Although thousands of people hike to Camp Muir each year, it is not for the inexperienced or novice hiker. This hike is long, arduous and potentially hazardous if the weather turns nasty. Mistakes in navigation when traveling to or from Camp Muir during storms or "white-outs" have resulted in lost climbers and hikers and occasional fatalities. To decrease the possibility of this happening to your party, the National Park Service has a map available with compass bearings to and from Camp Muir.
The Camp Muir trail is an extremely difficult, nine mile round-trip hike, gaining 4600 feet elevation and has a high point of 10,080 feet. Allow six to eight hours for the hike. It is accessible mid-July through September. The trailhead is located to the left of the ranger station in the large parking lot at Paradise. Follow the Skyline Trail 2.3 miles upward to Pebble Creek. Be sure to treat water before drinking from the creek! Here the Muir Snowfield begins. The next 2.2 miles involve an ascent of 2800 feet up the snowfield. Camp Muir's facilities include a ranger station, solar toilet, and the Muir Public Shelter.
Camp Muir's public shelter was built between 1916 and 1921 is made of mortered stone. It will accommodate approximately 25 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Climbers must melt snow for drinking water. Treat or boil water.
