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 most iconic long-distance hiking trails in the world. Winding through the breathtaking wilderness of the Sierra Nevada, it offers an extraordinary journey that stirs both awe and introspection. Walking through the stunning Sierra Nevada is an unforgettable experience—one that left me in absolute awe of Mother Earth. Hiking the JMT changed me in ways I didn’t expect, and it’s something I’ll always carry with me.

According to the 2023 John Muir Trail Survey, only 0.4% of respondents who hiked the trail identified as gay. As a gay Filipino-American who has completed the John Muir Trail, I offer a unique perspective. By sharing practical tips, hard-earned insights, and personal stories from my time on the trail, my hope is to inspire more LGBTQ folks—especially gay men—to step outside their comfort zones, embrace the outdoors, and discover the profound beauty that awaits in nature.

 

The extraordinary beauty of Wanda Lake along the JMT.

 

My JMT Stats:

Trip 1:

Trip 2:

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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