Detailed directions for hikers and riders, including landmarks and advice where supplies can be obtained, decent forage for your pack animals, and the like. The elevations are so high that July 15-August 15 is the best part of the year to be on the trail but I imagine this will all vary, with the season longer this year because of the very low snow pack from the winter of 2013-2014. Distances are specified between landmarks to make good planning possible. Mr. Starr's descriptions sometimes become enthusiastic: "Many who have looked down from the peaks on the Sierra Crest will agree that the view from the Palisade group is the grandest. The elevation is over 14,000 feet, but, more important, the view south over the great culmination of the Sierrra Crest looks toward the northern slopes of the peaks and spurs where lie the snowfields and many of the ancient glacial amphitheaters. The Sierra, like other ranges, is far more beautifuol and impressive when dressed with snowfields and glaciers, to contrast with massive rock and nestling lakes...."
California geography is a delight for junior college professors to teach because of the many different climatatic zones, but global warming is going to put an end to some of them, so visit soon!
Index, map in rear pocket, and separate summary of the main 'stages' of the John Muir Trail.

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