John Muir Trail Solo Traverse

Expedition Itinerary: John Muir Trail Traverse

Primary Objective: through hike

Trip Duration: 14 days

Total Estimated Mileage: ~211 miles

Experience Level: advanced

Terrain Type: large mountains

• Cumulative elevation gain/loss (ft): ~47,000 ft

• Start and end trailhead: Happy Isles Trailhead, CA to Whitney Portal, CA

• GPS coordinates: 37.7328, -119.5586 to 36.5785, -118.2923

• Permits: Obtain through Yosemite National Park – reservation required

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DAYS 1–3: Happy Isles Trailhead, CA to Lyell Canyon, CA

• Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: ~38 miles, +8,400 ft

• Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

• Terrain description: Mixed forests to subalpine; granite inclines

• Notable features or side quests: Vernal and Nevada Falls, Half Dome

• Campsites:

• Night 1: Little Yosemite Valley Camp – 6,100 ft – creek nearby

• Night 2: Sunrise Creek Camp – 9,200 ft – creek nearby

• Night 3: Lyell Canyon Camp – 9,500 ft – river nearby

• Wildlife or safety notes: Bear activity; bear canisters required

• Trail tip: Early start recommended to avoid crowd congestion

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DAYS 4–6: Lyell Canyon, CA to Reds Meadow, CA

• Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: ~40 miles, +7,800 ft

• Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

• Terrain description: Alpine meadows and ridges; high elevation passes

• Notable features or side quests: Donohue Pass, Thousand Island Lake

• Campsites:

• Night 4: Donohue Pass Camp – 11,056 ft – snowmelt streams

• Night 5: Garnet Lake Camp – 9,700 ft – lake access

• Night 6: Reds Meadow Campground – 7,600 ft – water spigots

• Wildlife or safety notes: Monitor for altitude sickness

• Trail tip: Restock on supplies at Reds Meadow, shuttle services available

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DAYS 7–9: Reds Meadow, CA to Muir Trail Ranch, CA

• Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: ~38 miles, +8,100 ft

• Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

• Terrain description: Volcanic formations, lush forests

• Notable features or side quests: Devils Postpile, San Joaquin River

• Campsites:

• Night 7: Lake Edison Camp – 7,600 ft – lake access

• Night 8: Bear Creek Camp – 9,000 ft – creek nearby

• Night 9: Muir Trail Ranch Camp – 7,900 ft – nearby village amenities

• Wildlife or safety notes: Mosquitoes prevalent in August

• Trail tip: Muir Trail Ranch offers last major resupply point

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DAYS 10–12: Muir Trail Ranch, CA to Rae Lakes, CA

• Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: ~48 miles, +11,700 ft

• Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

• Terrain description: Deep canyons, multiple passes

• Notable features or side quests: Evolution Basin, McClure Meadow

• Campsites:

• Night 10: Evolution Lake Camp – 10,800 ft – lake access

• Night 11: Pinchot Pass Camp – 12,130 ft – sparse water

• Night 12: Rae Lakes Camp – 10,552 ft – lake access

• Wildlife or safety notes: Frequent afternoon thunderstorms

• Trail tip: Be prepared for rapidly changing weather

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DAYS 13–14: Rae Lakes, CA to Whitney Portal, CA

• Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: ~47 miles, +11,000 ft

• Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

• Terrain description: High passes, stark granite peaks, and ridges

• Notable features or side quests: Forester Pass, Mt. Whitney Summit

• Campsites:

• Night 13: Guitar Lake Camp – 11,500 ft – lake access

• Night 14: Whitney Portal Campground – 8,500 ft – restrooms, water

• Wildlife or safety notes: Monitor weather before Whitney summit

• Trail tip: Early summit attempt recommended; avoid afternoon storms

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CAMPSITE INTEL

• Camp names and elevation: Little Yosemite Valley (6,100 ft), Sunrise Creek (9,200 ft), Lyell Canyon (9,500 ft), and others

• Fire restrictions: Fires prohibited above 10,000 ft

• Bear safety and food storage: Bear canisters mandatory

• Best views (sunrise/sunset): Half Dome, Evolution Lake

• Noise level or solitude factor: Popular trail, anticipate traffic

• Nearest water source: Rivers, lakes, and creeks along trail

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WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES

• Typical temps: 30-70°F (day), cooler at night

• Sun exposure: High; bring sun protection

• Acclimatization tips: Gradual elevation gain; monitor health

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GEAR CHECKLIST (10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS)

List tailored to terrain and season

Include 1–2 pro tips (e.g. smart gear swaps):

• Navigation tools (map, compass)

• Water filtration system

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

• First aid kit

• Fire starter and matches

• Pocket knife

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Shelter system (tent, tarp)

• Insulating layers

• Nutrition/snacks (high-calorie options)

Pro tips:

• Invest in ultralight gear to reduce pack weight.

• Bring layers for temperature variation.

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OPTIONAL UPGRADES

• Scenic side trips: Half Dome (permit required)

• Photo-worthy moments: Sunrise at Thousand Island Lake

• Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Burgers at Whitney Portal Store

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FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY

• Trail hours per day: 6-10 hours

• Wake/sleep rhythm: Early rise, sleep after dusk

• Estimated calories burned per day: ~3,000 calories

• Water needed per person: 3-4 liters

• Recommended pack weight range: 25-35 lbs

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Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.

Your expedition awaits, Christopher.

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