John Muir Trail Solo Traverse

Expedition Itinerary: John Muir Trail Traverse

Primary Objective: end-to-end traverse

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: 37.7321, -119.5595 (start), 36.5785, -118.2923 (end)

- Permits: Required; obtain via Recreation.gov

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DAYS 1–3: Happy Isles Trailhead, CA to Tuolumne Meadows, CA

- Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: 25 miles, +4,800 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

- Terrain description: Forested areas, granite peaks

- Notable features or side quests: Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls

- Campsites:

- Night 1: Little Yosemite Valley – 6,150 ft – River

- Night 2: Sunrise Creek – 9,230 ft – Creek

- Night 3: Tuolumne Meadows Campground – 8,600 ft – River

- Wildlife or safety notes: Bear activity; proper food storage mandatory

- Trail tip: Early start recommended to avoid midday heat

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DAYS 4–6: Tuolumne Meadows, CA to Reds Meadow, CA

- Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: 34 miles, +4,200 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

- Terrain description: High alpine meadows, mountain vistas

- Notable features or side quests: Lyell Canyon, Donohue Pass

- Campsites:

- Night 4: Lyell Fork Bridge – 9,500 ft – Creek

- Night 5: Thousand Island Lake – 9,833 ft – Lake

- Night 6: Reds Meadow – 7,600 ft – Stream

- Wildlife or safety notes: Be aware of afternoon thunderstorms

- Trail tip: Utilize ranger stations for trail updates

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

- Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: 45 miles, +5,500 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

- Terrain description: Rocky paths, glacial lakes

- Notable features or side quests: Devil's Postpile National Monument

- Campsites:

- Night 7: Deer Creek – 9,100 ft – Creek

- Night 8: Lake Thomas A. Edison Junction – 7,600 ft – Lake

- Night 9: Muir Trail Ranch – 7,700 ft – Spring

- Wildlife or safety notes: Adequate insect repellent required

- Trail tip: Restock at Muir Trail Ranch resupply point

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DAYS 10–12: Muir Trail Ranch, CA to Woods Creek, CA

- Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: 36 miles, +6,100 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

- Terrain description: Forested river valleys, exposed passes

- Notable features or side quests: Evolution Basin

- Campsites:

- Night 10: Evolution Lake – 10,852 ft – Lake

- Night 11: Big Pete Meadow – 9,650 ft – Stream

- Night 12: Woods Creek – 8,500 ft – Creek

- Wildlife or safety notes: Limited cell service; satellite device recommended

- Trail tip: Focus on acclimatization; stay hydrated

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DAYS 13–14: Woods Creek, CA to Whitney Portal, CA

- Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: 41 miles, +8,400 ft

- Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

- Terrain description: Rugged terrain, alpine slopes

- Notable features or side quests: Rae Lakes, Mount Whitney Summit

- Campsites:

- Night 13: Guitar Lake – 11,500 ft – Lake

- Night 14: Whitney Portal – 8,374 ft – Stream

- Wildlife or safety notes: Prepare for cooler temperatures at higher elevations

- Trail tip: Start summit day early to avoid afternoon storms

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CAMPSITE INTEL

- Camp names and elevation: [Little Yosemite Valley – 6,150 ft, Reds Meadow – 7,600 ft, Guitar Lake – 11,500 ft]

- Fire restrictions: Typically enforced above 10,000 ft

- Bear safety and food storage: Bear canisters required

- Best views (sunrise/sunset): Mount Whitney, Guitar Lake

- Noise level or solitude factor: Moderate solitude

- Nearest water source: Generally within 0.5 miles from campsites

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WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES

- Typical temps: 35-75°F in August

- Sun exposure: High; use sunscreen

- Acclimatization tips: Spend 1-2 extra days at higher elevation if possible

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GEAR CHECKLIST (10 ESSENTIAL ITEMS)

List tailored to terrain and season

Include 1–2 pro tips:

- 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: Lightweight synthetic clothing for temperature regulation; double-check bear canister closure

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OPTIONAL UPGRADES

- Scenic side trips: Climb Half Dome with a separate permit

- Photo-worthy moments: Panoramic view from Cloud's Rest

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

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FINAL BRIEF SUMMARY

- Trail hours per day: 6-9 hours

- Wake/sleep rhythm: Early rise before sunrise; sleep by 9 PM

- Estimated calories burned per day: ~3,500 calories

- Water needed per person: 3-5 liters

- Recommended pack weight range: 25-35 lbs

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Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.

Your expedition awaits, Christopher Arace.

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