Unfortunately, through-hikers do not have much choice regarding a stop at Muir Trail Ranch (MTR); it is the only resupply location along the 105-mile southern stretch of the John Muir Trail (with the exception of Onion Valley which requires hiking an additional ten miles). The Ranch does a good job of supplying boxes for individuals and keeps well-stocked hiker bins, but the services leave much to be desired. Here's an example... I'm 49 years old and was solo hiking the trail with a 40+ pound backpack. I rushed frantically to reach MTR before closing and was utterly exhausted when I arrived at 4:30 PM after eleven days trudging through endless mountain passes well-above 10,000'. I was ecstatic to reach the Ranch and gather my food cache. As I started to empty my box, those of us in attendance were told: "We close at 5:00. I don't care where you go, but you can't stay here." We were incredulous! We needed to empty our canisters, clear out our packs, charge our electronics, search through the hiker boxes, and add new items to our packs. This can take much more time than expected (particularly when you're spent after a long week), but doesn't require any work on the part of the employees. They had to put away the boxes, but the rush was completely unnecessary. They could have gone for dinner while we finished our organizing and then put the boxes away later. I had imagined this would be a fun experience, but, instead, was frantically trying to get the gear I needed. It was so disappointing and I was so worried I would make a mistake leaving me without a necessary item or leaving me lugging added weight until my next resupply. Frankly, I was scared. When outside the Ranch, the area is incredible! The camp was in an excellent location and perfect for solo and group backpackers. Crossing the river to the hot springs was also wonderful. A natural bath after many days on the trail was truly refreshing. read more

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Well it turns out, the rumors are true. Muir Trail Ranch really doesn't like hikers. I thought surely their reputation for being so rude must be coming from PCT hikers since they're more likely to just roll in looking to scavenge for scraps without paying for anything, but apparently MTR shares disdain for all hikers equally! I came in as one of the hundreds of JMT hikers picking up my $85 resupply and let me tell you, the condescension was palpable. From the moment you walk through the front gate, you're bombarded with signs demanding that you don't touch anything, don't bother anyone, stay in your area and don't expect any bathrooms or services. The girls working the ranch for the season were nice or didn't interact at all but the manager responsible for retrieving our resupply was impatient and rude. The last straw was the "shop" that's actually just the manager's small office where there is no wifi but you can pay a whopping $10 for just 15 minutes on a laptop to access your email only. Give me a break. All in all, what a disappointment. It's difficult not to get the distinct impression that they think you're trash and want you to just get your stuff, don't touch anything and then get lost as soon as possible. But thousands of people hike the JMT each year- 3500 in 2016 is the latest figure from NPS. Even if only half of those people pay for an $85 resupply bucket- a very conservative estimate given that MTR is basically the last remote resupply half way through the trail- they're still making a killing off of hikers which is exactly why I don't understand the bad attitude. They treat you like cattle and act like they're doing you a favor even though you're obviously a significant source of revenue for them each season which is probably why they tolerate hikers at all. I don't know what it's like to be one of their guests, but if I could do it over, I would absolutely avoid patronizing this business as a hiker because they're extremely unwelcoming. Everyone picking up their resupply at the same time as me felt the same. Instead, I would resupply at VVR (Vermillion Valley Resort) which has a ferry you have to catch but it's a wild party on Lake Edison and they LOVE hikers. The next resupply if you want to avoid this ranch is Onion Valley which does have a hike-out over Kearsarge Pass but it's no Mather Pass, it's a mild climb and you can get some excellent resupply services with a shower and a shuttle to and from the trail head from Onion Valley. If I could do it over again (and probably will in the next few years) this is exactly what I would do. If you're a hiker, skip MTR. The insufferable condescension on top of the steepest resupply fee you'll find on the trail just isn't worth it. read more

I backpacked entire John Muir Trail this summer 2014. Muir Trail Ranch is located at a half point, so it's great to resupply here for me because I resupplied only once. You can charge camera, phone etc, and can buy fuel or gear. I bought a bottle of fuel. Also there are many donation buckets. I ran out of bandaids and toilet paper, so I could get them! When you send resupply bucket and arrived at MTR, MTR emails you, very nice. read more

I sent a resupply here for when I did the John Muir Trail and unfortunately I had to end the trip before I got to MTR because of an injury. I was able to contact MTR the day before I was scheduled to pick up my resupply letting them know I wouldn't be coming and asking them if they could have my resupply bucket returned to me (it says you can do this on their website). They agreed and told me it would take a few weeks and I was happy. I just received the resupply bucket back and over half of the stuff that was inside it is missing. All of the protein bars, snicker bars, kind bars, a bottle of olive oil, two bottles of sunscreen, toothpaste, lotion, turkey jerky, and half of the lunches were all removed. This totals around $100 worth of goods that were stolen out of my resupply bucket. I am not sure if the stuff was stolen out of my resupply before or after I asked for it to be returned, but imagine if it was before and I hadn't ended my trip early. I would not recommend using their resupply service if you could help it. I paid them $85 to steal $100 worth of goods from me. read more

Maybe I am biased because I visited Muir Trail Ranch towards the end of our backpacking trip along the JMT, but FIVE STARS! We stopped here to pick up our food resupply which was stress free, and they offered tons of extra food from other resupplies that were left behind. They happened to have 1 one walk in room available that night so we immediately booked it - desperate for a shower and some home cooked food. The bill was not cheap, around $170 per person for a cold room but the amenities were great! The hot springs were so relaxing and the food prepared from the chef was DELICIOUS. This place is truly special as it is tucked away in the middle of nowhere. We wished we had one more day here but were sadly on a time crunch. If you are hiking the JMT or PCT, be sure to stop by the Muir Trail Ranch to see if they have a room available, or pick up some food, or purchase some supplies! You won't regret it. read more

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I have stayed at MTR once as a guest, used it as a resupply station, and passed by as a hiker. Good to resupply, but not worth staying. This place is way overpriced, the cheapest lodging is $150 per person, and those don't even have toilets or showers in the cabin/tent. The outside showers have barely warm water and very low pressure, with no pressure at all if another person is taking shower at the same time (there are only 2 on the property). You can get cabins with bathrooms, if you pay more, but I think even $150 a person is way too much for backpackers. Not worth staying, even though a dinner and next day breakfast are included. They close their gates at 5pm, so if you don't make it, you lose your room. They do have 2 hot tubs on the property, but with 15-20 people staying, those can get crowded, Besides, there are public hot springs 10 min from there (where you can camp as well). If you don't stay there, it is a good place to send your resupply, as they are exactly in the middle of JMT, just slightly off the trial. They have hikers exchange buckets, which can be helpful if you run out of food or essentials like first-aid items, toiletries, fuel, or maps. You can also buy limited items in their store. If you don't stay, prepare to be treated as a second class citizen, with no right to use their bathrooms, let alone showers. This place feels very unwelcome, unless you stay - then they treat you like a family. read more

i stayed here midway through my 2007 trip of the John Muir Trail. This was the halfway point (south to north), where we had sent our food too. for this mere fact alone, it deserves a 5. but our circumstances allowed for 3 full days of rain prior to arrival, then magically as if the heavens opened up, it was totally clear the day of pickup. where our bucket of goodness awaited. after wolfing down some goodies, repacking our resupply, and sluffing up some 2 thousand feet up to just below selden pass, our wondrous day of sunshine came to an abrupt end. in fact another stint of 15 hours of solid rain. yes, over 3 inches in a 2 hour span. yes it sucked. so we grudgingly packed up and hiked back DOWN to muir trail ranch. checked in and laid down the $125 per head. this by FAR is the BEST $125 i've ever spent for a night anywhere. lets ignore the fact that we've been hiking for some 11 days straight, no bathroom, no showers, no mirrors no nothing. ignore the fact that we havent had a bed nor a burger in a while. and we're in the middle of nowhere. i would stay here hands down any vacation. they are the FRIENDLIEST people on earth. the food they cook is OUT OF THIS WORLD. pair that with the fact that we were hikers, so we ate 3 WHOLE plates. we're talking ginormous king sized plates of goodness. there isn't a thing they cook that doesn't make you say "shoot me, but i want some more" the hot springs are so relaxing and such a unique experience that truly makes your stay here totally unforgettable. though this was well over a year ago, and in the middle of such an incredible hike, but during the most horrible of times that i've ever had in the backcountry, i remember this very distinctly. i would so much like to return here with any backpacker, experienced or inexperienced for a total hidden forest oasis. this is a must visit, and unfortunately too far off the beaten path for most that they will never make it out here. but for those that are even thinking about it, this is a serious must go, you will never regret it. and if you want any details about my John Muir Trail hike (yes all 230+ miles of it - we started on the south end at Cottonwood Pass), i would be more than happy to share, i have a very detailed recollection and pack list / itinerary. read more

Southbound JMT Hiker, July 2012 I did not resupply here but I did rummage through the overflow bins and bought a few items from the store. They organize the overflow food a lot better then Reds or VVR. They DO NOT sell food at there very small store but they DO have a bunch of backpacker supplies that I found handy (stove gas, socks, hiking poles, first aid stuff, ect). They do NOT have a phone to use and apparently the WIFI is expense and super slow. The hot springs are warm but murky (guessing 97+- 2 degrees) and the "warm" lake behind the hot springs is really refreshing. I found a pair of sunglasses at the bottom of the hot springs (score). This area gets SUPER crowded by JMTers resupply and camping along the river bank. Try to camp across the river from MTR, on the hot springs side. Also there is NOT a pit toilet anywhere in this area, which is surprising because: 1) Concentration of people 2) MTR makes $$ off the backpackers ... they should open a back country toilet out there somewhere. Or at least push the park service to do something about it. If you are thinking you can walk-up and spend a night at the ranch ... good luck!! A lot of fellow hikers had the same plan and the ranch was fully booked up. Overall great stop. Spent a full day eating, swimming and hot springing. read more

I stayed here three times in the past, and would stay here again. Along the JMT there are only three places that offer convenient resupply options together with showers, a warm place to spend the night and some cooked food. Muir Trail ranch is one of these three places but it is a bit different: you can't enjoy their hotsprings, you can't use their showers, and you won't be fed unless you pay to spend the night in one of their cabins, in which case you get everything included in the price. Pros: - You will only find hikers here, no random people driving up on a bus - Perfectly located in the middle of the JMT, almost right on the trail - Hotsprings - Simple, clear directions for mailing and picking up your resupply - Great food (they cook dinner and breakfast) - Log cabins have bathrooms inside - Free, all you can drink, lemonade Cons: - Unless you are staying the night and only picking up your resupply the staff can be quite rude - Food is great, but you eat what the chef cooks that night/morning (has not been a problem for me so far) I would give this place five stars if not for the strange policy of being very rude to people who are not staying at the ranch. Last time I was here we hiked in with another couple who decided not to spend the night due to their schedule. While picking up their resupply the couple asked if there is a bathroom they could use, they were answered with a very blunt "NO, if you want to go to the bathroom go back on the trail", this was said in plain sight of a bathroom, with the door wide open. read more

I had an interesting experience at Muir Trail Ranch. The emails reflects what happened and how the ranch personnel handled the matter. Good afternoon, Hilary, Thank you for your response. I will keep it short and succinct. Again, I wish you all well. To the hillbilly on the day in question: John Muir once said to an inhospitable man, "I would rather suffer than encroach on your hospitality." Have an excellent week. Regards, JMT Hiker. Lai, Thank you for your email. We are sorry that you were not able to stop by the ranch when we were open for business during our regular season, at which time we are happy to accommodate the use of our hiker boxes (which are entirely dependent on what other resupply customers donate). We did shut down our whole resupply operation the previous day, and our hiker boxes were not still available. Regards, Hilary Painter Muir Trail Ranch On Sun, Sep 27, 2015 at 8:11 PM To Whom It May Concern, I hope this letter finds you well. I was at Muir Trail Ranch on September 20th, at approximately 6pm; yes, I know you were closed. I approached a young man, a staff member, who ask me how he can help me. I kindly informed the young ranch helper I needed food for resupply because I was a JMT hiker out of food. The young man said, "There is no sales of food and drinks here and we're closed." The man walked away before I was done speaking. I am aware that Muir Trail Ranch was closed, however, I was a human being in need of help. I found it acceptable that the ranch was closed, but I reject the idea that the ranch was closed to a little courtesy or kindness to another human being in need of assistance in the middle of the woods with nowhere to turn. No one can deny Muir Trail Ranch makes a substantial profit from JMT hikers like myself. Why would a staff member be so quick to turn his back on a desperate hiker without resources? The one thing I do know is if the situation was reversed, I would definitely help the young man who turn his back on me. I don't expect any changes for I am only one voice, however, I can take my complaint on the internet where my voice is magnified. I heard good things about MTR before I went there; I would like to think the people that truly represent MTR is sincere and caring to all people from all walks of life. I didn't see that in the young man that September 20 evening, but I do wish him well in his life. I had options for resupply after I was rejected; unfortunately, they were all very difficult to get to. I thank the Lord for stepping in to help me. I wish He blesses you all with your journey as He did mine. Sincerely, JMT Hiker. read more

What an awesome place. Not cheap but the level of work needed to keep this magical spot in supplies and food and repair must be astronomical. Best hot tubs ever! Really nice people and amazing cooks. A feeling of being with your extended family deep in the woods. Finished a five day hike here and what an amazing stay. read more

I hiked the John Muir Trail in 2013 and stayed at Muir Trail Ranch for two nights. I also sent a resupply bucket. I was very pleased with both the resupply service and the accommodations which includes food. The tent cabin was fairly new and well maintained, food was very good, and the hot spring fed pools were great. I made reservations but on the days I was there they had availability for walk-ins as well. I recommend Muir Trail Ranch both for resupply and to stay a night or two around the mid point of the John Muir Trail. read more

Beautiful hiker resupply ranch that you can stay at. Family owned for the past 64 years! Highly recommend:) read more

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My favorite place! We have gone here every year and it's amazing. Staff , food, entertainment! Thanks Dave and Rick! DJ always great! Hillary and Luke you do an amazing job read more

They are extremely rude to people. Everyone except for the man running the store seemed to look down on all of the hikers. They did not care about thru hikers and had the attitude that if you broke your leg outside of their facilities then they wouldn't bother helping you. read more

wife and I stayed there at least a couple of times while checking out hot springs on site (private) and across the river (Blayner etc.) Great location for a decadent mini-vacation as we used the "short-stay" option. read more