Solo Traverse of the JMT

Expedition Itinerary: John Muir Trail Traverse

Primary Objective: end-to-end traverse

Trip Duration: 20 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

• GPS coordinates: 37.7329, -119.5580 to 36.6065, -118.2404

• Permits: Reserved through Inyo National Forest permit system; additional permits for Whitney Zone if exiting via Whitney Portal

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DAYS 1–3: Happy Isles Trailhead to Tuolumne Meadows

• Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: ~25 miles, +4,000 ft

• Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

• Terrain description: Granite peaks, forested valleys, and alpine lakes

• Notable features or side quests: Nevada Fall, Half Dome side trip

• Campsites:

• Night 1: Little Yosemite Valley – 6,150 ft – river water

• Night 2: Sunrise Creek – 8,350 ft – creek water

• Night 3: Tuolumne Meadows – 8,600 ft – available water

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

• Trail tip: Acclimate properly as altitude increases

DAYS 4–6: Tuolumne Meadows to Lake Edison

• Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: ~34 miles, +4,500 ft

• Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

• Terrain description: High alpine meadows, granite ridges

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

• Campsites:

• Night 4: Lyell Fork Bridge – 8,902 ft – river access

• Night 5: Island Pass – 10,205 ft – lake water

• Night 6: Lake Edison (VVR) – 7,700 ft – full service

• Wildlife or safety notes: Mosquito prevalence; repellent essential

• Trail tip: Resupply at Vermilion Valley Resort

DAYS 7–10: Lake Edison to Muir Trail Ranch

• Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: ~40 miles, +5,500 ft

• Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

• Terrain description: Forests transitioning to open high country

• Notable features or side quests: Silver Pass, Bear Creek

• Campsites:

• Night 7: Bear Ridge – 10,000 ft – stream access

• Night 8: Marie Lake – 10,550 ft – lake water

• Night 9: Muir Trail Ranch – 7,800 ft – river access

• Night 10: Evolution Valley – 9,500 ft – creek water

• Wildlife or safety notes: Rattlesnake sightings possible; exercise caution

• Trail tip: Muir Trail Ranch is a great a resupply point

DAYS 11–14: Muir Trail Ranch to Bishop Pass Trail Junction

• Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: ~43 miles, +7,000 ft

• Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail

• Terrain description: High Sierra wilderness, remote landscapes

• Notable features or side quests: Muir Pass, Evolution Lake

• Campsites:

• Night 11: McClure Meadow – 9,602 ft – river access

• Night 12: Colby Meadow – 10,000 ft – creek water

• Night 13: LeConte Canyon – 8,745 ft – river access

• Night 14: Bishop Pass Trail Junction – 11,160 ft – lake water

• Wildlife or safety notes: Mountain lion activity; keep food secured

• Trail tip: Utilize rest days for acclimatization

DAYS 15–20: Bishop Pass Trail Junction to Whitney Portal

• Segment distance and elevation gain/loss: ~69 miles, +11,000 ft

• Primary trail(s) used: John Muir Trail, Whitney Portal Trail

• Terrain description: Alpine heights, dramatic peaks, expansive views

• Notable features or side quests: Forester Pass, Mount Whitney

• Campsites:

• Night 15: Lower Palisade Lake – 10,600 ft – lake water

• Night 16: Vidette Meadow – 9,650 ft – stream access

• Night 17: Guitar Lake – 11,460 ft – lake water

• Night 18: Trail Crest – 13,600 ft – no direct water

• Night 19: Whitney Portal – 8,360 ft – creek water

• Wildlife or safety notes: Weather can change rapidly at high altitudes; be prepared

• Trail tip: Consider sunrise summit of Mount Whitney for stunning views

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CAMPSITE INTEL

• Camp names and elevation: [Little Yosemite Valley - 6,150 ft, … Guitar Lake - 11,460 ft]

• Fire restrictions: Follow local regulations; typically, no fires above 9,600 ft

• Bear safety and food storage: Use approved bear canisters

• Best views (sunrise/sunset): Mount Whitney, Evolution Lake

• Noise level or solitude factor: Variable, high solitude in less accessible areas

• Nearest water source: Frequent along the trail

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WEATHER & ALTITUDE NOTES

• Typical temps: 40-70°F during August, freezing at high altitudes

• Sun exposure: High UV; use sunscreen and protective gear

• Acclimatization tips: Spend time at elevation before the trip to mitigate altitude sickness

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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: Opt for a lighter tent for solo travel and pack a down jacket for cold nights

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OPTIONAL UPGRADES

• Scenic side trips: Half Dome (permit required)

• Photo-worthy moments: View from Mount Whitney

• Post-hike food or reward suggestion: Burger 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 sundown

• Estimated calories burned per day: 3,500 calories

• Water needed per person: 3-4 liters

• Recommended pack weight range: 25-30 lbs

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Prepare accordingly and respect all wilderness guidelines.

Your expedition awaits, Christopher Arace.

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