John Muir Trail
2–3 weeks · 207 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the John Muir Trail is known for
The John Muir Trail runs through California's High Sierra from Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous U.S. It's known for its string of alpine passes, granite basins, and lakes, and largely overlaps the Pacific Crest Trail.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 4,154 ft to 14,216 ft over 207 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 65.1 mi · 31%
- Downhill 99.4 mi · 48%
- Flat 42.2 mi · 20%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the John Muir Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the John Muir Trail scores 83/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: July through September; passes hold snow into early summer.
Permits: Wilderness permit required, via a competitive reservation/lottery system.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the John Muir Trail take?
Most backpackers take 2–3 weeks to hike the John Muir Trail's 207 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the John Muir Trail?
The John Muir Trail climbs roughly 38,186 ft total — about 184 ft per mile, topping out near 14,449 ft.
When is the best time to hike the John Muir Trail?
July through September; passes hold snow into early summer.
Do you need a permit for the John Muir Trail?
Wilderness permit required, via a competitive reservation/lottery system.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.