211Miles
17–24Days
47,000 ftGain
ThruType
Permits
System
Recreation.gov lottery + walk-upSouthbound (Yosemite): rolling lottery opens 24 weeks before start. Northbound (Whitney Portal): lottery Feb 1–Mar 1. Apply all 8 date choices. Tue–Thu starts have significantly better odds than weekends. Alternative: Inyo NF trailheads (Bear Creek, Mono Creek) have better availability and skip the Yosemite lottery.Apply or read more
Cost
$10 reservation fee + $10/night wilderness fee
Bear storage
Required (BV500 approved, 33 oz)
Season
Best
Late July – mid September
JFMAMJJASOND
PeakShoulderClosed
On trail
Water
Abundant — lakes and streams every 2–5 miles. Sawyer Squeeze sufficient. Late-season low flows after August.
Resupply
Reds Meadow (mile ~50), VVR (mile ~70 by boat/ferry), MTR (mile ~100), Muir Trail Ranch, Vermilion Valley Resort
Notes
BV500 bear canister required throughout — adds ~2 lbs to base weight. JMT follows the PCT from Yosemite to Tuolumne Meadows and the PCT all the way south. PermitSnag or PermitScout monitor cancellations if you miss the lottery.
Elevation
4,000 ftHigh 14,505 ft
Resupply towns
Yosemite Valley
Reds Meadow (mi 50)
VVR (mi 70)
MTR (mi 100)
Mt. Whitney Portal
Recommended gear