The John Muir Trail covers some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, from stunning, glacier-chiseled Yosemite, to the jagged spires of the Minarets, to the highest mountain peak in the contiguous USA. Hikers climb over numerous high mountain passes, pass ancient glaciers, cross fast-moving mountain streams while surrounded by giant peaks. Construction on the trail began in 1915 – a year after Muir’s death – and took 46 years to complete. Elevation gain: 46,700 ft.
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- The total JMT is 213 miles.
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- At Boeing Field in Seattle, ready with their 50 lb. backpacks.
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- I secretly packed some little messages for Mike to open. One each day, so he’d know I was thinking of him.
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- Captain Mike and copilot Adam arriving in sunny (and thankfully smoke-free) California.
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- Along the edge of one of many raging waterfalls.
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- The Muir Hut, built by the Sierra Nevada Club in 1930, dedicated to John Muir, is temporary shelter.
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- Mike BEFORE he lost his sunscreen gloves and badly sunburned his hands.
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- Mike and Bruce Ness cooling their heels.
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- On top of Mt. Whitney, at 14,505 ft., the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states.
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- This hike was HARD on the feet. Big elevation changes on rocky terrain.
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- Unbelievably stunning vistas.
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- Mike is an absolutely pro napper. Out in seconds.
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- Mike catching his breath – the trail is almost entirely above 8,000 ft.
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- They’re making this look easy, but it was a hell of a hike.
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