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The John Muir Trail is a world-famous trail stretching from majestic Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the highest point in the continental United States. Along the way, the trail passes through some of most breathtaking scenery in the high Sierra.
The Pacific Crest Trail stretches from the Mexican to Canadian borders along the mountainous crest of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada.
Wilderness Permits
John Muir Trail
If you plan to hike the John Muir Trail as a continuous hike, you only need one wilderness permit for the entire trip (you do not need a "Whitney stamp"). Most people begin the hike at Happy Isles (its traditional start in Yosemite Valley), however many people begin at Lyell Canyon (Tuolumne Meadows) because permits for this trailhead are easier to obtain. There is no special JMT permit.
Pacific Crest Trail
A valid permit issued by the Pacific Crest Trail Association is sufficient for overnight Wilderness camping in Yosemite. No additional permits are required while hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail. However, if you plan to hike elsewhere in Yosemite (off of the Pacific Crest Trail) and camp overnight, you will need to get a separate wilderness permit.
Parking
Long term parking for the length of your trip is available in Yosemite for no additional fee. No reservations are necessary. Parking is available both in Yosemite Valley and in Tuolumne Meadows. Food lockers are available at all trailhead parking areas as well.
Transportation
There is no public transportation available between Whitney Portal and Yosemite, the southern and northern terminuses of the John Muir Trail. However, CREST provides bus service from Lone Pine (the nearest town to Mount Whitney) to Mammoth Lakes. The YARTS Highway 120 East bus provides service from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite Valley.
Food Storage and Bear Canisters
Approved bear canisters are required throughout Yosemite National Park. Hanging food is not permitted anywhere in Yosemite. There are no exceptions for Pacific Crest Trail through-hikers. Food lockers are available at Little Yosemite Valley, High Sierra Camps, and Tuolumne Meadows Backpackers' Campground, but not elsewhere. (Read more about food storage.)
You can rent a bear canister for the duration of your hike at any wilderness permit station.
Food Caches
Ranger stations do not accept food packages.
Post offices in Yosemite Valley (all year) and Tuolumne Meadows (approximately mid-June through mid-September) accept food packages mailed care of General Delivery. Mark packages with "hold for hiker until [date]." Packages not so marked will be held for 15 days. Packages containing food should be marked so that postal employees will store it properly. Please do not send perishables. Private delivery companies (e.g., UPS, FedEx) do not deliver to general delivery addresses.
To address a general delivery package, include the name of the recipient, c/o General Delivery, Yosemite, CA 95389 (for Yosemite Valley) or Tuolumne Meadows, CA 95389 (for Tuolumne Meadows).
You can purchase food and camping supplies in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows.
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