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The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes in North America. The route starts at Cottonwood Lakes, makes its way up to the high point of the lower forty‐eight states, Mount Whitney (4418m), and continues some two hundred miles to Tuolumne in Yosemite National Park. We will need to carry everything for the trip, so carrying a full pack of around 20kg is usual. Food stocks are re‐supplied at a number of stages making our packs lighter, but packing carefully is essential. We’ll hike 10‐24 km per day and we can expect the unexpected, so solid multi‐day backpacking experience is essential. Along the way the trail climbs over 4000m passes, wanders beneath high alpine peaks and traverses beautiful meadows and forested river valleys.
Over the course of the trip, we will have gained over 12,000m in ascents (averaging about 600m per day). The spectacular scenery is combined with the generally clement weather of California and warm (sometimes very hot) summer temperatures. This is truly a trip of a lifetime to be remembered for years to come. We realize that not everyone has 23 days to spare and so we also have options to complete the trail in segments over consecutive summers, please ask us for details.
*NOTE: Due to the recent popularity of the trail, permit restrictions have increased. In order to successfully secure permits and offer an exceptional experience, we are operating the trip in a northbound direction. To properly acclimatize, the trip is 1‐2 days longer than it would be if operating southbound.
Non-exclusive trips:
On selected departures, this trip is not exclusive to Rogue Adventures, and you will be joining a group of 2 – 8 adventurers from around the world.
Day 1 JOIN COTTONWOOD
Day 2-4 COMMENCE JOHN MUIR TRAIL AT COTTONWOOD; HIKE TO CRABTREE MEADOW.
Day 5 SUMMIT MOUNT WHITNEY
Day 6-8 HIKE TO RAE LAKES VIA FORESTER PASS AND GLEN PASS
Day 9-13 RAE LAKES TO BIG PETE MEADOW
Day 14-16 HIKE TO MARIE LAKE FOR RESUPPLY
Day 17-20 HIKE TO JOHNSON MEADOW FOR RESUPPLY
Day 21-23 HIKE TO TUOLUMNE
23 breakfasts, 22 lunches and 22 dinners
Professional certified mountain guide(s) with wilderness first aid certification. Max 5 hikers to 1 guide.
Group equipment such as tents, food canisters, and water purification
Porter or mule supported supply drops during the trip
Contingency and emergency support, phone and radio
First aid kit
All necessary permits
Flights and Airport taxis
Sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and backpack
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, postage, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Pre or post trip accommodation, or additional accommodation due to weather delays
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Visas
Guide gratuities
Medical treatment and evacuation charges
This is a long trip and for many people may be the longest backcountry trip they have ever done. Because of the length there is always the potential for things to go wrong and the unexpected to occur. Your guide will be trained in wilderness first aid and will carry a radio or cell phone for emergency communications. We are allowing differing lengths of time for the segments. We will have four food drops so that the packs are not too heavy for each segment, and if doing only part of the trip you will go in or out with the food drop. You can expect to cover eight to twelve miles (approx 13‐20 kms) and average over 600m in elevation gain a day. You need to be in good shape for the trip. This does not mean being a super fit marathoner, but you should be an experienced backpacker.
The days will be long and steady. The most important thing is endurance and the ability to deal with whatever happens. Please read the supplied equipment list carefully. The weight that you carry in the backpack will be the most single important factor in how much you enjoy the trip ‐ the less the better! The tentative itinerary is as follows, but remember that weather, conditions and issues such as minor injury or desire for a rest day may well vary this outline. So be flexible and adapt to the inevitable changes that will occur during a trip of this duration. It’s just as possible the trip will finish before the allotted number of days. Numbered days refer to significant logistical events (eg. food re‐supply) during the trip. Due to the difficulties of trying to map out every day of a long journey such as this other days have been omitted from this itinerary.
The United States is a vast country. However, most of the National Parks are located in the Western part of the country, reducing the area of interest to the walker significantly. The West (anything west of the Rocky Mountains) consists of 10 large states. Two mountain ranges cut the area from north to south along the lines of plate tectonics. While the Pacific Northwest has active cone shaped volcanoes, the rest of the area does not. Here we only see the remnants of ancient volcanic activities – in lava flows, hot springs, volcanic fissures and calderas.
We do this trip from July to September to get what we consider to be the best conditions. Most biting insects and bugs should be gone. Days, while getting shorter should be warm with day temperatures in the 15C (60F) region and nights dipping to about zero degrees centigrade (32F) rarely and only at the higher elevation. There may be small snow patches on the highest passes, but not enough to warrant ice axe and crampon use. Stream flows will be well below peak flow and most should be easy to cross. There is the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms that may be heavy for a short time. You will be in the high mountains so there is always the chance of snow, but prolonged storms are not common at this time of year.
Western USA is as far south as southern Europe, experiencing strong sunshine. Make sure you protect yourself against the strong sun. At altitude, and in spring and autumn, morning temperatures are often brisk or cold, warming up fast after the strong sun rises. Therefore we recommend a layering system for clothing, so you can adapt to the temperature changes without problems. *Note ‐ With the changing climate, there is a possibility of much hotter daytime temperatures, even on the high passes. Be prepared for temperatures upwards of 30C (86F). September is a transitional season. It tends to get cooler and there is more potential for snow.
Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‐free or allergen‐free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travelers with life‐threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‐administering these medications.
We highly recommend that our hikers stay in Mammoth Lakes before the trip commences as it is situated at 8000ft altitude, and therefore offers a bit more acclimatisation than Bishop at 4000ft. There are many trails to hike around the very picturesque Mammoth Lakes, and so arriving a couple of days early is beneficial to your acclimatisation.
At the end of your hike, a transfer back to Bishop/Mammoth Lakes is included. Most people book a nights accommodation in Bishop at the conclusion of the hike. Airport transfers are not included. There is a wide variety of accommodation available in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, ranging from backpacker lodges to five star hotels. If you are making your own pre‐tour hotel arrangements please advise us your accommodation so that we can arrange your pick up (Bishop and Mammoth Lakes only).
Participants are expected to carry their own personal belongings including sleeping bag, sleeping mat, fly sheet or tent, food, water, as well as a change of clothes etc. This should total around 15 to 20 kgs and be carried in a backpack of 70 to 75 litres. Resupplies will be picked up every four to six days in order to reduce weight. One of the resupplies needs to be mailed in, and orders for snacks, etc. will need to be made at least one month prior to departure. Additional information will be provided upon booking.
Specialist gear required include sturdy hiking boots and 70‐75L backpack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre‐departure information provided on booking).
During the course of your trip, we will use a variety of vehicles, all of which are fit for purpose and the conditions encountered. It should be noted that laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and on occasion some vehicles may not have seat belts fitted. While game viewing within a national park could be one example, public bus transfers or specialised transport such as ‘tuk‐tuk’s’ could be another. Where seat belts are not provided we strongly recommend that you hold tight to a fixed part of the vehicle at all times.
Many travellers to the USA (including those from Australia, New Zealand & the UK) must have a pre arranged travel entry authorisation in place. This is obtained electronically for passport holders from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. The authorization must be in place prior to arrival to the USA and can be obtained at the following website ‐
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Please consult your Rogue Adventures reservation consultant if you have any questions regarding your eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program. All other nationalities should check with your nearest embassy or consulate.
All travelers will require a valid passport to enter the United States and your passport should still be valid for 6 months after you return from your trip. If you are travelling on more than one passport, please use the same passport for the entire trip. The following information also applies to visitors entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (including Australians, New Zealanders, and British):
From 1 April 2016, all travellers wishing to enter the US under the VWP will need to hold a passport with the following criteria:
If your passport was issued before October 26, 2005, it must be ‘machine readable’ (with 2 lines of letters, numbers and <<< at the bottom)
If your passport was issued between October 26, 2005 and October 25, 2006, it must be machine readable and include a digital photo
If your passport was issued on or after October 26, 2006, it must be an e‐passport with a digital photo and an integrated chip (with this internationally recognised symbol on the front cover).
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct passport and that there are sufficient blank pages for any visas required and for entry/departure stamps.
Many travellers to the United States (including Australians, New Zealanders and British) entering the country require a prearranged, approved Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). This is obtained electronically for passport holders from countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. The authorization must be in hand upon entry to the USA and can be obtained at the following official website https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov for a fee of US$14, payable by credit or debit card. It is very important to make payments through the official website. Visa Waiver travellers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States.
From 21 January 2016 most people who have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria since March 2011, or are dual nationals of these countries, will no longer qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program and existing ESTAs could be revoked. You will instead need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Certain exemptions apply on a case‐by‐case basis. Bottom line: If in doubt, please contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
Please consult your reservation consultant/travel agent if you have any questions regarding your eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
All other passport holders should check with the relevant consul.
Please bear in mind that visas may be required for countries you are visiting en route or transiting through on the way to your destination. It is important that you check the requirements of all countries you will visit. Visa costs and requirements do change regularly so we suggest you check with your travel agent or Rogue Adventures reservations consultant. It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary visas.
Please note that this trip is not exclusive to Rogue Adventures clients and is operated by our partners in the United States of America. Groups are pleasantly informal, usually comprised of a wide range of nationalities (groups may be made up of a combination of people speaking various languages) and are aimed at healthy, active participants looking for an adventurous holiday.
