John Muir Trail in California

When one is looking for a trail that not only requires experience, but distances that challenge one's endurance, then California's John Muir Trail is a definite place to start. It runs hundreds of miles across the state from north to south, but it is not for the faint of heart. Changing weather conditions and varied territories can be the least of a hiker's concerns. However, for those who are up to it, the trail is very popular.

The John Muir Trail is a two hundred and eleven mile route that runs through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In fact, it is one of the most popular long-distance hikes done in the Pacific area of North America. Most hikers opt for summertime when warmer weather provides fewer hazards than the chill of winter. However, it is not without its serious challenges and mainly attracts large numbers of hikers who have the experience and skill to deal with some of its most difficult terrain.

The trail runs from the border of the Inyo National Forest and the Sequoia National Park to the northern Yosemite Valley. In fact, it covers part of the famed and very lengthy Pacific Crest Trail. Named after John Muir, a naturalist, it has become very popular with hikers across the Pacific region, as well as many from other parts of the world.

The trail was originally built in 1915, mainly thanks to funding assistance from California's state legislature. Completion came in the late 1930's when its famed 'Golden Staircase' was built, just north of the treacherous Mather Pass.

It begins its journey at the Yosemite Valley, running in a northeasterly direction towards Tuolumne Meadows. Then it passes close to the Half Dome, running almost parallel to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From there it continues southeast, heading through the Inyo, Sierra and Yosemite National forests. After that it progresses through the Devils Postpile National Monument, Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park. Its southern exit is only accessible via the summit hike around Mt. Whitney, heading to its end at the Whitney Portal.

The initial 9 miles of trail require some climbing to get free of the Yosemite Valley. Then for the rest of the journey elevations never get below eight thousand feet. In fact, it crosses some 6 passes, including the Forester, Glen, Pinchot, Mather, Muir and Donohue passes.

By far the best time to hike the route is from July to September. Snow can still be experienced even in August, but that is usually the least of most hikers' concerns. However, other challenges include heavier snowpacks at higher elevations, icy pass slopes and swelling streams that are filled with melting snow. However, most opt for September hikes as the snows have greatly disappaited and weather conditions are still bearable enough to be considered pleasant.

Most of the time the weather conditions are favorable; the climate is usually dry and sunny. However, thunderstorms can be a hazard. However, anyone that attempts the trail is usually a day hiker or backpacker, though horse packers, horse riders and runners are not uncommon. Either way, hiking the entirety of the trail can take a minimum of 2 or 3 weeks at a brisk pace. The current record was achieved by Michael Popov, who fastpacked it in just over four days without stopping to get further supplies and without any assistance.