John Muir Trail: Devil’s Postpile to Yosemite Valley
Want to hike the John Muir Trail?
Check out our interactive guide
Upcoming
Itinerary
Devil’s Postpile Ranger Station
12.6 mi • 3,500 ft gain
Garnet Lake
10.8 mi • 2,300 ft gain
Upper Lyell Canyon
10.8 mi • 100 ft gain
Tuolumne Meadows
9.8 mi • 1,700 ft gain
Sunrise High Sierra Camp
8.8 mi • 400 ft gain
Little Yosemite Valley
4.9 mi • 900 ft gain
Happy Isles Trailhead
How to get a permit
This trip requires a Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit. Reservations depend on your start date:
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Trips starting between November 2, 2025 and April 30, 2026
Permits required. No quota.
Permit details
Here is how to fill out the Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit application:
| Permit Type | Overnight |
|---|---|
| Entry Point | John Muir Trail North of Devils Postpile |
| Exit Point | Happy Isles - Yosemite Valley (Exit Only) Yosemite NP |
| 1st night Camp Area | (Garnet Lake not selectable, so pick:)Thousand Island Lake JMT- (River & High Trail) |