Wilderness · California
John Muir Wilderness
The high Sierra crest and the JMT
TypeWilderness
StateCalifornia
Best seasonSummer & early fall
Don’t missSierra alpine lakes
The granite high country of the eastern Sierra — turquoise lakes, 13,000-foot passes, and a stretch of the John Muir Trail. Some of the most beautiful backcountry in the world.
What to see
- John Muir Trail
- Little Lakes Valley
- Big Pine Lakes & glacier
- Thousand Island Lake
- Bishop Pass
On public wild lands, services are sparse and conditions change fast — check the managing agency (Forest Service / BLM / Park Service) for road and seasonal closures, fire restrictions, and any permits before you go, and pack out what you pack in.
Build a trip around wild places like this.
Roamward turns spots like this into a real road trip on your phone — the scenic drive, the stops, and the detours, planned around the vibe you’re after. Get early access: