John Muir Trail
Yosemite to Whitney, 211 miles through the high Sierra.
The route
The John Muir Trail runs 211 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, through the highest, best stretch of the Sierra. It's the PCT's best section, done as its own walk.
At a glance
length 211 mi (340 km) permit required, quota'd — plan early passes 6 over 11,000 ft finish Whitney, 14,505 ft
Why hikers love it
It's short enough to finish in three weeks and hard enough to feel like a real expedition. Granite, lakes, and the roof of the lower 48.