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#1 on this list
John Muir Trail
California, USA
340 km through the High Sierra. Permit-heavy, unmatched alpine scenery.
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#2 on this list
Pacific Crest Trail (section or thru)
USA
4,265 km from Mexico to Canada. Section hikes in Washington and the Sierra are the best introductions.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | John Muir Trail | Pacific Crest Trail (section or thru) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | High Sierra, California, USA | — |
| Length | 211 miles (340 km) | — |
| Start | Happy Isles, Yosemite Valley | — |
| End | Mount Whitney Summit | — |
| Elevation Gain | Approximately 47,000 ft (14,300 m) | — |
| Permits | Required for all overnight stays | — |
| Best Season | July to September | — |
| Total Length | — | 4,265 km (2,650 miles) |
| Termini | — | Mexico border (CA) to Canada border (BC) |
| Highest Point | — | Forester Pass (4,009 m / 13,153 ft) |
| Designation | — | National Scenic Trail |
| Primary Terrain | — | Desert, high alpine, temperate rainforest |
| Key Wildlife | — | Deer, bear, marmot, pika, numerous bird species |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
John Muir Trail
- Uninterrupted high-alpine scenery for 211 miles
- World-class wilderness experience
- Well-maintained trail infrastructure
- Opportunity for profound personal challenge and growth
- Abundant natural water sources (seasonal)
- Extremely difficult to obtain permits
- Can be crowded in peak season
- Significant elevation gain and exposure to elements
- Requires extensive planning and logistical coordination
- Potential for dangerous river crossings and unpredictable weather
Pacific Crest Trail (section or thru)
- Unparalleled diversity of ecosystems and landscapes
- Deep immersion in remote wilderness and solitude
- Challenging yet rewarding physical and mental journey
- Well-maintained trail infrastructure in many sections
- Strong sense of community among thru- and section-hikers
- Demanding physical and mental exertion
- Significant logistical planning for permits, water, and resupply
- Exposure to extreme weather and environmental hazards
- Popular sections can experience crowding
- Access to remote trailheads can be challenging
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