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John Muir Trail

Sierra Nevada, California · 14,505 ft

What it asks of you

Objective-wide planning ranges apply only to the reviewed scope below. They are not a selected route profile, a fitness threshold, or evidence of your skills.

Reviewed scope
Full John Muir Trail walking objective from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney summit, with a necessary onward walking exit selected separately. This reviewed envelope includes a Whitney Portal exit; it is not the Whitney day-hike objective or a generic PCT thru-hike. No route or camp schedule selected.
Area
Sierra Nevada, California

Nominal high point

14,505 ft

Official fact

  • Reference route high point, not cumulative ascent or sleeping altitude. NPS NAVD88 Whitney / technical Enchantments reference respectively; no acclimatization conclusion.
Sources and review dates

Reviewed 2026-09-24 · evidence expires 2026-12-23

trail

mountain trail

Explicit assumption

  • Only the reviewed walking scope; not a training prescription, live access decision or member readiness evidence.
Sources and review dates

Reviewed 2026-09-24 · evidence expires 2026-12-23

consecutive day role

multi-day backpacking

Explicit assumption

  • Only the reviewed walking scope; not a training prescription, live access decision or member readiness evidence.
Sources and review dates

Reviewed 2026-09-24 · evidence expires 2026-12-23

Unlisted demands are not reviewed here; missing pack weights or weekly training targets are unknown, not zero. Confirm permit, access, equipment and conditions for your exact route and dates with the official sources.

Route-specific demand

JMT southbound — Happy Isles, Whitney summit and Portal exit

Reviewed scope
Walk southbound from Happy Isles on the John Muir Trail via Donohue Pass through the Sierra to Mount Whitney summit; then descend the Mount Whitney Trail to Whitney Portal. The named JMT ends at the summit; the walking itinerary ends at Portal.
Start
Happy Isles trailhead, Yosemite Valley; begin walking on the John Muir Trail
End and return
Whitney Portal trailhead, after reaching Mount Whitney summit and descending the Mount Whitney Trail
Includes
Walk southbound from Happy Isles on the John Muir Trail via Donohue Pass through the Sierra to Mount Whitney summit; then descend the Mount Whitney Trail to Whitney Portal. The named JMT ends at the summit; the walking itinerary ends at Portal.
Excludes
Lyell Canyon substitute start
Excludes
Northbound and section hikes
Excludes
Mist Trail shortcut, Half Dome and side-summit excursions
Excludes
Off-corridor resupply excursions, vehicle/shuttle mileage and transport time
Excludes
Winter/snow-climbing variants and a fixed campsite sequence
Season assumptions
Non-winter backpacking envelope; snow, stream crossings, bridges, fire restrictions and access require a current date-specific check
Itinerary assumptions
Continuous southbound multi-day backpack; camps, resupply excursions and daily mileage remain unselected

Nominal high point

14,505 ft

Official fact

  • Reference route high point, not cumulative ascent or sleeping altitude. NPS NAVD88 Whitney / technical Enchantments reference respectively; no acclimatization conclusion.
Sources and review dates

Reviewed 2026-09-24 · evidence expires 2026-12-23

trail

mountain trail

Explicit assumption

  • Only the reviewed walking scope; not a training prescription, live access decision or member readiness evidence.
Sources and review dates

Reviewed 2026-09-24 · evidence expires 2026-12-23

consecutive day role

multi-day backpacking

Explicit assumption

  • Only the reviewed walking scope; not a training prescription, live access decision or member readiness evidence.
Sources and review dates

Reviewed 2026-09-24 · evidence expires 2026-12-23

Route reviewed 2026-09-24 · review expires 2026-12-23. These demands apply only to this route and its stated assumptions.

Sources and review

Reviewed 2026-09-24 · review expires 2026-12-23. Dates reflect operator review, not current route conditions — check conditions before you go.