Discovering the John Muir Trail: An Inspirational Guide to America's Most Beautiful Hike

by Damon Corso

Overview

From beginners to thru-hikers, Discovering the John Muir Trail has something for anyone that wants a connection with what Backpacker Magazine has called “The best hike in the world.” Taking on the JMT is a pilgrimage because of both its beauty and accessibility. Let Damon Corso guide you across the best trails that the John Muir Trail has to offer. Complete with full-color photography of the Sierra Nevada Mountains from acclaimed photographs like Galen Rowell and Jimmy Chin, you’ll also have hikes suited to every ability, mile-by-mile directional cues, sidebars, and maps.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781493031245
Publisher:	Falcon Guides
Publication date:	05/30/2018
Pages:	192
Sales rank:	1,098,417
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Damon Corso, a freelance photographer, writer, and videographer, has been photographing and filming rock climbing professionals for the past fourteen years across the United States and Europe. His work can be found on the covers and in feature articles of a multitude of major magazines, such as Climbing, Rock & Ice, Deadpoint, Urban Climber, Los Angeles Magazine, Time Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, and Exercise & Health Magazine. His work is also on display at the Museum of Photography in Bad Ischl, Austria. Damon, his wife Crystalyn and their rescued chicken and pit bull currently live in Southern California, where he dreams of spending a majority of his time searching the High Sierra for untouched granite boulders.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

The Sierra Nevada and the John Muir Trail xiii

Human History xiii

Geology Michael Hasson xx

Natural History xxiii

Fauna xxiv

Flora xxvii

Outdoor Ethics xxvii

Weather xxviii

Hazards xxx

Wilderness Permits xxxiv

Transportation xxxv

Equipment xxxviii

Section 1 Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows (22.2 mi.) The First Great Steps xi

Section 2 Tuolumne Meadows to Red's Meadow (37.7 mi.) Gateway to the High Sierra 20

Section 3 Red's Meadow to Muir Trail Ranch (46.3 mi.) The John Muir Wilderness 44

Section 4 Muir Trail Ranch to LeConte Canyon (26.5 mi.) The Kings Headwaters 72

Section 5 LeConte Canyon to Kearsarge Pass Trail (43 mi.) The High Passes 94

Section 6 Kearsatge Pass Trail to Mt. Whitney (29.5 mi.) Over The Divide to Whitney 120

Sources 146

Top Ten Vistas & Side Trails 148

Index 149

About The Author 152

Editorial Reviews

Why buy a book about the JMT (or anything) when there's so much information about it online? Because a book is a holistic, start-to-finish reference that is written in a consistent style and by a credible source, whereas online information is scattered and piecemeal, and sometimes just wrong. This thorough text is a useful and inspiring starting point for planning and undertaking one of the most enjoyable backcountry experiences of your life.” —Andrew Skurka - Adventurer, Guide, Speaker, Writer (andrewskurka.com)

“Through pen and lens, Corso, provides the ‘how to,’ and large doses of motivation. Caution!  This trail guide may lead to much hiking and wilderness adventure.” —Charles Baker - ALDHA Board Member

“Corso captures the essence of the trail experience by weaving his own stories in with big, beautiful photos, photography tips, flower guides, and the personal experiences of other outdoor adventurers, leaving you with an emotional connection not only to the JMT, but with wilderness in general and its adventurers.” —Felicia “Princess of Darkness” Hermosillo - Long Distance Hiker, Co-Host “The Trail Show” podcast

From the Publisher