Is the John Muir trail well marked?

The JMT is well marked and heavily traveled making it easy to follow. During peak season, you will encounter people going both directions on the trail, so your chances of getting lost are small.

Can you carry a gun on the John Muir Trail?

Discharge of any firearm or weapon is prohibited. Possession of weapons, including bear spray, is prohibited. Possession of firearms is subject to state regulations. In all wilderness areas along the JMT, proper food storage is mandatory.

Is the JMT part of the PCT?

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. Whitney. For approximately 170 miles, the JMT travels the Pacific Crest Trail.

How do I get a JMT permit?

You’ll need a wilderness permit for the JMT Read the JMT permit page on Yosemite’s website. If you hope to reserve a permit, you should apply exactly 168 days in advance. See which trailheads are full. The official northern terminus of the JMT is at the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite Valley.

Do you have to pack out toilet paper on the JMT?

Pack out all trash, including toilet paper. Wheeled vehicles or motorized equipment are prohibited in wilderness.

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.

Do you need a permit to hike the John Muir Trail?

No matter where you start your hike, anyone who is hiking along the John Muir Trail is required to carry a wilderness permit. You only need one permit for the entire trip and how you obtain your permit depends on which trailhead you will use to access the John Muir Trail.

Does JMT and PCT overlap?

The John Muir Trail covers 210.4 miles, from Happy Isles, in Yosemite Valley (elevation 4,000 ft.), to Mount Whitney (elevation 14,505 ft), and overlaps with the PCT for approximately 160 miles. The JMT was completed in 1938, though construction started in 1915 (and scouting began in the late 1800s).

How do I get a JMT permit Nobo?

How to Get Permits for the John Muir Trail

1. Choose your route.
2. Northbound (NOBO)
3. Southbound (SOBO)
4. Choose your starting trail head and first night’s campsite.
5. If hiking southbound.
6. If hiking northbound.
7. Estimate how long it will take.
8. Choose your start date.

Where do you get a permit for the JMT?

If you’re hiking the JMT starting at the southern terminus, you’ll need a permit from Inyo National Forest. Whitney Portal permits for the JMT can be reserved via recreation.gov. These permits are in extremely high demand and are issued using a lottery system.

Where does the JMT start in Yosemite?

The official northern terminus of the JMT is at the Happy Isles trailhead in Yosemite Valley. If you’re hiking the JMT starting at the southern terminus, you’ll need a permit from Inyo National Forest. Whitney Portal permits for the JMT can be reserved via recreation.gov.

This is only for John Muir Trail Hikers (exiting Yosemite over Donohue Pass). Over the last several years, Yosemite National Park has noted a significant increase in demand for permits to hike the John Muir Trail (JMT). From 2011 to 2015, there has been a 100% increase in JMT permits requested.

Where do JMT hikers start their trip at?

Traditionally, JMT hikers have started their trips at either the Happy Isles or Lyell Canyon trailheads. The overwhelming demand for JMT permits has led to hikers starting their trips at other trailheads.