How do I get to the JMT trailhead?

Reno, Nevada is one of the easiest airports to access the JMT from. The Eastern Sierra Transit bus stops at the airport and will bring you to Lee Vinning, Mammoth Lakes or Lone Pine, CA. From Lee Vinning or Mammoth Lakes, you can transfer to YARTS for your connection to the northern terminus of the JMT.

Where do you start the JMT?

Yosemite
The classic JMT route begins in Yosemite at the Happy Isles trailhead and travels to the summit of Mt. Whitney near the Whitney Portal trailhead in Inyo National Forest. This is the most in-demand and subsequently congested starting point.

Are there rattlesnakes on the John Muir Trail?

See our Bear Canister Reviews to find the best canister for your trip. Deer are accustomed to hikers along the trail. Rattlesnakes are rarely seen along the busy JMT, but hikers should always be wary. Mosquitoes are annoying in early summer and gradually taper off through August.

How do I get a JMT Nobo?

Let’s do this!

  1. 5 SIMPLE STEPS TO ROCKING THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL PERMIT PROCESS. I am a permit nerd.
  2. STEP 1: DECIDE HOW LONG YOU’D LIKE TO SPEND HIKING THE JMT.
  3. STEP 2: PICK YOUR DATE.
  4. STEP 3: ARE YOU HIKING NOBO OR SOBO?
  5. STEP 4: PICK YOUR TRAILHEAD AND NIGHT 1 CAMPSITE.
  6. STEP 5: APPLY FOR YOUR PERMIT ONLINE.

Can you section hike the JMT?

The JMT can be done in segments or as a thru-hike, many opting for the latter. Pre-planning is critical to a successful JMT thru-hike, and advance permits are required. Most hikers take around three weeks to complete the journey following the trail southbound (SOBO) from Yosemite Valley.

How can I hike the JMT without a permit?

If you can’t get a permit, you might need to hike somewhere else on the PCT or in the Sierra Nevada off of the JMT/PCT corridor. The John Muir Trail runs from the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mt. Whitney near the Whitney Portal trailhead on Inyo National Forest.

Are dogs allowed on JMT?

Dogs are allowed in the John Muir Wilderness, but are not allowed in wilderness areas in adjacent national parks.

How long is JMT trail?

211-mile
The 211-mile John Muir Trail is a world-famous trail stretching from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States.

How steep is the John Muir Trail?

The trail passes through large swaths of alpine and high mountain scenery, and lies almost entirely at or above 8,000 feet (2,400 m) in elevation….

John Muir Trail
Elevation change 47,000 ft (14,000 m)
Highest point Mount Whitney, 14,505 ft (4,421 m)

Where can I get a JMT permit?

All permits must be picked up from the Eastern Sierra Inter-Agency Visitor Center in Lone Pine, CA. The official southern terminus of the JMT is on the summit of Mt. Whitney. Most people access the summit from Whitney Portal, a trip of about 11 miles.

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