Complete John Muir Trail Planning Guide
Hiking the John Muir Trail? Get organized and simplify your preparation with this step-by-step John Muir Trail planning guide.
California
California boasts nine jaw-dropping National Parks, more than any other state. It’s also home to the highest point (Mt. Whitney) and lowest point (Badwater Basin) in the continental United States. From backcountry hiking to downhill skiing, to mountain biking and surfing, California is one of the best destinations to play outside. Explore all of our California travel blog posts here.
3 Week John Muir Trail Itinerary
Plan your epic John Muir Trail thru-hike using our 3-week JMT itinerary highlighting the best viewpoints, campsites, swimming holes, and more
15 Best John Muir Trail Campsites
A thru-hike on the John Muir Trail means 20+ nights of epic camping. Here are the 15 best campsites on the John Muir Trail that you won’t want to miss.
20 Best Winter Vacation Destinations for Outdoor Adventure
Hit the slopes or chase the sun with these top winter destinations for outdoor adventure whether you’re looking for warm weather or snow.
John Muir Trail Transportation Guide & Planning Tips
Learn about the cheapest and most efficient John Muir Trail transportation options, including the best airports & bus options.
12 Things to Do in Lake Tahoe in Summer
Here are 12 of the best summer Lake Tahoe activities for an adventure-packed vacation from hiking to biking to water sports.
Outdoor Activities in San Francisco: 6 Ways to Get Outside in the Bay Area
Discover the best ways to get outside in the Bay Area with these fun outdoor activities in San Francisco from hiking, kayaking, and more.
Kayaking with Sea Otters in Monterey Bay
Learn everything you need to know about kayaking with sea otters in Monterey Bay!
12 Best California Ski Resorts
Discover the best ski resorts in the state from Northern California to Southern California and the Eastern Sierras with our skiing roundup.
Channel Islands National Park: How to Visit & Things to Do
Plan your visit to Channel Islands National Park with this guide including things to do, when to go, what to pack, info on camping, and more.
Things To Do in Big Sur: A Complete Travel Guide
Here are the top things to do in Big Sur, California including camping, hiking, restaurants, sightseeing, and more.
12 Best California Beach Campgrounds
Learn about 12 of the best California beach campgrounds with tent/RV sites right on the coast in Northern, Central, and Southern California.
Trans-Catalina Trail Backpacking Guide
Plan a backpacking trip on the Trans-Catalina Trail on Catalina Island with this guide to the best campsites, water availability, gear & more.
Backpacking the Mineral King Loop in Sequoia National Park
A guide to backpacking the Mineral King loop in Sequoia National Park including permits, gear, when to go, and a full trip report.
Best Hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Plan your Lassen National Park hikes with our roundup of the best hikes, including boiling hot pots, alpine lakes, and big summits.
California Road Trip: 15 Stops For Outdoor Adventure
Start planning your next adventure with this roundup of the best California road trip stops.
Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Looking for the best hikes in Yosemite National Park? We’ve got you covered with detailed trail guides for the park, including a map.
Best Section Hikes on the John Muir Trail
Here are the best section hikes on the John Muir Trail that require less than a week to complete.
Best Things To Do In Yosemite National Park
Discover the best things to do in Yosemite National Park including camping, hiking, biking, rafting, and tips for your visit.
Best Time to Visit California’s Central Coast
Learn about the best time to visit California’s Central Coast, plus the best activities to do in each season when you’re there.
6 Best Mammoth Lakes Hikes in the Eastern Sierra
Discover the best Mammoth Lakes hikes with stunning views of the Eastern Sierra, crystal clear lakes, alpine meadows, and more!
Best John Muir Trail Maps, Books, Apps, and Resources
Discover the best John Muir Trail planning tools. Here are our favorite John Muir Trail guidebooks, maps, apps, and blog posts for planning a successful thru-hike of the JMT.
Ultimate 3-Day Death Valley National Park Itinerary
Sand dunes, craters, slot canyons & wildflowers. Experience the best of Death Valley National Park with this 3-day itinerary.
Complete John Muir Trail Gear List for 2023
Planning a long-distance backpacking trip? This complete John Muir Trail gear list includes all of the camping gear, clothes & hiking essentials you need.
How To Resupply on the John Muir Trail
A detailed how-to guide for planning your JMT resupply strategy including John Muir Trail resupply points, shipping info, and mileage charts.
Best Joshua Tree Hikes for First-Time Visitors
Headed to Joshua Tree National Park for the first time? Here are the 3 best trails in the Park for the best views and scenery.
How to Apply for a Southbound John Muir Trail Permit in 2023
Learn everything you need to know about the John Muir Trail permit process for 2023. Get info on JMT starting trailheads, trail quotas, lottery dates & more
Backpacking Guide: Hiking the San Jacinto Peak Loop Trail
BACKPACKING GUIDE: HIKING THE SAN JACINTO PEAK LOOP TRAIL By Linda Romero, Bearfoot Theory’s Director At 10,834 feet, San Jacinto Peak is the…
Hotel Review: Cambria Beach Lodge on the Central California Coast
Read my hotel review of the Cambria Beach Lodge, a botique hotel on the central Cali coast, with info on rooms, amenities & the best nearby actvities.
6-Day Central California Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Plan a California coast road trip from Ventura to Cambria with this itinerary packed with outdoor adventure, amazing food, and unique places to stay.
Trail Guide: Hiking Mt. Tallac in South Lake Tahoe
Challenge yourself by hiking one of the tallest peaks on Lake Tahoe – Mt. Tallac. Learn everything you need to know in this complete trail guide.
Backpacking the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Trail in Yosemite
Plan an epic Yosemite backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne with our trail guide containing info on permits, transportation & more.
Joshua Tree Backpacking: The California Hiking & Riding Trail
Joshua Tree isn’t just for climbers! Learn about the 37-mile California hiking and riding trail – an awesome backpacking trip to spot spring wildflowers, stargaze, and get those legs ready for summer.
Bishop Pass to Dusy Basin Backpacking Guide
Lakes? Waterfalls? Granite Peaks? Get it all in a weekend backpacking trip over Bishop Pass to Dusy Basin in California’s eastern Sierras.
John Muir Trail Food Shopping List
Simplify your John Muir Trail food & meal planning with my complete JMT food shopping list that details what & how much food I brought on my 22 day hike.
Best Things to do on Santa Cruz Island
Discover best things to do on Santa Cruz Island including hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, camping, and more.
Personal Reflections from the John Muir Trail
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS FROM THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL I fell in love with the outdoors during my first backpacking trip in Washington State back…
22 Backpacking Lessons from 22 Days on the John Muir Trail
I’m baaaaack. Did you miss me? If you haven’t heard, my friend b-Rad and I just got back from 22 dynamite days on…