John Muir Trail 2020

Wherein Eric (aka Salt Line), Abby (aka Rockstar) and Dave (aka Just Dave) set off on an epic hike covering 265 miles, 13 mountain passes, and nearly 100,000 ft of elevation change in 24 days. Videos courtesy of Dave's iPhone.

Our start at Cottonwood about 25 miles south of Mt Whitney.

Celebrating my 50th birthday on the trail.

Day 4 and climbing up Mt. Whitney, pictured here from Timberline Lake.

Making progress to the top of the highest peak in the continental US (14,500 ft). We started down in those trees!

A break in the weather and we summit. Snow and hail chase us off the mountain top and down to thicker air.

Day 5 and our campsite in the wilderness.

Incredible rock formations....

...and incredible sunsets.

The view south from 13,100 ft Forester Pass. Every pass gets a little lower as we head north.

On our way down. Can you find Rockstar?

As we head north, the trail gets greener. Rockstar catches a nap.

We head out to civilization to resupply food in Independence.

Glen Pass and coming in to the stunning Rae lakes Basin.

Rae Lakes and Painted Lady from our camp site.

Chillin' out at our camp in Upper Basin.

Mather Pass. Getting close to the half way point.

The Sierra Club's Muir Hut on Muir Pass. One of the only buildings on the whole trip.

Moon and stars over our camp at Sapphire Lake. Half way!

Selden Pass and stunning Marie Lake in the background. Out to the VVR to resupply tomorrow.

Amazing Minaret Lake on our little alternate route from the official JMT. Hard but worth it.

Ediza Lake

Mt. Banner above Thousand Island Lake from our campsite.

...and reflected in a tarn just off trail the next morning.

Dave doing what he does best!

Tarn below Donohue Pass. We are in Yosemite and on the home stretch.

Misty morning in Lyell Canyon.

Cathedral Pass. Number 13 of 13 and it's downhill from here.

Yosemite Valley. Trip complete!