Hiking the John Muir Trail: What to Know Before You Go

Few trails in the United States capture the imagination like the John Muir Trail. Stretching over 200 miles through California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the JMT is a bucket-list adventure for hikers and backpackers around the world.

From Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the trail passes through some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in North America — granite peaks, glacier-carved valleys, alpine lakes, and endless pine forests.

Whether you’re planning a thru-hike or just dreaming about one, here’s what you need to know.

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