John Muir Trail
USA · North America · Thru-hike / long-distance trail · score 87/100
At a glance
| Countries | USA |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | California (Sierra Nevada) |
| Type | Thru-hike / long-distance trail |
| Length | 340 km |
| Typical duration | 21 days |
| Difficulty | 4/5 (Hard) |
| Max altitude | 4421 m |
| Best season | Jul-Sep |
| Start | Yosemite Valley, CA |
| End | Mount Whitney, CA |
| Permit / guide | Wilderness permit required (competitive lottery) |
| Special gear | bear canister required |
Score
87/100
Finest continuous section of the High Sierra; stunning alpine scenery; permit scarcity is the main hurdle
How the score works: scoring method. Information confidence: high.
Sources
Information compiled from public sources, as of October 19, 2026. Trail conditions, permits and closures change: verify with local authorities before you go.
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