Kristen Bor

This is one of the most recogizable lakes on the John Muir Trail and is known for being one of Ansel Adams' favorite places to photograph. Banner and Ritter Peaks tower over the tree covered islands and make for incredible scenery. This is a good spot to spend the day eating lunch and swimming out to the islands so if you can, plan on arriving earlier in the day to snag a campsite and enjoy all...

Plan your last night to be spent near Guitar Lake at one of the unnamed lakes just a half mile above it along the trail. You'll find sun late into the afternoon and it serves as a great basecamp to hit Mt. Whitney for sunrise early on your final morning on the JMT.Find out everything you need to know about your John Muir Trip at Bearfoot Theory.

You'll have to deal with some crowds at Rae Lakes but that is because this is an amazing setting to spend the night. If sharing this place with others is the worst of your worries then you're doing pretty well. Hikers flock here for the incredible swimming, views of iconic peaks like Fin Dome and Painted Lady, and epic sunrises.Find out everything you need to know about your John Muir Trip at B...

NOTE: there are some camping closures in this area. Read here for more details. The Lake Ediza Junction has several great spots to camp. Try to find a spot that will have long afternoon sun as some spots will fall under the shadow of the ridge to the west. There are some sunny campsites along the creek so try and snag one of those. If you are planning on taking photos on your trek, Shadow Creek...

The trail follows the creek for a few miles as it cascades forming very tempting pools and places to lay out. Try to resist jumping in the first pool you see and setting up camp. Although you really can't go wrong, some of the sweetest and deepest pools come after passing by a few smaller pools. Find your favorite pool to camp next to and spend the entire day here pool hopping. Take your time h...

Another rare but welcomed flat open space along the JMT. The night sky here will blow you away so if you're a photographer this is a great opportunity to capture the incredibel Sierra night sky. Do be careful about camping in the open space in regards to weather. A thunderstorm in this area could not only be very unpleasant but also dangerous.Find out everything you need to know about your John...

The transition from mostly sheer granite slopes to open grassy space is a welcomed one. Set up along the creek meandering through Evolution Basin and explore the area. You won't tire your legs out because it's pretty flat. Whip out your camera to catch some amazing reflections of the Sierra in the creek.Find out everything you need to know about your John Muir Trip at Bearfoot Theory.

You'll find an ample supply of warm, sunny campsites here. After a tough climb leading up to this area, a plunge in the cold water and sunbathing on the warm granite surrounding the lake is just what the doctor ordered. This is one of the sites that you want to plan around - even if you arrive at a non-ideal stopping point on your trip, it's worth it to fudge you itinerary slightly and soak thi...

After the mild, but not negligible, 1000 ft ascent into Pinchot Pass, you'll be ready to rinse off the grime and take a rest. There are a few options for lakeside camping along the trail like Twin Lakes and an unnamed lake on the west side of the trail just beyond.This is a cool area because the geology starts changing a little. You'll notice more red in the rock faces as opposed to the relativ...

Make the .75 miles detour off of the John Muir Trail to reach this spot and you won't regret it. Lower Cathedral Lake is typically less populated than nearby Upper Lake and has some of the mot beautiful scenery on the JMT. Sunrise and sunset with the reflection of Cathedral Peak on the glassy water is the best way to end and begin your day on the trail. Bonus: head to the west side of the lake ...