John Muir Trail Highlights Trek | Sierra Mountain Hikes California

Regular resupplies, expert guides, and all permits included

Beautiful natural surroundings on the John Muir trail, California | Ken Harris

Picturesque rest stop along the JMT | Ken Harris

Serene forest waterfall in California's Sierra Nevada | Ken Harris

The Sierra Nevada's's densely-forest valleys | Ken Harris

Setting off for a day on the John Muir Trail | Ken Harris

Pristine landscapes of the high Sierra, USA | Ken Harris

Beautiful natural surroundings on the John Muir trail, California | Ken Harris

Picturesque rest stop along the JMT | Ken Harris

Serene forest waterfall in California's Sierra Nevada | Ken Harris

The Sierra Nevada's's densely-forest valleys | Ken Harris

Setting off for a day on the John Muir Trail | Ken Harris

Pristine landscapes of the high Sierra, USA | Ken Harris

NEW Trip 2023Manaslu Circuit & Base Camp TrekView Trip Details

9 Days$2290USD

View Inclusions

Activities

8 day full pack hike

Accommodation

8 nights camping

Meals

5 Dinners
8 Lunches
8 Breakfasts

Challenging

Overview
Itinerary
Map
Thoughtful Travel
Inclusions
Accommodation
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Trip highlights

Hike the spectacular Sierra Mountain Range
Challenge yourself with a full pack on a rugged mountain trail
Walk among alpine peaks, glacier-gouged canyons, and crystal-clear lakes
Immerse yourself in pine forests and lush meadows
Expert local guides

The John Muir Trail is renowned as a spectacular and challenging trail of 340 km/211 miles in the High Sierra Mountain Range in California, USA. This 146km/91 mile section is a perfect way to experience this extraordinary backcountry trail. On this trip, we will hike in from Bishop Pass and make our way to Reds Meadow in the town of Mammoth Lakes over the course of 9 days. This section is considered by many to showcase the most beautiful scenery on the trail as it climbs over mountain passes, wanders beneath high alpine peaks and traverses beautiful meadows and forested river valleys. We provide the camp gear and meals for the trip but you’ll need to carry a full pack of around 20 kg/45lbs with everything you need. Hiking 10-24 km/6-15 mi per day is usual, as is setting up camp for the night so previous experience is a must!

This challenging hike rewards you at every turn with spectacular scenery, wildlife and nights sleeping under starry skies.

Itinerary

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Day 1
Meet in Bishop for a gear check and then hit the trail!

Today we meet at the Sierra Mountain Center office in Bishop, California to go over our gear and prepare for the adventure ahead. We pick up any last minute forgotten items, and then shuttle to the Bishop Pass trailhead by vehicles. We hit the trail and hike to Dusy Basin! *Complimentary transfer from hotels in Bishop, upon request. Transfer from hotels in Mammoth Lakes upon request - additional charge.

Meals: D

Day 2
Trail meets the John Muir Trail

An early start gives us time to enjoy the mountain views all around before descending to Le Conte Canyon and joining the John Muir Trail. The views of stark mountains and dry air at the trailhead slowly changes over the course of the descent. The trail is greener along the Middle Fork Kings River and not as steep as we finish our day's hike. Our goal is to camp tonight in Little Pete Meadow with the mountains all around.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3-5
Hike through Evolution Basin and resupply at Muir Trail Ranch

Many people consider these next few days as the most beautiful section of the trail in the heart of the Sierra Mountains. We stay high through the Evolution Valley, pass by the stone shelter at Muir Pass (3645m/11,958ft)), commence a large swing out to the western Sierra, and gradually lose elevation until we reach our lowest point of about 2390m/7841ft at Muir Trail Ranch. Over the course of these few days, you will experience soaring mountains, babbling streams and sparkling lakes (great for swimming!). By the time we reach Muir Ranch, trees are abundant as the elevation is much lower than when we began. Daily distances of approximately 24km/15mi.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6-9
Hike to Red's Meadow in the town of Mammoth Lakes

You may never forget the views of the Silver Divide with its small lakes reflecting the jagged peaks ahead. There are many smaller ups and downs that characterize this section as the really big passes are now behind us. The terrain and vegetation changes as we near Mammoth Mountain so take a swim in one of the many lakes before we leave them behind during the last stretch of the hike. We return to 'civilization' at Reds Meadow with a transfer to either Mammoth or Bishop. We highly recommend pre booking a night's accommodation to rest and treat yourself. A big meal and hot shower should be next on your itinerary, avoid trying to catch any departing flights or transportation. Daily distances of approximately 14-23km/8-15mi

Meals: B,L

Inclusions

What's included

8 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 8 dinners
Professional certified mountain guide(s) with wilderness first aid certification. Max 5 hikers to 1 guide.
Return transfer back to Bishop from Mammoth Lakes on the last day of the trek
Group equipment such as tents, food canisters, and water purification
Supply drop prepared ahead of time by your guides
Contingency and emergency support, phone and radio
First aid kit
All necessary permits

What's not included

Flights and Airport taxes
Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and backpack
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, postage, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Pre or post trip accommodation, or additional accommodation due to weather delays
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Visas
Guide gratuities
Medical treatment and evacuation charges

Departure dates

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Priceper person from

$2290USD

Options & Supplements*

*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed John Muir Trail Explorer trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.