JOHN MUIR WILDERNESS
INYO NATIONAL FOREST
The John Muir Wilderness encompasses more then one-half million
acres within the Sierra and
Inyo
National Forests is the largest wilderness in California. It
extends almost 100 miles along the crest of the prime Sierra Nevada
in Central California and is the most visited wilderness in the
state. Elevations range from 5,000 to 14,495 feet on
Mt.
Whitney. Deep canyons, meadow, snow-capped mountains and hundreds
if alpine streams and lakes characterize the John Muir Wilderness.
This wilderness was named after
John
Muir, who referred to the Sierra Nevada as "the most beautiful
of all the mountain chains".
TRAIL SUMMARY
TRAILHEAD ELEVATION - 5,000 ft at
HIGHEST ELEVATION - 14,495 at Mt. Whitney
TRAIL DIFFICULTY - Strenuous. Altitude sickness warnings.
SEASON - Prepare for thunderstorms, snow and dropping temperatures at night.
TRAILS
The John Muir Wilderness contains hundreds of miles of trails. Three
of the more well known are the Pacific Crest, John Muir and Mt.
Whitney trails.
The Pacific Crest
Trail (PCT) extends 2,620 miles from Canada to Mexico.
The
John Muir Trail (JMT) extends 212 miles from Mt. Whitney on
the south to Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley on the north. The JMT
and the PCT follow the same route in most places within John Muir
Wilderness and Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks. The 10.7-mile
Mt. Whitney Trail begins at
Whitney Portal, near Lone Pine, and leads to the highest peak in
the Lower 48 states.
TRAVEL METHODS: Wilderness travel is by foot or horseback ONLY. Wheelchairs may be used in wilderness, but all other mechanical travel, including bicycles, are prohibited. Winter offers an entirely different experience. Skis and snowshoes become the mode of transportation. Pets are not permitted in National Park wilderness and are under some restriction in National Forest wilderness.
Maximum group size is 15 people and 25 head of stock
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS:
Wilderness
visitor permits are required winter and summer, for entry into
the John Muir and adjoining
Sequoia/Kings
Canyon National Park, National Forest and National Parks wilderness
areas for overnight or longer trips. Permits are available at the
Forest or Park Service
Ranger Station
closest to the trailhead entry location. During heavy use periods
many popular trails are subject to a quota, where a set number of
people may enter the wilderness each day. Quotas are designed to protect
the resources and preserve the solitude of the visitor. If the daily
quota has been filled for the trailhead desired, options include picking
another available entrance point or starting on a different day.
Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit Reservations
Reservation Line - 760-873-2483
Wilderness Permit Office FAX - 760-873-2484
Wilderness Information - 760-873-2485
LEAVE NO TRACE: The John Muir Wilderness is a heavily visited area. Over the years thousands of people have enjoyed, and in some instances, damaged the resources. By practicing these techniques, you will make it hard for others to know you were there.
Summer days can be warm at lower elevations; temperatures at higher elevations will be much cooler. Nighttime temperatures often drop to freezing or below even in summer. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common. Snow can occur anytime of the year, especially in late spring and early fall. Raingear, good boots, and warm clothes are essential. Sunglasses, sunscreen (factor of 10 or more), a hat or visor and mosquito repellent are advisable.
STREAM CROSSINGS: Stream flows can be high and swift during snowmelt runoff periods and during periods of heavy rain. Do not underestimate the power of rushing water. When fording a stream unbuckle your pack waist strap, and use a long stick for stability. Local Ranger Stations will have information on current conditions and hazardous crossings
FIREARMS AND HUNTING: Hunting is permitted in the wilderness in accordance with State game laws. A hunting license is required. Target shooting is prohibited. Hunting and firearms are NOT allowed in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park.
CALIFORNIA BIGHORN SHEEP: The California Bighorn Sheep Zoological Area is located within the John Muir Wilderness, was established by the Inyo National Forest to minimize human disturbance in key sheep areas.
SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS apply to entry into the Zoological Area. Please contact the Mt. Whitney Ranger Station concerning these restrictions including no pets.
SAFETY TIPS
The backcountry is beautiful,
but remember, it is also primitive and you will be on your own!
Before going, check with the local Ranger Station for the latest
weather conditions and possible hazards, such as swollen creeks
and snow. Be certain to take clothing that will prepare you for
possible weather changes. Sudden shifts in weather are one of the
backcountry's greatest dangers.
MAPS FOR YOUR TRIP
You will want detailed maps for your trip. The Inyo National Forest
Recreation map and the John Muir Wilderness topographical map are
available.
FOR WESTSIDE ENTRY - SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST
You should plan to mail your reservation application at least three weeks prior to
your trip to ensure it has time to arrive and be processed. You will receive a
confirmation of your reservation in the mail. Included with the confirmation will be the instructions on how to redeem your confirmation card for a Wilderness
Permit. Reservations may also be made in person at the office listed
below. Phone, FAX or e-mail reservations are not available at this time.
WEST SIDE ENTRY
Trail Heads North of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River:
Sierra National Forest
Minarets Ranger District PO Box 10
57003 Road 225 North Fork, CA 93643
559-877 2218
Trail Heads South of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River:
Pineridge Ranger District
PO Box 559 Prather, CA 93651
559-855 5360
EAST SIDE ENTRY
East side entry south of Big Pine:
Inyo National Forest
Mt. Whitney Ranger Station
P.O. Box 8
Lone Pine, CA 93545
760-876 6200
East side entry McGee Creek south to Big Pine:
Inyo National Forest
White Mountain Ranger Station
798 N. Main St. Bishop, CA 93514
760-873-2500
East side entry north of McGee Creek to Mammoth:
Inyo National Forest
Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center & Ranger Station
P.O. Box 148 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
760-924-5500