We started the John Muir Trail on Labor Day weekend in both 1998 and 1999. Our experiences were far more different than we would have expected. The wildflowers were still in full bloom the first year. Many places were so beautiful we felt like we were hiking in a garden. Many of the passes still had bits of snow in them. And Forester Pass had more than a little bit of snow on the north side.

The JMT is officially 212 miles long.  But after ending atop Mt Whitney you have to hike 11 miles and down 6000 feet to Whitney Portal and the road. The elevation gain on this hike is as impressive as the scenery. And the scenery is among the best in the lower 48 states.

Here is the John Muir Trail profile. I don't know where this profile originated, but I have seen numerous photocopies of photocopies of it. 

The view south of Mather Pass late in the afternoon.  This barren landscape was cold and rough. We hiked on looking for a level, sheltered place to pitch our tent.

Looking across Wanda Lake just north of Muir Pass. The wildlife was thick here - gnats, grasshoppers, and frogs. We covered our faces and hiked quickly beyond the lake. 

Marcia crosses the Wood Creek suspension bridge. There was a lot of sway in the bridge, but it was better than wading the creek.

Ken and Marcia atop Forester Pass, the highest point on the John Muir Trail.