- Region
- California, USA
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Wilderness Permits are required for overni…
- Managed by
- Inyo National Forest
Plan with verified data
Yosemite High Sierra trip tools
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
Photos of Yosemite High Sierra
How to get there
Access to the John Muir Trail involves reaching Yosemite National Park or areas along Highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra. For Yosemite, the trail's northern end is in Yosemite Valley at Happy Isles. On the Eastern Sierra side, towns like Mammoth Lakes, Lone Pine, and Bishop serve as hubs for various access points, often reached via Highway 395. Many trailheads require shuttle bus access during peak season, such as in Reds Meadow Valley/Devils Postpile.
- Happy Isles to Past LYV (Donohue Pass eligible)
This trailhead provides access to the full John Muir Trail beyond Yosemite. It is located in Yosemite Valley, about a half-mile from the backpacker's lot near Curry Village. Access is via the Valleywide Shuttle or East Valley Shuttle, as there is no parking directly at the trailhead.
- Lyell Canyon (Donohue Pass eligible)
This trailhead in Yosemite National Park provides access to the full John Muir Trail beyond Yosemite.
- Mist and John Muir Trailhead
Located in Yosemite Valley, this trailhead offers spectacular views of two large waterfalls and scenery along the Merced River. Access the trailhead via the Valleywide Shuttle or East Valley Shuttle; the closest parking is at Curry Village, approximately 1 mile away.
- Devils Postpile Visitor Center (Shuttle Stop #6)
To reach this entry point for the JMT (both north and south sections), leave Highway 395 at Highway 203 to Mammoth Lakes. Turn right on Minaret Road to Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center (Main Lodge) for long term parking and to board the mandatory shuttle to the trailhead. The JMT is less than a mile from the visitor center.
- Rainbow Falls trailhead (Shuttle Stop #8)
This is an alternate entry point for the JMT south of Devils Postpile. To reach it, drive to Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center (Main Lodge) for long term parking and to board the mandatory shuttle.
- Reds Meadows resort (Shuttle Stop #10)
This is an alternate entry point for the JMT south of Devils Postpile. To reach it, drive to Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center (Main Lodge) for long term parking and to board the mandatory shuttle.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage · National Park Service. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
California, USA · Season: Best: Jul – Sep
- Climbing
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
The country
East of the Valley the park opens into 3,000 m granite country — polished domes, sub-alpine lodgepole, and meadow-floored basins. Weather is drier and more stable than the northern Rockies for the same elevation.
Why enthusiasts come
The High Sierra Camps loop and the Cathedral Range give week-long trips with reliable water, snow-free passes, and iconic scenery. Cathedral, Half Dome, and Clouds Rest are all backcountry-accessible.
Planner-relevant notes
Wilderness permits are trailhead-quota, book on release day. Bear canisters are required — no hangs. Weekend afternoons on named trails are crowded even in the backcountry.
Top experiences
The High Sierra Camp loop (49 miles between six tent-camps) is the flagship guided experience. Backpacker version: the Cathedral Range from Tuolumne. Half Dome cables day-hike is the marquee bucket-list. John Muir Trail's northern 60 miles from Happy Isles is world-class alone.
Planning essentials
Wilderness permits by trailhead quota — book on release day (24 weeks ahead). Half Dome permits by daily lottery. Bear canisters required — no hangs anywhere. Weekend afternoons crowded even on backcountry trails.
Field notes
- Mosquitoes peak two weeks after snowmelt; late Aug is markedly calmer.
- Water can be sparse on the Cathedral Range crest — top up at every meadow.
- Smoke season (Aug–Sep) can shut visibility; check air-quality before committing.
- Snow year drives the season; heavy years keep passes closed into August.
- Mosquitoes peak 2 weeks after snowmelt; late Aug is markedly calmer.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Yosemite High Sierra, California, USA. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 37.8700, -119.3800
- Latitude (DMS)
- 37° 52′ 12.0″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 119° 22′ 48.0″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Yosemite High Sierra, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Granite domes, alpine meadows, and Sierra light — the range John Muir called the Range of Light.
Key takeaways
- Region: California, USA
- Best season: Best: Jul – Sep
- Coordinates: 37.870, -119.380
Climate suitability
Best: Jul – Sep
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Yosemite High Sierra
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Yosemite High Sierra
The John Muir Trail Overview
The John Muir Trail (JMT) is a long-distance hiking route traversing the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. Named for naturalist John Muir, the trail extends through diverse wilderness landscapes, including Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. It is also located within the Inyo and Sierra National Forests, as well as the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses. The JMT largely remains at or above 8,000 feet in elevation, offering extensive alpine and high mountain scenery. A significant portion of the trail, approximately 160 miles, coincides with the Pacific Crest Trail. The route is primarily situated within designated wilderness areas, emphasizing natural conditions and opportunities for solitude. Hikers should be prepared for backcountry travel and follow all wilderness regulations specific to the areas they traverse.
Trail Length and Elevation
The John Muir Trail's total length is approximately 213.7 to 221 miles. It begins at its northern terminus at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley and concludes at its southern terminus on the summit of Mount Whitney. The trail encompasses a total elevation gain of about 47,000 feet, showcasing the rugged and high-altitude nature of the Sierra Nevada. The vast majority of the trail is located in the High Sierra backcountry, with much of its course at or above 8,000 feet. This elevation profile requires hikers to be physically prepared and acclimatized for sustained high-altitude exertion and remote wilderness travel.
Permits and Wilderness Access
Overnight wilderness permits are required for all overnight use within the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, and Golden Trout Wildernesses. Permits are also required for both day and overnight use in the Mt. Whitney Zone. All wilderness permits are reserved online. The permit system employs quotas for entry trailheads by date to manage use and protect natural conditions. Reservations for the quota season, which runs from May 1 to November 1, become available in two phases: 60% are released six months in advance, and the remaining 40% are added two weeks prior to the entry date. Permits must be printed and carried by the group leader. Permits are issued by the agency where the trip begins and are valid for a continuous wilderness journey on the specific date and trail indicated.
Mt. Whitney Zone Specifics
Access to the Mt. Whitney Zone has specific permit requirements, which depend on the type of trip and starting location. The Mt. Whitney Day Use and Mt. Whitney Trail (overnight) permits are popular and have unique reservation processes. Trips not part of the Mt. Whitney lottery, such as those entering via the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek or starting from more distant trailheads like Kearsarge Pass or Cottonwood Pass, can be reserved online up to six months in advance through Inyo National Forest. For trips exiting at Whitney Portal via the Mt. Whitney (Trail Crest Exit), a specific permit type, 'Overnight Exiting Mt. Whitney,' is required. This permit allows hikers to summit and camp along the Mt. Whitney trail as they finish their trip. The Trail Crest exit is subject to its own quota.
Route options
- John Muir Trail - Northbound213.7-221 miles
This route extends from the summit of Mount Whitney to Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. It involves a total elevation gain of approximately 47,000 feet and traverses various wilderness areas and national parks.
- John Muir Trail - Southbound213.7-221 miles
This route extends from Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley to the summit of Mount Whitney. It involves a total elevation gain of approximately 47,000 feet and traverses various wilderness areas and national parks.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
May 1 - TBD
The quota season for wilderness permits begins May 1. Conditions can include lingering snow at higher elevations and potentially high creek crossings.
Summer
TBD - TBD
Typically offers more favorable weather, but quota system remains in effect. Reservations are highly sought after.
Fall
TBD - November 1
The quota season for wilderness permits concludes November 1. Conditions can transition from mild to colder, with possibilities of early season snow.
Winter
November 2 - April 30
Outside of the quota season, but permits are still required for overnight wilderness use. Expect significant snow and challenging conditions throughout the trail's high-elevation segments.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | May 1 - TBD | The quota season for wilderness permits begins May 1. Conditions can include lingering snow at higher elevations and potentially high creek crossings. |
| Summer | TBD - TBD | Typically offers more favorable weather, but quota system remains in effect. Reservations are highly sought after. |
| Fall | TBD - November 1 | The quota season for wilderness permits concludes November 1. Conditions can transition from mild to colder, with possibilities of early season snow. |
| Winter | November 2 - April 30 | Outside of the quota season, but permits are still required for overnight wilderness use. Expect significant snow and challenging conditions throughout the trail's high-elevation segments. |
Permits, fees & closures
Wilderness Permits are required for overnight use in John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, and Golden Trout Wildernesses. A permit is required for the Mt. Whitney Zone for both day and overnight use. All wilderness permits are reserved online at www.recreation.gov. Permit issuance is based on quotas for entry trailheads by date. The quota season runs from May 1 to November 1. During this period, 60% of the quota is available six months in advance, and 40% is added two weeks prior to the entry date. Permits must be printed at home up to 7 days before the trip and carried by the designated leader. Permits are valid for one continuous wilderness trip and must be issued by the agency where the trip begins. Specific Mt. Whitney Zone permits exist for various entry and exit points.
Reservations: Reservations for wilderness permits are made online at www.recreation.gov. During the quota season (May 1 to November 1), 60% of permits become available 6 months in advance, and 40% are released 2 weeks prior to the entry date. If quota space remains, reservations can be made up to the day of the trip. Canceled quota space returns to the reservation calendar within 24 hours.
Official source: Inyo National Forest | Wilderness Permits · Verified August 22, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- High altitude exposure
- Wilderness travel
- Extreme weather changes
- Snow and ice on trail segments
- Remote backcountry conditions
- Solid human waste management (required on Mt. Whitney)
What to pack for Yosemite High Sierra
- Printed wilderness permit
- Pack-out kits for solid human waste (required on Mt. Whitney)
Yosemite High Sierra FAQ
- Are wilderness permits required for the John Muir Trail?
- Yes, wilderness permits are required for all overnight use within the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, and Golden Trout Wildernesses. Permits are also required for both day and overnight use in the Mt. Whitney Zone.
- How do I reserve a wilderness permit for the JMT?
- All wilderness permits are reserved online at www.recreation.gov. Search for 'Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits' to explore available options. Quotas apply based on entry trailhead and date.
- When can I reserve a permit?
- During the quota season (May 1 to November 1), 60% of permits become available 6 months in advance of the entry date, and 40% are released 2 weeks prior to the entry date. Reservations can be made up to the day of the trip if space is available.
- What happens if I cancel my permit?
- When a permit is cancelled, the quota space is returned to the reservation calendar within 24 hours.
- What should I know about Mt. Whitney permits?
- Permit requirements for Mt. Whitney depend on the type of trip and start location. Specific permits exist for day use, overnight on the Mt. Whitney Trail, and trips exiting via the Mt. Whitney (Trail Crest) to Whitney Portal. Pack-out kits for solid human waste are required for all Mt. Whitney visitors.
- What regulations apply while on the trail?
- Your wilderness permit is an agreement to abide by all wilderness regulations. You must follow the rules for each area you pass through, including group size limits, food storage, pet policies, and campfire regulations.