John Muir Trail — Yosemite Entry
The legendary 211-mile trail from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney. Multiple Donohue Pass-eligible trailheads offer different entry strategies.
“Walk 211 miles through the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada, where John Muir found his cathedral.”
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JMT Yosemite Quick Facts
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Booking Method
- Lottery
- Demand Level
- Extremely High
- Cost
- $15 + $5/person/night
- Lottery Odds
- ~8%
- Season
- July 1 to September 30
- Max Group Size
- 15 people
The Experience
Why It Matters
The John Muir Trail is widely considered the finest long-distance hiking trail in the United States. It crosses six mountain passes above 11,000 feet, traverses Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, and ends at the highest peak in the lower 48. Over 20,000 people apply for about 1,500 Yosemite entry permits each year. The trail exists because John Muir fought to protect this land, and hiking it connects you to that legacy.
The Route
Starting from Yosemite Valley, you climb immediately. Nevada Fall, then Half Dome's backside, then the long traverse to Tuolumne. By day three you're at Donohue Pass, leaving Yosemite behind. The next 180 miles are pure Sierra high country.
The middle section passes through Ansel Adams Wilderness, Devils Postpile, and the spectacular Evolution Basin. Each day brings a new pass, a new lake, a new reason to keep going. The trail ends with a 6,000-foot climb to Whitney's summit, where you touch the highest point in the contiguous US.
Key Landmarks
Donohue Pass
Gateway out of Yosemite. First major pass at 11,056 ft.
Thousand Island Lake
Iconic lake with Banner Peak backdrop.
Evolution Basin
Above treeline for days. Peak Sierra scenery.
Muir Pass
Stone shelter at 11,955 ft. Named for the man himself.
Forester Pass
Highest point on the trail at 13,153 ft.
Mt. Whitney Summit
14,505 ft. The finish line.
The Feeling
By day five, you've found your rhythm. Wake with the sun. Walk. Eat. Sleep. The granite world surrounds you. Towns and roads feel like another life. When you finally stand on Whitney's summit, you'll understand why this trail has a waiting list.
Key Dates
Permit Details
Pro Tips
- •Apply for shoulder season dates
- •Consider Glacier Point trailhead as alternate
- •Have backup plans with Lyell Canyon
- •All three Donohue-eligible starts connect to the JMT
When to Go
Conditions
Snow-free by mid-July most years. Afternoon thunderstorms common. Mosquitoes heavy through July.
Crowd Level
HighAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Most reliable conditions
- +All passes open
Challenges
- !Mosquitoes
- !Crowded resupply points
- !Afternoon storms
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced backpackers ready for 2-3 weeks of continuous hiking at altitude.
Recommended Experience
Multiple multi-day trips, ideally some at elevation. Know your gear and body.
Not Recommended For
First-time backpackers. Those uncomfortable with 10,000+ ft elevations.
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
Apply during the lottery window
Submit your application between February 15 and March 15. Apply for multiple dates to increase your odds.
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
Set up PermitSnag alerts
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
JMT Yosemite FAQ
How do I get a JMT Yosemite?
JMT Yosemite is obtained through a lottery system. The lottery typically opens February 15. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to get a JMT Yosemite?
The season typically runs July 1 to September 30. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the JMT Yosemite?
This permit has a demand score of 10/10, making it extremely competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What happens if I can't get a JMT Yosemite?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from Thousand Island Lake with Banner Peak reflection.
Best Light
Morning light in Evolution Basin. Afternoon storms make midday best for passes.
Beat the Crowds
Start NOBO (northbound) from Whitney for opposite traffic pattern.
Classic Shots
- 📍Banner Peak from Thousand Island Lake
- 📍Muir Pass stone hut
- 📍Whitney summit selfie
- 📍Evolution Lake reflections
Can't Get a JMT Yosemite Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Lyell Canyon Start
Same AreaStart from Tuolumne Meadows instead of the Valley. Same JMT experience, better permit odds.
Tradeoffs
Skip the Valley section but still complete the iconic 211 miles.
Southbound from Whitney
Similar ExperienceStart at Whitney Portal and hike north. Different permit system, often easier.
Tradeoffs
Harder start (6,000 ft gain on day one), but ends at Yosemite.
Other Yosemite Permits
Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list
Half Dome
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May Lake
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Porcupine Creek
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Ten Lakes
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Don't miss your chance at JMT Yosemite
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