In April, the John Muir Trail experiences a blend of sun and precipitation, with conditions varying from light snow and freezing rain in the early sections to milder and sunnier weather towards the eastern regions. Temperatures fluctuate widely, from freezing conditions in the high elevations to more moderate temperatures in the lower regions. Overall, hikers can expect a mix of clear skies and intermittent precipitation throughout the trail.
Starting at Happy Isles, expect sunny periods mixed with sporadic light freezing rain and snow showers. Temperatures vary from -9°C to 14°C, occasionally dropping to -11°C. Moving to Sunrise Creek, conditions are partly cloudy with intermittent light freezing rain. Highs and lows range from -11°C to 10°C. As you approach Lower Cathedral Lake, more sunshine emerges, yet freezing rain and snow may occur, with highs peaking at 12°C.
Continuing to Tuolumne Meadow, conditions brighten with sunny spells, though patchy snow and moderate rain are possible, with temperatures dipping to -13°C. At Donahue Pass, the weather remains unpredictable, interspersing sunny days with significant snowfall and freezing rain, temperatures frequently below -7°C. Garnet Lake has clearer skies occasionally interrupted by heavy rain or snow showers, lows often reaching -14°C. By the time hikers reach Red’s Meadow and Lake Virginia, the weather is capricious with chances of snow and rain alternating with sunshine.
Near Marie Lake, the weather gradually stabilizes with more sunny days and occasional rain showers, but snow showers can still appear, yielding temperatures that may briefly spike to 21°C. Muir Trail Ranch enjoys similar conditions with occasional snow, while McClure Meadow often sees sun with sporadic rain showers, temperatures ranging up to 18°C. Conditions at Medium Lake include periodic snow amidst sunny intervals, while Deer Meadow stays clearer, showing highs to 15°C on sunnier days.
From Taboose Pass Junction through the Whitney Zone, expect a continued alternation between sun and partly cloudy skies, with snow or rain showers possible. The weather further mellows around Wright Creek and Guitar Lake, where sun dominates but rain and lower temperatures retain a presence. At Whitney Portal, the climate is generally warm and sunny, with highs reaching 24°C, creating a fitting end to the trail's weather variability.
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