Hiking the John Muir Trail — Yosemite to Mt Whitney

The John Muir trail is a long and winding trail that begins in Yosemite Valley and ends at the highest point in the lower 48, on the top of Mt Whitney, 211 miles south.

We’re ecstatic to say that team Silber has completed the JMT–yep every step, every amazing view and every (some time heartbreaking) 12,000 foot pass.

It is an expedition,  more than a “hike” or a “backpacking trip.” To make this journey you really have to have your act together– for the trail will surely find every weak spot you have and laugh at you in the bargin! Left out food or a vital piece of equipment? Tough luck dude the nearest store is at best days by foot, and you get to tack on those extra miles to your 211, no breaks here folks.

But unlike the speed hikers that passed us by, we’ve tackled this in stages, with our last stage about 65 miles including getting onto the trail and exiting. The largest part of the JMT I did solo way back, but for some reason didn’t complete. So I’ve had this gnawing goal to get the rest done, and this year for my birthday I gave myself the joy of completing this grand walk through some of the most startlingly beautiful country you’ll ever see up close.

And of course, photographing it and carrying cameras has been a integral part of this journey. I started out long ago photographing with my Leica M2, always slung around my pack.  Then later it was my Nikon D2x

and the little flip camera attached to my poles to capture videos (here ‘s that video.) And the last section I even shot with an iPhone.

One of the gems we climbed early on: Half Dome at sunset

The Muir trail is an experience and I decided while pounding up one of our last 12,000 foot passes that the only way to  adequately present it to you is with motion and sound. So folks, stay tuned for JMT the movie. I just need a bit of time to put all the pieces together and mix it in with the blood sweat and tears and pure joy of accomplishment.

BTW, you meet all sorts of amazing folks on the trail…