What is the best time of year to hike the John Muir Trail?

According to the Pacific Coast Trail Association, the best time to hike the John Muir Trail is usually during June through September (after the majority of the snowpack has melted) for casual backpackers, though more hardcore hikers may choose to challenge themselves with substantial snowfall starting in October.

Can you hike the John Muir Trail in winter?

The John Muir Trail is gorgeous in winter, but hiking it can be dangerous once the temperature dips. If you’re truly looking for solitude on the JMT, the time to come is winter, when snowfall and chilly temperatures — which often drop below freezing — deter many would-be hikers.

How crowded is the John Muir Trail?

Forester Pass (13,200 feet): 179.5 miles Then you’ll have a long climb to Upper Vidette Meadow and beyond to Forester Pass, the tallest pass on the JMT. It’s worth the climb for the views of distant mountains!

How much does it cost to do the JMT?

Assuming you are hiking alone, live pretty close to the trail, have all the gear you need and want to eat pretty well; you can expect to shell out at least $825 to hike the JMT.

Can you hike the John Muir Trail in May?

Although it’s possible to hike the JMT as early as mid-June for those equipped for snow travel, the best time to hike is generally late July through early October.

Does the PCT go through John Muir Trail?

For most of its length, the John Muir Trail uses the Pacific Crest Trail. There are three places where the JMT and PCT are different: Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows, Thousand Island Lake to Reds Meadow and Crab Tree Meadow to Mt. For approximately 170 miles, the JMT travels the Pacific Crest Trail.

How cold does it get on the John Muir Trail?

Daily highs were around 65-75F, and the lows were 15-30F. June and September have similar temperature ranges, while July and August are typically 10-15 degrees warmer.

Are bear canisters required on JMT?

JMT hikers must properly store their food while on the trail by using an approved bear canister (which protects your items not only from bears, but also from rodents). All food, toiletries, scented items, and trash must go in your canister, and you must lock it whenever it is not in use.

What is the best part of the John Muir Trail?

5 Best John Muir Trail Section Hikes

1. Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows (~20 miles)
2. Tuolumne Meadows to Devils Postpile (~34 miles)
3. Purple Lake to Big Pete’s Meadow (~84 miles)
4. Big Pete’s Meadow to Kearsarge Pass (~65 miles)
5. Kearsarge to Whitney Portal (~49 miles)

What is the penalty for hiking the John Muir Trail without a permit?

Legally, you’re subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail. A ranger will also require you to end your backpacking trip early. You can find information about how to get a wilderness permit at http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. It’s not that hard to do for most trailheads.

How long does it take to hike JMT?

about three weeks
Planning Your Itinerary Most people take about three weeks to complete the JMT, with many averaging around 10-12 miles a day. That said, very fit and experienced hikers may cover 15-17 miles a day. Hiking in the Sierras is no joke, so we recommend overestimating your time on the trail.

How hard is it to hike the John Muir Trail?

Most people complete the John Muir Trail in about three weeks. While experienced backpackers may hike the trail in around two weeks, the miles in the High Sierra are hard and have a lot of elevation gain. Most people calculate in a couple of “zero” days (rest days) and take the trail at an enjoyable pace.

When is the best time of year to hike the JMT?

Although it’s possible to hike the JMT as early as mid-June for those equipped for snow travel, the best time to hike is generally late July through early October. This is highly variable year-to-year and it really depends on the season’s snowfall.

Is the John Muir Trail a good first thru-hike?

The John Muir Trail (JMT) is significantly shorter than other famous thru-hikes in the US, such as the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Appalachian Trail (AT). This makes it a great option as a first thru-hike if you have an eventual goal of hiking one of the longer trails.

Where do I start my JMT journey from Yosemite?

EXIT TRAILHEAD – If you are completing the classic JMT route from Yosemite, you’ll choose Whitney Portal as your exit trailhead. DATES – You’ll be required to list your first and last desired start date (21 day range maximum). Having a flexible start date can greatly increase your chance of getting a permit.

What are the pros and cons of hiking in different months?

There are pros and cons to hiking in each month. July can offer very pleasant weather, but raging rivers can be potentially dangerous to ford. Often August has near perfect weather, but mosquitos and flies can be at their worst.