailhead (168 days in advance) and scored a permit for two people! Even though we will leave Yosemite on day three when we hike over Donahue Pass, our permit is good for the whole trail.
Below is a link to an interactive map of the JMT. It is an excellent resource for getting an overview of the whole trail and seeing the lateral trails and surrounding areas. I think it helps people imagine just how far it is to hike the whole trail! Thanks Eric Knight for the excellent map!
John Muir Trail Interactive Map (External Link-Flash Required)
Below is a link to a trail journal with lots of pictures and a good description of the trail. Keven Siegert hiked 111 miles on the JMT beginning in Toulumne Meadows and exiting at the Bishop pass lateral trail. You can find other trail journals online that describe the whole trail, but I thought I would keep the second half more of a surprise...at least for my hiking partner.
John Muir Trail Journal (External Link)
Other Resources:
John Muir Trail page on the PCT Website
John Muir Trail Map Set (A free PDF-downloads as a zip file)
Popular John Muir Trail Guidebook (Amazon)
Popular John Muir Trail Map Set (Amazon)
"You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So...get on your way!"
~Dr. Seuss
