A Gaysian’s Guide to the John Muir Trail
Standing in front of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains.
Introduction
The John Muir Trail (JMT) is one of the premier long-distance hiking trails in the world. Traversing through the majestic Sierra Nevada wilderness, the JMT is an extraordinary and profound journey that will leave you in awe of the beauty and majesty of Mother Earth. Hiking the JMT was a life-changing and awe-inspiring experience that I will always cherish.
As a gay Filipino-American who has completed the John Muir Trail, I offer a unique perspective. According to the 2023 John Muir Trail Survey, only 0.4% of respondents who completed the trail identified as gay. By sharing information, resources, and tips from my journey, I hope to inspire other LGBTQ folks, particularly gay men, to push themselves beyond their comfort zones, head outdoors, and experience the majestic beauty of Mother Earth.
The extraordinary beauty of Wanda Lake along the JMT.
My JMT Stats:
Trip 1:
9/6/2024 - 10/4/2024
Total Distance Hiked: 253.20 miles
Total Days: 29 (including 5 zero days)
Average Daily Mileage: 10.55 miles
Trip 2:
10/23/2024 - 10/28/2024
Total Distance Hiked: 63.6 miles
Total Days: 6
Average Daily Mileage: 10.5 miles
I hiked the JMT in two separate trips because of a snowstorm that hit the Sierra Nevada in mid-September. I left the JMT at Kearsarge Pass and re-entered through Bishop Pass a few days later, once the storm had passed. I returned to the JMT a few weeks after my initial hike to complete the segment that I was unable to hike due to the weather.
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