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John Muir Trail to Yosemite Valley

Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 17/100 · Easypoint to point#john-muir-trail#thru-hike#point-to-point#yosemite
Distance
22 mi
Total gain
1,750 ft
Net gain
1,750 ft
Net loss
1,750 ft
Elevation
4,009–8,606 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

The John Muir Trail's grand finale runs 22 miles from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley, descending past Cathedral Peak, the Sunrise country, and the Merced's waterfalls into the Valley. A two-to-three-day thru-hike with the Sierra's most famous scenery as the reward.

Highlights

  • Cathedral Peak and the Cathedral Lakes early on
  • Sunrise Creek's meadows below Half Dome's back side
  • Vernal and Nevada Falls at the dramatic finish
  • Mostly downhill — the JMT at its most forgiving

How hard is John Muir Trail to Yosemite Valley?

CaliPeaks rates this route 17/100 (Easy). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 1,750 ft puts this trip at 15% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 22 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 8,606 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 3 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Cathedral Lakes Trailhead (Tioga Road) (8,606 ft) · parking: Cathedral Lakes pullout on Tioga Road; shuttle between ends recommended
  • Water: Cathedral Lakes, Sunrise Creek, the Merced River, and Illilouette Creek; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None between Tuolumne and the Valley.
  • Shuttle: Public shuttle may connect the two ends; otherwise arrange a car spot.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Cathedral Lakes entry applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out. The trip exits in Yosemite Valley, so plan logistics accordingly.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Campfires are allowed only in existing rings below 9,600 ft and may be restricted; much of the route is above the fire line. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Usually snow-free by early July.

Heat: The Valley end can be hot; the high country is cool.

Bugs: Mosquitoes near the lakes through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Point-to-point logistics: use the park shuttle or a car spot
  • Camps above the fire line are stove-only
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Trailhead and destination elevations sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Tuolumne Meadows Backpacking Trails — John Muir Trail to Yosemite Valley. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tuolumne-meadows-backpacking-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). 22-mile one-way route with 1,750 ft gain, generally descending from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley.
  3. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  4. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.