The John Muir Trail (JMT) is one of the world's most spectacular treks & is North America's best known mid-distance walking trail. It runs for 216 miles (in 21 stages) through the high Sierra Nevada mountains of California, from Yosemite Valley (El Capitan & Half-Dome) to the summit of Mount Whitney (14, 496 feet), the highest peak in the US outside Alaska. The walking trail, which is named after the great 19th-century Scottish naturalist, conservationist & writer John Muir, is entirely through the unspoilt wilderness of the American West & passes through three national parks: Yosemite, Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks. To walk the John Muir Trail successfully thorough planning is required. All you need to know to plan & prepare for your trip is contained within this guide, from obtaining trekking permits to buying trek food & forwarding food caches along the trail. Abundant advice is given on such topics as dealing with inquisitive bears, coping with altitude, negotiating river crossings, as well as tips on booking transport to & from the trailheads & on what equipment to take. In addition there is a detailed description of the flora & fauna of this remarkable region.