Hiking the John Muir Trail

Hard to believe it is already two years ago I was hiking the John Muir Trail through California. The JMT is some of the most epic scenery in the US and winds for 211 miles from Yosemite to the summit of Mount Whitney.  The trail goes through the Sierra Nevada which were called by John Muir “the range of light”.

“Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature’s darlings. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings, Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves. As age comes on, one source of enjoyment after another is closed, but nature’s sources never fail.”  John Muir, Our National Parks, 1901

The one thing that it is certain is that not only is the JMT beautiful it is also a tough trail. Only on this trail will footwear that would normally last 500 miles be gone in 200 miles. The passes are tough (although do-able of course) and the great unknown is the weather. During my hike, I had highs in the high 20s with biting sun in Yosemite to snow and freezing temperatures over Glen Pass. All the passes need to be timed to ensure you are not exposed during the afternoon thunderstorms.

I have some very strong memories from the trail. With some trails, there is never the feeling that you need to go back and hike them again. With the JMT, however, it is different. The views stay with you, the pain of hiking everyday fades and you can’t wait to get back out there. For everyone who lives close to this trail, you are so lucky. Get out there and enjoy it – it is one of the world’s most epic trails.