High Sierra - A Journey on the John Muir Trail || FULL DOCUMENTARY

WINNER - Best Documentary - 2012 Cape Fear Independent Film Festival
WINNER - Sierra Nevada Award -2011 Mountain Film Awards
OFFICIAL SELECTION - 2011 Wild and Scenic Film Festival
HIGH SIERRA - A JOURNEY ON THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL is a first-hand experience along the John Muir Trail, through the tallest mountain range in the contiguous United States. It follows a group of young students as they make the 220 mile trek in the wake of John Muir’s own footsteps. The film captures the visual splendor of the ‘Range of Light’ as well as the range of emotions and physical challenges that accompany such an epic adventure. It includes reflection by Yosemite Park Ranger, Shelton Johnson (also featured in Ken Burn’s documentary, The National Parks), who shares insight about the trail and the spiritual meaning and importance of the American wilderness. The dynamic soundtrack, featuring music from Lonnie Walker, Megafaun, Phil Cook, Gayngs, Luego, Mandolin Orange, Boat, and I was totally destroying it completes this compelling high-definition audio-visual experience.
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[@kellyflykelly5300]

Wow, I love this documentary. It’s so refreshing to see just some goofy kids with a zest for life. Not pretentious at all. Not trying to impress anyone or gain followers. Wish we could go back to this.

[@joesimpsontx]

The park ranger's perspective is awesome

[@eKriZZLe]

PBS has an absolutely amazing National Parks series, much of it dealing with Muir, Yosemite, and the landmarks from this trail. That ranger is a prominent speaker in those documentaries as well. Check it out if you haven't already! It's definitely worth it.

[@nthomas87]

Joe Simpson -- I agree. I was blown away by his clarity, vocabulary, and articulation.

[@brithansgen534]

Shelton Johnson (thank you credits)

[@jillyelston6145]

I have nothing but total admiration for all of you guys, especially when you had sickness, sore and blistered feet, and the stress of wondering what you had let yourselves in for during the early days. But you didn't give up, although loads would have, you built your strength up, just kept on hiking, and look what you have achieved, very proud of you all, and you should be very proud of yourselves. We have nothing like this in the UK, you were very lucky to have hiked the JMT, breathtaking scenery all the way!

[@seandrew1857]

Park ranger interview was gold! Good work on the edit. I know it sucks hiking with camera gear, but you made so many people happy for making this! Makes me want to go.

[@johnnyb9218]

Walk away quietly and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Such a beautiful quote.

[@wax-noetic]

That park ranger's commentary was on point. What an interesting guy!

[@thingplate]

We must have been crazy back in 82' hiking on the trail with 85 to 90lb packs with guitars,bongos,tamborines lol homade dried meals,mountain house,dried weird food from the asian store

[@extravatrek]

word! I so remember weird dried somethings from the asian store! and I remember it tasting sooo good! but it took a while to cook... wow... what a flash...

[@ladydi4runner]

Lovely memories for sure! The 80’s were my hiking camping years. Sooo happy I took the time to DISCOVER! Stays w you forever. 👍👏🏻😁🙏🏻🖖💪🏻

[@mathatter9158]

I’ve been to a few, not nearly enough, incredible places in my life. The Sierra Nevada range, Yosemite, Redwood forest are number one on my bucket list. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen in photos and videos. Patagonia and Kamchatka peninsula are two and three.

[@fosterwayne6684]

This is actually the third time I've watch this, and it still feel new. What a great documentary.

[@GreatLakesBackpacker]

An excellent documentary about a thru-hike of the John Muir Trail. Spectacular scenery, good portrayal of the struggles of the individuals and the group, and top-notch commentary by a National Park Service ranger. Well worth the time spent watching it.

[@marymercado7709]

I'd love to know how these boys are all doing now. . .7 years later. Excellent documentary.

[@193322009]

I got blisters on my feet from just watching this great production. As a former Marine, I would say that you guys would do very well in the Marine Corps infantry. Your daily attitudes were very uplifting. Thanks for this recording, of a very hard trail, at high altitudes.

[@jeffwhimpey]

I could listen to Shelton Johnson all day!!!!

[@jeffwise4465]

I love that park Ranger. Id love to camp with that guy.

[@asiam7436]

Great job everyone, congratulations! The Ranger gets two thumbs up!

[@510faithfulforlife7]

To explore The Sierras, is to experience true magic.

[@eKriZZLe]

52:32 Shelton Johnson is a riot. I just literally busted up laughing. Awesome documentary. Thanks for making it!

[@lightwalker4558]

Very nicely filmed, edited and produced. Congratulations on winning an award. I got picked in the 2022 lottery w/ a start date of June 6. I just hope they have an early spring. At 60 I do not want to hike half the trail in snow and ford ice cold rivers in my undies! Snow slows everyone down and uses more calories than usual. I will keep entering the lottery, hoping I get a later start date.

[@kevinJames6986]

Fantastic video Guys! That Park ranger is phenomenal! can't wait to see another video!

[@kphat954]

And the park ranger is solid gold.

[@kiminman4927]

I really loved your documentary. This is a hike that I would really enjoy. It would also be a great escape from my chemo! I know that I could do it!

[@PeteBellFilms]

+Kim Inman THANK you Kim!! I know that you could do it too! You are much more powerful than you can even imagine!! Much love and strength and hopefully a little inspiration. Get yourself out there!

[@wildernessbound8877]

+Kim Inman : Chemo Don't sound good - been there - if you can go then go. I waited too long, don't make that mistake GO

[@skiaddict08]

RSO

[@lufkindude011]

Hope you're doing well, I see you on the trail!

[@ButtKoWitz]

I did the JMT in 1980 when I was 18 with my Dad (243% snowpack year!). You guys did great, even with your lack of prep/knowledge (the food drop at Edison, or lack thereof, made me chuckle). Thanks much for sharing your experiences/videos. They bring back many memories of the greatest trail on Earth. I have to also say the interviews with the Ranger are a fantastic addition. He did an exceptional job instilling what the spirit of the Sierras are all about.

[@danb48190]

Nice! I was jealous the whole time watching this. You guys had a awesome crew. I wish I had done things like this when I was younger to look back on. Massive thumbs up!

[@matthewpiazza3608]

What were they THINKING going into the Merced River above Nevada Falls? Apparently they weren't...apparently they don't know how many people have been swept over the falls to their deaths. A note to folks watching: please don't ignore warnings listed on trail signs.

[@Mratl131]

I heard him say "we're gonna swim in this pool above the waterfall" and I thought there was no way they could be serious. That is ridiculously foolish.

[@fedexairbus]

Matthew Piazza I don't think they did enough research on any part of their trip.

[@Foxyfreedom]

OH STOP. It is a dangerous activity but just because a few dumb people get to close to the waterfall doesn't mean it should be ruined for everyone else. It is a national park. Swim at your own risk. It's survival of the fittest have you heard of it?

[@smkshftr]

I have watched this at least five times! It reminds me of the trips to Philmont Scout Ranch with the Boy Scouts. At that age, they keep it funny and ALWAYS talk about food! Thank you for a great documentary!

[@glennpace9783]

So amazingly well done! I really appreciated the un-pretentious, honest, & enthusiastic approach everyone had. A great attitude is one of the most important items to take on a long hike. I hiked the JMT in Sept 2013 & this brought back so many memories. Thanks for making this movie & congratulations for all of you who started it.

[@TheGoatMumbler]

1 hour 14 min of my life I'll never get back. And I thank you!

[@Gmgfjv]

No one made you watch it

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Read the second sentence.

[@williemasonjohnson]

TheGoatMumbler Very Inspirational I'd say; priceless! MasterCard can't touch this one.....

[@CarlosMendez003]

Watching this in June of 2020 and thinking of so many things. First of all what a great documentary!! Secondly, I wonder if any of these guys ever hiked JMT again OR if they hiked longer and bigger trails, like the Himalayan foothills or the Pampas of Argentina with a view of the majestic Andes mountain range. What an adventure it would be to do this with a few close friends. I live in SoCal and never been much of a hiker. Just a few day hikes on the east coast where I'm originally from and walks along the coast here in California. I've seen Mt. Whitney from the Owens Valley at Long Pine and looks so high up. I've thought about climbing it but never had the courage to do so. With everything that's happening in the world at this time, I feel like it's time for me to get out and explore. Seeing this documentary puts into perspective how short life is, how little time we all have on this earth, yet most of us don't take advantage of what is out there. I'll be 45 in September and still don't feel that sense of purpose in my life. I think it's time to get out there and hit the trail. cheers!

[@1jesus2music3duke]

When asked why he does not seek a promotion and thus higher pay, Johnson was quoted as saying, "I facilitate astonishment. I didn't join the Park Service for money; I get paid in gasps."

[@Hiker-bigtex]

Excellent film. Really enjoyed it! The Park Ranger was awesome. Thanks for making this documentary, cannot wait to get on the trail.

[@melanieannbrooks]

Pete...this was amazing. I am SO proud of you. What an accomplishment!

[@josesalinas6969]

Loved it!! Motivational!! You guys rock!!

[@IntoTheWildernessBushcraft]

Just watched this with the family. Amazing video you guys!!! 🥾🏔

[@chaserawlins9077]

loved it. The different shots, park ranger perspective, the comradery as well as the negative parts Definitely on my bucket list

[@mobydickhead1]

Muirs book is the number one thing that inspired me to get into hiking. I love how they adopted the other hikers. Only in backpacking do you just sort of say yea you guys are with us now. I live in a small town and you still don't get the kind of hospitality that you get out on the trail. I got adopted by some more experienced hikers last time I went backpacking and it changed my experience from good to great.

[@mehulshah5148]

This is one of the better JMT videos on KZbin. Well done.

[@TeaInTheTreesbp]

Amazing film guys. Going to have to drag our butts out to the Sierra and enjoy this trail for ourselves. The editing, the people, the music, the place, and the sounds in this film made me wish I could drop everything and hike this trail. Bucket List... another entry. Thank you fine sirs... ATB -Nate

[@rushellrousseau9197]

Watched the whole thing and it was totally worth my time. Wonderful video!!

[@underthesun312]

Fantastic! Imagine doing the entire 2627 miles of the PCT, from the border of Mexico to Canada!

[@misternewt]

This is the best video I've seen about the JMT. Extremely well done. Thanks for sharing, I will probably watch a couple times. Thanks.

[@danielgomez5168]

Misternewt you need to check out ' mile...mile and a half

[@bikestang88]

Best JMT movie I've seen, and yes - I've seen the one everyone talks about. Hope you guys continue to adventure together, and making videos about them.

[@briansimpkins985]

amazing feat and spectacular documentary....great job guys

[@channel34mil]

Thank you for posting this beautiful documentary, I admired your persevering attitude, I m ready to follow your steps this summer. Thanks a lot!!

[@genewest952]

I really enjoyed your doc! The interviews with the ranger added another dimension. I have hiked the Muir trail twice as well as the PCT...congratulations to you and the youth on a job well done!

[@jammerews7413]

Top notch job and really captures the essence of hiking the Sierra. I made my first trip and summit in 2013 and have been back every year since. It is the magic that your documentary captures so well that brings us back each year. And now, I'm even more excited for our July 2016 return visit! Thanks for sharing this...just beautiful work.

[@steventhaw3765]

Lizzy Wenk's "Along the John Muir Trail" is THE guide book!!!

[@macdreezy]

"We are much more powerful than we can even imagine"

[@brianmowers307]

Wow, great film!! That park ranger is fantastic...part professor, part philosopher, part scientist, part poet! Thanks for this!!

[@elizabethleonard9448]

+Brian Mowers . . . and he has John Muir DOWN!

[@markadlardstonepipeadventu2589]

Great video! I loved the Park Ranger, he gave some awesome insights of the Trail.

[@gjbingham]

I was planning on commenting on Shelton's incredible insights - late to the party again..... Great vid. Exceptional commentary.

[@mcmerkus]

I enjoyed this documentary very much! The commentary by Shelton Johnson gave it an awesome depth ~ very inspirational!

[@milwaukeemotor5995]

incredible views, would like to see more

[@fredlevel897]

A brilliantly made film, I loved it! I 've been thinking doing the JMT for a couple of weeks now and decided earlier today (before I found this video) to start planning for it in summer 2018. I also love the interview of the ranger, thinking that guy has been living there for so many years is awsome and I like the way he sees things and his sense of reality

[@miles44-c1h]

Really fantastic work - the interviews & the scenics are so well done - I've watched it back-to-back over the last couple days - thanks for making it during such a tough trek!

[@debbieleeday83]

Been looking everywhere for this Documentary I watch it often. It’s the best one done about Hiking the John Muir Trail. I worked with Sheldon and love his input. These guys so obsessed with food is Classic. I keep yelling. Stop with Granola Bars They’re worthless Lol The Blonde Guy I’m starving-I’m stuffed So funny. Sardines, ThickNoodle, MREs, Beans, Rice. Bread Peanut Butter No granola bars. 😆

[@bigbandsrock1]

OH to be young, but more importantly to be SMART enough to prepare then attempt such a magnificent journey! Bravo, guys! I envy you all! *Thank you for this wonderful post!

[@jimhenline4360]

An excellent film and very well produced. I will watch it again...

[@andyweatherdon]

Pete you're the real MVP! - Angie

[@dontbelivewhatyourea]

Fabulous documentary. Glad you made it (the doc AND the hike!).

[@deelight662]

This was incredible!! Thank you for making it. ❤️

[@thomasreilly2864]

the best documentary ive seen on this trail ..... awesome ... and the park ranger is excellent ... i hope hes seen this video .

[@indratambunan3478]

So challenges trail and adorable panorama... I Love your documentary,...Thanks for it guys..

[@johnganshow5536]

Excellent!! The guy that was throwing up in the beginning, needed some powdered gatorade mixed in with his water. Very well done video!!!

[@windyssssmith289]

I agree Unbelievable job guys!!!!! Wow!!! Gods gift for sure!!!

[@graciabarr]

Well done, thanks for making and sharing this film!

[@ReptarHikes]

Great documentary! Thanks for sharing this awesome experience.

[@ponyofamerica]

Thank you I needed awesome.............You guys are the best!!!

[@philllis1]

Totally enjoyed!

[@angelaadams8352]

This was Awesome! Cant wait to take the journey myself.

[@afishproduction1]

I loved it. Great video, and I could really feel the vibes, the sense of wilderness kicking it. You had a great hike guys, and I loved the video, thanks.

[@denaredford6701]

Great music score . Love the words and the beat of the songs . Incredible journey you took .

[@ericfricke4512]

This is brilliant. Really well done.

[@jimkanzelmeyer7722]

super well done documentary. It captured the life-changing trail well! Mr. Cameraman your eye and story telling ability is awesome.

[@77Jewel]

Thank you so much for sharing this Happy trails

[@madalynclark7417]

This is a very entertaining and enjoyable documentary. You did a phenomenal job and it seems like you guys learned a lot (especially about food and resupply). My husband and I are Pinhoti & Appalachian Trail thru hikers and we r doing the JMT July 2016. Looking forward to it & thanks 4 the great video!!

[@sukh824]

Great Doc Pete!!!

[@petebelltv]

Thanks brother!!

[@fetchingphotos]

This was fantastic! I loved every minute of it, I loved the interviews with the ranger, and the scenery was amazing. This trip is one I dream of doing someday, so this was really inspirational. Thank you!

[@cloudyw1thachanceofra1nbow]

Thank u for the wonderful experience that you shared with us! Greetings from Romania !

[@heliscat]

Exceptional movie. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@theresahaley5509]

Excellent video - and thanks for including Ranger Shelton Johnson, one of my favorite people after watching his Ted Talk. (I secretly stalked him while hiking Yosemite haha)

[@Sheety33]

Very enjoyable documentary. Makes me even more excited about this Spring/Summer/Fall hiking season that is upon us!

[@MidsierramusingBlogspot]

Been there, done that, loved it too. Sweet video!

[@sarahnoble5925]

Beautiful

[@sdcaeastcountyfamily]

well done! thanks for sharing your epic journey.

[@nealstafford4389]

sweet,aweome vid.GodBlessYou.thank you 4share.♥

[@TrekkerPat]

Very much enjoyed your fantastic journey hike. Thanks for sharing it!

[@mervilous9105]

great video. one of the top 5 I've seen thus far.

[@Jezod]

This is an Awesome Video!.. I could live my entire life out there.

[@healthyhiker5140]

Love this, great Job

[@kphat954]

Love this.

[@robinorene]

So Beautifully done! And entertaining & fun too. And very cool guitar lic just as you were panning away from Guitar Lake- brilliant!

[@jacobcollier4587]

Amazing job ❤

[@socaltroutcartel574]

This is awesome!!! I hope to do some of those trails soon!

[@JimBobele]

Outstanding documentary, great footage, beautiful narrated! I like the personal snippets of the different people. Thx for the effort of producing this beautiful movie. Thumbs up! Happy hiking

[@furpatrick]

Very cool! Great production value. Gonna be doing it this summer. Can't wait!

[@BBQDad463]

Thanks for this video. Oh, to be young again.

[@Daniel-xc3sv]

Thank you for reminding me the value of my youth.

[@EmelietheBoss]

I can't walk the trail in it's entirely since I only got a permit for it the last part of my US trip so I don't have the time, but I am going from Devils Postpile to Muir Trail Ranch this summer and I am SO excited!

[@darrenwarne371]

thanks guys, loved the video

[@AWalkOnDirt]

I am doing this next summer. I have a 165 mile hike this fall on the Ozark Highlands Trail in the fall. The colors will be amazing and then the following summer the JMT! I am older, 50, but in great shape (Marathon runner). I can't wait test myself on these trails!

[@miles0929]

fantastic!!!

[@IanDatah]

Great documentary.