John Muir Wilderness
The John Muir Wilderness stretches for 100 miles along the crest of the Sierra. It is a land of lofty snow-capped mountains, deep canyons and vast expanses of glacially carved terrain. The John Muir Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1964. It covers approximately 650,000 acres. The wilderness was named in honor of John Muir. Muir spent his life advocating for the protection of the wild parts of the Sierra Nevada.
Inyo National Forest and Sierra National Forest share management responsibility for the John Muir Wilderness, with approximately half managed by each. It is contiguous with Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Golden Trout Wilderness and several other wilderness areas. Together, they constitute one of the largest roadless areas in the lower 48 states.
The John Muir Wilderness is very heavily visited. Approximately 30 million people live within a few hours’ drive. Access routes to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, as well as the iconic John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails, pass through it. High levels of use and the flux of visitors across jurisdictional boundaries require that visitors to adhere to high standards of conduct.
Before visiting, familiarize yourselves with wilderness permit requirements as well as regulations and appropriate Leave No Trace practices.
More information about John Muir Wilderness and its designating legislation can be found at wilderness.net.
Maps and guidebooks can be purchased at sierraforevor.org.