Backpacking the John Muir Trail 5-6 Days: Mammoth to Yosemite Trek

John Muir Trail Backpacking Trip - Mammoth to Yosemite Trek

A stretch along one of the most famous trails in the world, this section of the John Muir trail starts in Mammoth Lakes (Red's Meadow) and ends in Yosemite Valley. This once-in-a-lifetime journey takes you through ample water sources, stream crossings, alpine lakes, meadows, and mountains! Thousand Island Lake Pass offers wonderful scenery, as well as expansive views from Donohue Pass before continuing on to Tuolumne Meadows. We will get a re-supply in TM, and continue on to the descent into Yosemite Valley, ending on the Mist Trail with up-close encounters of the world-famous Vernal and Nevada Falls! The last leg showcases about 4-5 alpine lakes and a trip through the old-growth forest, all absolutely stunning. A paradise for nature lovers.

Duration & Additional Info

• 5 or 6-Day Option
• 56mi
• +9,000ft, -12,000ft
• Time: 8:00 AM

Difficulty Rating & Description

DIFFICULTY RATING (1-5)

4

This trek follows well-maintained trails and has a moderate to challenging hiking distance of 8-12 miles per day, depending on the length of trip chosen. There will be days of higher elevation gain than others and rocky sections of the trail with bigger step-ups and step-downs. Due to the length and elevation gain of this trek, it is considered a challenging Level 4 hike. Weight carried will be between 35-40lbs. A resupply drop-off is available for an additional charge to make this more manageable!

What's Included

• Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad, multi-day backpack, headlamps, utensils, and poles.
• High-quality, synthetic sleeping bag (Laundered after every use- $15 cleaning fee) – or bring your own!
• Breakfast, lunch, and 4-course dinner prepared by your guide while in the field.
• Professional local mountain guide certified as Wilderness First Responder, Food Handling & Leave No Trace Principles with years of professional and personal wilderness experience and a passion for leading others.
• Wilderness and National Park backcountry camping permits.
• Bear canisters for food storage.
• Water Filtration systems- all water is filtered by your guide!
• Emergency equipment including an extensive first-aid kit and satellite communication device (InReach Explorer).
• For Yosemite National Park Treks: Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite.
• A discount of 10% off any TrekSierra trip after your first!

Fitness Requirements

Previous backpacking experience is required. The ability to carry an overnight backpack for up to 12 miles a day with 2000-3000 feet of elevation gain for multiple days in a row (based on 5-day trek). Very good to excellent physical condition required.

Trip Highlights

• Ritter Range
• Island Pass
• Donohue Pass
• Lyell Canyon
• Tuolumne Meadows (Resupply)
• Cathedral Lakes
• Sunrise HS Camp
• Little Yosemite Valley
• Nevada Falls
• Vernal Falls
• Yosemite Village

Cancellation Policy

Due to the high costs of outfitter/guide and government permits, all deposits are non-refundable. We will attempt to reschedule you with a $100 per person change of date fee. In the unlikely event that TrekSierra must cancel a program, you may reschedule for no fee or have your deposit refunded. No refunds will be made due to weather or route conditions. TrekSierra is not responsible for additional expenses incurred in preparing for a trip, including but not limited to: non-refundable airline tickets, equipment purchases, medical expenses, and hotel reservations. TrekSierra strongly encourages participants to obtain trip cancellation insurance. Coverage should include trip cancellation, baggage loss, non-refundable airline tickets, accident/life coverage, and travel days. TrekSierra also encourages participants to purchase medical, disability, life, and rescue insurance. TrekSierra does not provide any such insurance coverage and participants acknowledge it is their own responsibility to acquire insurance for themselves. All fees are due 30 days prior to the departure date. Full refunds less a $250.00 registration fee are available more than 30 days prior. 50% refunds are given within 20-30 days of departure. No refunds are given within 20 days of the departure date. All refund requests must be received in writing/email. Late payments may result in the cancellation of a reservation with no refund given. No refunds will be given if any participants cannot complete the trip or end the trip early.

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