John Muir Trail: Reds Meadow to Yosemite

Trip Type:  Shuttle - 5 Day/4 Nights.  Add a night and spend time in Lyell Canyon or at Thousand Island Lakes or reduce to 4 days for thru-hiking.

Total Trip Mileage  54 miles

Altitude Gain: 10,000' gross

Trail Difficulty: Moderate, well marked (JMT) trail

Season:  Mid Season 

Trail Traffic: This is a high traffic area

WSH Trip Rating: 5 out of 5 stars:  This trail takes the hiker through some of the most stunning Sierra views on the JMT.

Reds Meadow to Garnet (12.1 miles):  For those looking to complete this trip in 5 days you day 1 goal should be to get to Garnet Lake, just over 12 miles and 2200' of gain.  Stopping short of Garnet, say at the Shadow Creek junction, means you'll have a tougher day 2 since the goal on day 2 will be getting into Lyell Canyon and over Donahue Pass.  Much of the elevation gain on day 1 will be in the first 5.5 miles however once past Rosalie Lake you'll encounter a nearly 1000' drop to Shadow Lake which means a 1200' climb to Garnet. Camping at Garnet can be found along the north shore. DO NOT CAMP along the South Eastern shoreline.  This is too close to the lake, in a meadow, and is part of the "no camping zone". People camp here. You should not.

Garnet Lake to South End of Lyell Canyon (9.5 miles):  Day 2 the goal is a small lake at the north end of the Lyell Canyon. The day starts with a short climb out from Garnet, passing two beautiful mountain lakes (Ruby Lake and Emerald Lake) and then of course Thousand Island Lake with Mount Banner in the background. This is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Sierra. From here you have a short climb over Island Pass and down to the Rush Creek trail junction (great place for lunch). Finally, from here you have a 1000' climb to Donahue Pass (11,000') through some of the most "epically" beautiful high mountain landscape to be had. There is ample water along the way. Drop down from the pass and find camping at the small lake (elev. 10.480;) at the south end of the canyon.  Views of Lyell and the Lyell glacier will mesmerize you in the evening and the morning. One note: this location has an early sunset and late sunrise.

South End of Lyell to Tuolumne Meadows (12 miles):  Day 3 brings one of the most amazing strolls in the Sierra. After an early decent from the lake to the canyon 1500', you're greeted with the amazing Lyell Canyon. Expansive meadows, abundant wildlife, and granite slabs greet the hiker here.  Nearly level walking makes this an amazing stroll as you not only embrace nature but look forward to a stop at Tuolumne Grill for a fresh cooked burger. Note, when entering Tuolumne Meadows follow the signs to "Campground" and NOT "High Sierra Camp". Doing so will save you a couple of miles of walking. Find the Backpackers camp ($5/person), set up your camp and head out the campground and left (west) 200 yards) to Tuolumne Grill and Store for re-supplies..

Tuolumne Meadows to Sunrise High Sierra Camp (9 miles) The climb out of Tuolumne to Cathedral Pass isn't too challenging but mile 2 will get your attention.  It can get quite steep. Still, the climb, while challenging, is short and soon you'll be passing Cathedral Lake and again, passing through some amazing meadows. Views of Cathedral peak are simply amazing. One note, once you attain the high meadow just past Cathedral Lake you're not quite there yet. There's still a small buttress to the west before reaching the pass. Continue down the trail, passing through massive Sunrise Meadow which dogleg's right. At the end of the meadow you'll arrive at Sunrise High Sierra Camp. You can camp here or choose to hike another 3 miles to the trail crossing over Sunrise Creek (elev 8560'). This is a pounding 1200' drop so be prepared. Camping at Sunrise if far more beautiful but putting this additional 3 miles in allows the hiker to break up what is a nearly 6000' drop from Sunrise to Yosemite Valley.

Sunrise High Sierra Camp to Yosemite (13 miles)  The final day, whether from Sunrise or the Sunrise Creek Crossing, takes the hiker through terrain that just doesn't measure up to the prior 4 days. Steep hiking on dry and dusty trails, substantial burn areas, and an overgrown trail (WSH recommends you wear pants until this problem is addressed by trail crews). You do however get an amazing view of Half Dome from the east. Drop down another 4500' from the Sunrise Creek crossing passing the trail to Half Dome, Nevada, and Vernal Falls and into Yosemite Valley.  NOTE: The trail down Nevada and Vernal falls is STEEP with many many rock stairs and slippery rock. Care must be taken!

Trail Notes: As mentioned, this is a HIGH TRAFFIC trail. You were not be alone and finding camping at some locations can be a challenge. Also, once you hit the Half Dome trail junction the sheer volume of people, particularly, on weekends, will slow travel as you step aside to provide right of way to uphill hikers