The famous John Muir Trail takes a line down through the heart of the beautiful High Sierra taking in the some of best sights the mountains of California has to offer. This spectacular backpacking trip is one of world's most famous long-distance hikes and a must-do for any long-distance hiking aficionado.

Our John Muir Trail hike is fully supported with multiple food drops, professional and personable mountain guides, private shuttles, top-notch logistics and gourmet backcountry food that have all become a hallmark of California Alpine Guides backpacking trips. We keep our group sizes small for everyone's comfort and enjoyment.

After meeting in the town of Lee Vining, the Eastern gateway to Yosemite, We begin the trek in the Yosemite High Country at Tuolumne Meadows (We do not leave out of Yosemite Valley to avoid the summer heat). Heading south, we soon leave Yosemite National Park and move on to the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wildereness' before entering Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park. After summiting Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states, we end our journey by exiting through the Golden Trout Wilderness. We are then shuttled from the town of Lone Pine back to our starting point at Lee Vining.

Along the way, we see just about everything the Sierra Nevada has to offer...majestic peaks, alpine lakes, lush meadows and an abundance of wildlife. This trip is perfect for those we are looking to immerse themselves in the wilderness and get away from "civilization" for a long period of time. While this can be a strenuous hike at times, our itinerary allows for plenty of time for relaxation amid the incredible beauty and quiet of California's High Sierra Nevada.

Leave all the logistics and the cooking to us and allow yourself to simply relax and enjoy one of America's incredible wilderness journeys.

View the Itinerary for this trip

For other Sierra Nevada backpacking and trekking trips see our main Trekking/Backpacking page.

Location: We meet at Tuolumne Meadows in the Yosemite high country, an hour from Yosemite Valley and an hour from the eastern Sierra resort of Mammoth Lakes. We end this trip with a shuttle back to our starting point in Tuolumne Meadows

Food: At California Alpine Guides we strive to provide healthy and delicious gourmet wilderness meals. Breakfast and dinner are provided by your guide / backcountry chef while in the field. Special diets can be accommodated.

Level: Very good to excellent physical conditioning is required. Previous backpacking experience is required with the ability to carry an overnight pack up to 12 miles a day for multiple days in a row.

Dates 2015: Jul 19 - Aug 10

Cost: $3200 per person

Includes:

• Breakfast, lunch and dinner while in the field (no in-town meals included)
• Two nights lodging in Lee Vining the night before the trek begins and the night after the trek ends
• Private shuttle from Lone Pine back to our starting point in Lee Vining
• Professional mountain guides
• Full logistical support with 3-4 food and fuel resupplies.
• All group camping gear and permits

Space is limited! To reserve spots on the JMT, a $500 refundable deposit is required with the balance due 90 days prior.

Rentals are available for sleeping bags, pads and backpacks

The John Muir Trail hike is offered through special use permits from Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks as well as a temporary use permit issued by the Inyo National Forest