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John Muir Wilderness in Lakeshore | Map and Routes

Spring · Tree

4.5 (83 ratings)

When visiting John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake, you'll be captivated by the park's stunning natural beauty and diverse landscape. With 653454.0 acres of pristine wilderness, this park offers an ...

When visiting John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake, you'll be captivated by the park's stunning natural beauty and diverse landscape. With 653454.0 acres of pristine wilderness, this park offers an array of walking and hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, the park has something to suit every walker's or hiker's needs. From the breathtaking vistas to the tranquil forests, John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake provides an unforgettable outdoor experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. To explore the park's numerous routes and trails, visitors can download Pacer Pedometer for more information about parks and routes info. The park boasts an extensive network of routes, including the famous John Muir Trail, which spans an impressive 95.2 miles. With a variety of routes offering different levels of difficulty and scenery, walkers and hikers can choose from a range of options to tailor their outdoor experience to their preferences. From the challenging Mount Whitney from Whitney Portal route to the serene Little Cottonwood Creek Trail, there's something for everyone at John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake. Whether you're seeking a day hike or a multi-day trek, the park's diverse routes cater to walkers and hikers of all abilities and interests. As you embark on your walking or hiking adventure in John Muir Wilderness, take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, meadows, and alpine lakes. The park's well-maintained trails and awe-inspiring natural features provide an ideal setting for outdoor activity enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, the park's vast expanse and abundant routes ensure that every visit offers a new and exciting experience. So, lace up your hiking boots and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. For more information about the park's routes and trails, don't forget to download Pacer Pedometer for detailed insights and recommendations.

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Walking and Hiking in John Muir Wilderness

Located in the picturesque city of Shaver Lake, the John Muir Wilderness offers an unparalleled experience for walkers and hikers seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the United States. With its essential amenities including multiple parking lots and restrooms, visitors can start their adventure with convenience and ...

Located in the picturesque city of Shaver Lake, the John Muir Wilderness offers an unparalleled experience for walkers and hikers seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the United States. With its essential amenities including multiple parking lots and restrooms, visitors can start their adventure with convenience and comfort. The park also provides a shelter for those seeking a place to rest and take in the surroundings. As walkers and hikers explore the park, they will encounter breathtaking viewpoints such as the White Bark Scenic Viewpoint, offering unforgettable vistas of the wilderness. Whether visitors are looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, the John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake is the ideal destination for outdoor activity enthusiasts.

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Essential Amenities in John Muir Wilderness

phoneRestroom
phoneParking lot

Things to See in John Muir Wilderness

Viewpoint

White Bark Scenic Viewpoint

Other Amenities in John Muir Wilderness

Shelter

Best Walking Routes in John Muir Wilderness

#1 - Mount Whitney from Whitney Portal
7
Length: 25.1 milesEst. Time: 14h42m

Quite possibly California’s ultimate day hike! Some choose to make this an overnight trip, but many prefer the simplicity (and light pack weight) of a day hike. The first thing you will need to do is get a permit. Permits can be obtained on recreation.gov. They are available either by the preseason lottery in February. Or leftover permits can be purchased as they become available later in the season. Most people use the Whitney Portal Campground as a base camp due to its elevation and proximity to the trailhead. Because of this, space fills quickly. So it is best to reserve a spot beforehand on recreation.gov. Although the trail is long and gains LOTS of elevation, it is not technically difficult. All of it could be considered a walk-up. However, the length, elevation gain, and general roughness of the trail can make it a VERY strenuous affair. Proper conditioning is essential to the completion of this hike. Some recommend a VERY early (and even pre-dawn) start to the hike with a strict turnaround time. But this is not absolutely essential unless afternoon thunderstorms are imminent (check the weather forecast).

route
#2 - Mount Whitney Trail
1
Length: 10.6 milesEst. Time: 3h15m

Mount Whitney Trail is a 10.6 mile (24,000-step) route located near Whitney Portal, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 6015.5 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

route
#3 - Mt.Whitney Hike
1
Length: 12 milesEst. Time: 9h21m

My.Whitney trail is rated very hard hike. It starts from Mt.Whitney portal starting elevation of 8360 ft. It’s a 23 miles round trip hiking total ascent of 14,505 ft elevation. So have to prepare very well for this hike to get used high altitude hike. Have min 5 to 6 liters of water and plenty of food. Look of various obstacles including ice on the way and rocks falling on the ridge line. It has awesome views with meadows, Rocky Mountain. You can take stop at 3 miles line pine lake, 6 miles outpost camp before climbing 99 switchbacks to reach Trail Crest from there it’s 2 miles to the summit.

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Reviews of John Muir Wilderness

4.5/5
83 ratings
tanija2019/05/26
4

Hey

PacerGuy_19752018/12/08
4

Haha

newlifejune42020/04/22
4

See All Reviews (4)
See All Reviews (4)

John Muir Wilderness Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
taemaweiss
26
Denise
6
Thomas
5
4moo
3
5Rosie
2
6halli.pedersen
2
7lizethserna10
2
8
2
9Jude
1
10Evan
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Starlite Playground and Park
Dinkey Lakes Wilderness
Millpond Recreation Area
Izaak Walton Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Tri County Fairgrounds
Bishop Park
Volcanic Tablelands Wilderness Study Area
Mendenhall Park

FAQs About John Muir Wilderness

Where is the best place to walk in John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake, United States?

The best place to walk in John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake is the Mount Whitney from Whitney Portal trail. This trail is highly rated with 5.0 stars based on 7 reviews from the Pacer community, and it offers a challenging 25.1-mile route with an estimated time of 14 hours and 42 minutes.

How many routes are in John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake, United States?

There are several routes in John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake, with a total of 6 routes available for walking/hiking/sports activities.

Which is the longest route in John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake, United States?

The longest route in John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake is the John Muir Trail, which spans an impressive 95.2 miles. This iconic trail is rated 4.0 stars and has been reviewed by the Pacer community.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake, United States?

Yes, there are essential amenities such as parking lots and restrooms available for walkers and hikers in John Muir Wilderness. Additionally, there is a shelter for visitors.

How accessible is John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake, United States?

John Muir Wilderness is accessible for walkers and hikers, with parking lots available for convenient access to the trails. The viewpoint at White Bark Scenic Viewpoint is also accessible for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the park.

What kind of sports can I do in John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake, United States?

In John Muir Wilderness, visitors can engage in hiking and walking activities to explore the stunning natural scenery. The park also offers the opportunity for visitors to enjoy the viewpoints and take in the beautiful landscapes.

What is the best season to walk in John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake?

The best season for walking in John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake is typically late spring to early fall when the weather is milder and the trails are more accessible. However, it's essential to check trail conditions and weather forecasts before planning a hike.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake?

The weather in John Muir Wilderness can vary, but hikers should generally prepare for warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. It's important to bring layers, sun protection, and be aware of the potential for sudden changes in weather, especially at higher elevations.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in John Muir Wilderness in Shaver Lake?

Hikers in John Muir Wilderness may encounter a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, and a diverse range of bird species. It's important to practice wildlife safety and be aware of proper food storage to minimize encounters with bears.

Last updated: Jan 1, 2025

Parks Near John Muir Wilderness

walking in Starlite Playground and Park map in Bishop
Starlite Playground and Park
walking in Dinkey Lakes Wilderness map in Shaver Lake
Dinkey Lakes Wilderness
walking in Millpond Recreation Area map in Bishop
Millpond Recreation Area
walking in Izaak Walton Park map in Bishop
Izaak Walton Park
Kings Canyon National Park
Tri County Fairgrounds
Bishop Park
Volcanic Tablelands Wilderness Study Area
Mendenhall Park

Latest Check-ins at John Muir Wilderness

EvanOct 19, 2024
Oct 19, 2024Hiking
JudeOct 20, 2024
Oct 20, 2024Walking
ArianaOct 19, 2024
Oct 19, 2024Hiking
taemaweissOct 10, 2024
Oct 10, 2024Hiking
man_helenaOct 12, 2024
Oct 12, 2024Hiking
PacerPalOct 15, 2024
Oct 15, 2024Walking
Pam DeForestOct 10, 2024
Oct 10, 2024Walking
taemaweissOct 3, 2024
Oct 3, 2024Hiking
KBSep 27, 2024
Sep 27, 2024Hiking
RosieSep 13, 2024
Sep 13, 2024Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at John Muir Wilderness

RankingCheck-ins
taemaweiss
26
Denise
6
Thomas
5
4moo
3
5Rosie
2
6halli.pedersen
2
7lizethserna10
2
8
2
9Jude
1
10Evan
1
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in John Muir Wilderness
#1- Mount Whitney from Whitney Portal
7
Length: 25.1 milesEst. Time: 14h42m

Quite possibly California’s ultimate day hike! Some choose to make this an overnight trip, but many prefer the simplicity (and light pack weight) of a day hike. The first thing you will need to do is get a permit. Permits can be obtained on recreation.gov. They are available either by the preseason lottery in February. Or leftover permits can be purchased as they become available later in the season. Most people use the Whitney Portal Campground as a base camp due to its elevation and proximity to the trailhead. Because of this, space fills quickly. So it is best to reserve a spot beforehand on recreation.gov. Although the trail is long and gains LOTS of elevation, it is not technically difficult. All of it could be considered a walk-up. However, the length, elevation gain, and general roughness of the trail can make it a VERY strenuous affair. Proper conditioning is essential to the completion of this hike. Some recommend a VERY early (and even pre-dawn) start to the hike with a strict turnaround time. But this is not absolutely essential unless afternoon thunderstorms are imminent (check the weather forecast).

#2- Mount Whitney Trail
1
Length: 10.6 milesEst. Time: 3h15m

Mount Whitney Trail is a 10.6 mile (24,000-step) route located near Whitney Portal, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 6015.5 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- Mt.Whitney Hike
1
Length: 12 milesEst. Time: 9h21m

My.Whitney trail is rated very hard hike. It starts from Mt.Whitney portal starting elevation of 8360 ft. It’s a 23 miles round trip hiking total ascent of 14,505 ft elevation. So have to prepare very well for this hike to get used high altitude hike. Have min 5 to 6 liters of water and plenty of food. Look of various obstacles including ice on the way and rocks falling on the ridge line. It has awesome views with meadows, Rocky Mountain. You can take stop at 3 miles line pine lake, 6 miles outpost camp before climbing 99 switchbacks to reach Trail Crest from there it’s 2 miles to the summit.

#4- John Muir Trail
1
Length: 95.2 milesEst. Time: 27h5m

John Muir Trail is a 95.2 mile (219,000-step) route located near Kanawyers, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 16393.4 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#5- Mount Whitney Trail
1
Length: 8.6 milesEst. Time: 2h53m

Mount Whitney Trail is a 8.6 mile (20,000-step) route located near Whitney Portal, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 150.9 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#6- Little Cottonwood Creek Trail
1
Length: 4.4 milesEst. Time: 1h48m

Little Cottonwood Creek Trail is a 4.4 mile (10,000-step) route located near Lone Pine, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 1203.8 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#7- Midnight Lake Trail
1
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 8m

Midnight Lake Trail is a 0.5 mile (1,000-step) route located near Aspendell, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#8- Topsy Turvy Lake Trail
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m

Topsy Turvy Lake Trail is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near Aspendell, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#9- Hell for Sure Pass Trail
1
Length: 3.5 milesEst. Time: 1h34m

Hell for Sure Pass Trail is a 3.5 mile (8,000-step) route located near Shaver Lake, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#10- Grass Lake Trail
1
Length: 1.3 milesEst. Time: 22m

Grass Lake Trail is a 1.3 mile (3,000-step) route located near Bishop, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 583.8 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#11- Desolation Lake Trail
1
Length: 2 milesEst. Time: 34m

Desolation Lake Trail is a 2 mile (4,500-step) route located near Aspendell, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 285.4 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#12- Mary Louise Lake Trail
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m

Mary Louise Lake Trail is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near Bishop, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 29.5 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#13- Lower Honeymoon Lake Trail
1
Length: 0.7 milesEst. Time: 12m

Lower Honeymoon Lake Trail is a 0.7 mile (1,500-step) route located near Shaver Lake, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 433 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#14- Treasure Lakes Trail
1
Length: 2.6 milesEst. Time: 44m

Treasure Lakes Trail is a 2.6 mile (6,000-step) route located near Bishop, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 606.8 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#15- Tyee Lakes Trail
1
Length: 6.5 milesEst. Time: 1h41m

Tyee Lakes Trail is a 6.5 mile (15,000-step) route located near Bishop, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 2161.5 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#16- Donkey Lakes Trail
1
Length: 1 milesEst. Time: 16m

Donkey Lakes Trail is a 1 mile (2,000-step) route located near Aspendell, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 98.4 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#17- Baboon Lake Trail
1
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 18m

Baboon Lake Trail is a 1.1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Aspendell, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 544.5 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#18- Hungry Packer Lake Trail
1
Length: 1.2 milesEst. Time: 20m

Hungry Packer Lake Trail is a 1.2 mile (2,500-step) route located near Aspendell, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 314.9 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#19- Sabrina Basin Trail
1
Length: 5.2 milesEst. Time: 1h12m

Sabrina Basin Trail is a 5.2 mile (12,000-step) route located near Bishop, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 223 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#20- Emerald Lake Trail
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 5m

Emerald Lake Trail is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near Aspendell, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#21- Muriel Lake Trail
1
Length: 1 milesEst. Time: 17m

Muriel Lake Trail is a 1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Aspendell, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#22- Palisade Glacier Trail
1
Length: 2.2 milesEst. Time: 37m

Palisade Glacier Trail is a 2.2 mile (5,000-step) route located near Big Pine, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 1312 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#23- Piute Pass Trail
1
Length: 4.6 milesEst. Time: 1h35m

Piute Pass Trail is a 4.6 mile (11,000-step) route located near Aspendell, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 6.6 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#24- Moonlight Lake Trail
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m

Moonlight Lake Trail is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near Aspendell, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#25- Piute Canyon Trail
1
Length: 11.8 milesEst. Time: 3h42m

Piute Canyon Trail is a 11.8 mile (27,000-step) route located near Shaver Lake, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 3276.7 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#26- Golden Trout Lake Trail
1
Length: 4.2 milesEst. Time: 1h4m

Golden Trout Lake Trail is a 4.2 mile (9,500-step) route located near Aspendell, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 1089 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#27- Chocolate-Runwau Loop Trail
1
Length: 2.1 milesEst. Time: 36m

Chocolate-Runwau Loop Trail is a 2.1 mile (5,000-step) route located near Bishop, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 413.3 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#28- Green Lake Trail
1
Length: 6.5 milesEst. Time: 1h14m

Green Lake Trail is a 6.5 mile (15,000-step) route located near Peterson Mill, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 2210.7 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Reviews of John Muir Wilderness

tanija2019/05/26
4

Hey

PacerGuy_19752018/12/08
4

Haha

newlifejune42020/04/22
4

Matt2024/08/19
5
4.5/5
83 ratings

Photos of John Muir Wilderness

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