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Clever Hiker: A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

In this guide, we break down every detail you’ll need to begin preparing for what will surely be the adventure of a lifetime.

Clever Hiker: A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

Last updated:
September 25, 2025
|  5 min read
Backpacker hikes toward a rock stair case above an alpine lake on the John Muir Trail on a sunny day

Clever Hiker: A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

Clever Hiker: A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

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In this guide, we break down every detail you’ll need to begin preparing for what will surely be the adventure of a lifetime.

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Clever Hiker: A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

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A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

“Of all the mountain ranges I have climbed, I like the Sierra Nevada the best,” wrote John Muir, naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club. The fact that the John Muir Trail – which offers some of the most scenic vistas in the nation – bears his name is reason enough to follow his footsteps on this magnificent and challenging route.

The John Muir Trail begins in Yosemite National Park and travels 210 miles along the High Sierra mountain range through the Ansel Adams Wilderness, John Muir Wilderness, Sequoia National Park, and King’s Canyon National Park, culminating at the highest peak in the continental United States – Mount Whitney. The route climbs nearly 46,000 feet of elevation and crosses six high-elevation mountain passes, with most people taking around three weeks to complete.

Continue reading to learn more about hiking the John Muir Trail, written by Annie Hopfensperger.

Clever Hiker: A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

“Of all the mountain ranges I have climbed, I like the Sierra Nevada the best,” wrote John Muir, naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club. The fact that the John Muir Trail – which offers some of the most scenic vistas in the nation – bears his name is reason enough to follow his footsteps on this magnificent and challenging route.

The John Muir Trail begins in Yosemite National Park and travels 210 miles along the High Sierra mountain range through the Ansel Adams Wilderness, John Muir Wilderness, Sequoia National Park, and King’s Canyon National Park, culminating at the highest peak in the continental United States – Mount Whitney. The route climbs nearly 46,000 feet of elevation and crosses six high-elevation mountain passes, with most people taking around three weeks to complete.

Continue reading to learn more about hiking the John Muir Trail, written by Annie Hopfensperger.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Editorial Assistant
Annie Hopfensperger
Annie supports content creation, photography, and day-to-day operations.
Media Mentions

Clever Hiker: A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

A Complete Guide to Hiking the John Muir Trail

“Of all the mountain ranges I have climbed, I like the Sierra Nevada the best,” wrote John Muir, naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club. The fact that the John Muir Trail – which offers some of the most scenic vistas in the nation – bears his name is reason enough to follow his footsteps on this magnificent and challenging route.

The John Muir Trail begins in Yosemite National Park and travels 210 miles along the High Sierra mountain range through the Ansel Adams Wilderness, John Muir Wilderness, Sequoia National Park, and King’s Canyon National Park, culminating at the highest peak in the continental United States – Mount Whitney. The route climbs nearly 46,000 feet of elevation and crosses six high-elevation mountain passes, with most people taking around three weeks to complete.

Continue reading to learn more about hiking the John Muir Trail, written by Annie Hopfensperger.

Photo thumbnail Blog Author
Editorial Assistant
Annie Hopfensperger
Annie supports content creation, photography, and day-to-day operations.
Media Mentions
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