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John Muir Wilderness

Discover

John Muir Wilderness

Things to Do in John Muir Wilderness

John Muir Wilderness is a protected wilderness area spanning approximately 90 to 100 miles along the crest of California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Encompassing over 650,000 acres, this region is characterized by dramatic glaciated landscapes, towering peaks, and an extensive network of trails. The terrain features deep canyons, numerous high-altitude lakes, and diverse forest ecosystems, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, jogging, and more.

Things to Do in John Muir Wilderness

Exploring the John Muir Wilderness offers a range…

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Phone number

153

Routes

4.6

(99)

Average rating

2357

People visited

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Hiking in John Muir WildernessSee all
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4.3

(4)

33

hikers

McCleod Lake Trail

2.95km

00:53

100m

90m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy
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31

hikers

10.0km

02:46

50m

400m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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18

hikers

13.3km

04:30

1,080m

40m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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9

hikers

2.25km

00:36

20m

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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4.0

(1)

17

riders

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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16

riders

24.8km

02:34

600m

600m

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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3

riders

11.9km

00:42

130m

130m

Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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26

riders

42.1km

03:02

1,600m

1,590m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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7

riders

Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Moderate
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5

riders

34.0km

02:44

1,180m

1,180m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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5

riders

35.3km

02:21

1,000m

1,000m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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24

runners

12.1km

01:45

520m

520m

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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17

runners

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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13

runners

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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5

runners

9.61km

01:25

430m

430m

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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3

riders

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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2

riders

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

Hard
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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2

riders

10.4km

00:51

310m

310m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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17.9km

01:41

50m

50m

Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Top attractions in the region

Smithsonian Institution Shelter

Mountain Hut

Explore the region

Hiking in John Muir Wilderness

Most popular attractions in John Muir Wilderness

Places to see

Collections

John Muir Trail – Along the legendary trail through the magical Sierra Nevada

Hiking Collection by

Caro "Bandit"

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Round Valley

Frequently asked questions

What is the John Muir Wilderness?

The John Muir Wilderness is a protected area spanning approximately 90 to 100 miles along the crest of California's Sierra Nevada mountains. It encompasses over 650,000 acres, featuring dramatic glaciated landscapes, towering peaks, and extensive trail systems.

What outdoor activities are permitted in John Muir Wilderness?

The John Muir Wilderness is a premier location for hiking and jogging, offering over 590 miles of maintained trails. Wheeled vehicles, including mountain bikes and road bikes, are prohibited within the designated wilderness area. For hiking routes, refer to Hiking in John Muir Wilderness.

Are permits required for overnight trips in John Muir Wilderness?

Yes, overnight trips into the John Muir Wilderness require a permit. The permit must be carried by the group leader. For specific questions regarding wilderness permits, the Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit office can be contacted.

What are some popular hiking trails in John Muir Wilderness?

Popular hiking trails include those leading to Big Pine Lakes, Duck Pass, and numerous alpine lakes. The wilderness also contains significant portions of the iconic John Muir Trail (JMT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Explore more options in Hiking in John Muir Wilderness.

Are there easy hiking options in John Muir Wilderness?

Yes, the John Muir Wilderness offers routes suitable for various fitness levels, including easy day hikes. These trails provide accessible ways to experience the wilderness. Find suitable routes in Easy hikes in John Muir Wilderness.

What natural features are prominent in John Muir Wilderness?

The wilderness is distinguished by its High Sierra scenery, including 57 peaks over 13,000 feet, such as Mount Whitney. It features extensive glacial formations, deep canyons, and 957 lakes, with approximately 100 lakes in the Bishop Creek drainage alone.

Can I go mountain biking or road cycling in John Muir Wilderness?

No, wheeled vehicles and motorized equipment, including mountain bikes and road bikes, are prohibited within the designated John Muir Wilderness area. This regulation helps preserve the pristine natural environment.

How popular is John Muir Wilderness on komoot?

John Muir Wilderness features 42 routes on komoot, with more than 8,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The routes have an average rating of 4.56 out of 5 stars.

Are there guides available for running trails in John Muir Wilderness?

Yes, komoot offers guides specifically for running trails in the area. These guides detail diverse routes suitable for trail running. Consult Running Trails in John Muir Wilderness for more information.

Where can I find information about waterfall hikes in John Muir Wilderness?

Information regarding waterfall hikes in the John Muir Wilderness is available through komoot guides. These resources can help locate trails that feature waterfalls. Explore options in Waterfall hikes in John Muir Wilderness.

What is the official website for John Muir Wilderness information?

Official information for the John Muir Wilderness is provided by the U.S. Forest Service through the Inyo National Forest's dedicated page. The official website is fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/wilderness/johnmuir.

What is the contact number for the Inyo National Forest regarding John Muir Wilderness?

For general inquiries about the John Muir Wilderness, the Inyo National Forest Supervisor's Office can be reached at 760-873-2400. For wilderness permit-specific questions, call 760-873-2526.

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