6:30pm April 8th 2025 at the Expo REI in Sacramento

"Discover the John Muir Trail"

(* this is a past event but there is a podcast version of my JMT prep lecture How to Suceed at Hiking the JMT in my podcasts)

If you've ever dreamed of exploring the mountains John Muir famously called the "Range of Light," this presentation is your perfect starting point. You'll be guided through everything you need to know to prepare for this epic adventure. The John Muir Trail (JMT) stretches from Yosemite National Park to the top of Mounty Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States at 14,505 feet. Each summer, hikers from all over the world are drawn to the JMT's beauty in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Topics include an overview of the JMT, best time to go, permits and logistics, food and resupply, apps and resources, what to pack, altitude concerns, Leave No Trace principles, safety and hazards, gear essentials, daily planning, solo vs. group hiking, and section hiking vs. through hiking.

Presented by Ethan Gallogly, PhD, a retired professor and author of the award-winning novel The Trail, set authentically on the John Muir Trail. With over 35 years of hiking experience, he has been a leader in the Sierra Club, the Cal Hiking and Outdoors Society, the Outdoors Club of Southern California, and the Davis Hiking & Backpacking Club. Ethan has trekked countless miles, including the John Muir Trail, the High Sierra Trail, the Theodore Solomons Trail, and over 1300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. He has also reviewed Wilderness Press guides such as Sierra North, Sierra South, and Yosemite National Park, and has read nearly every book on the history of the Sierra Nevada.

Register Now at the Expo REI Store in Sacramento (free)

A standing room only crowd at the Book Event at the Avid Reader in Davis March 6th, 2025. More than half in attendance had hiked the JMT! 

Author Ethan Gallogly will speak on hiking the John Muir Trail — and the book his journey inspired.

Avid Reader Bookstore Events