The John Muir Wilderness encompasses a 100-mile stretch of typical Sierra Nevada peaks and valleys, including the tallest peak in the lower 48 states, Mount Whitney (14,496 feet). It is one of the most heavily visited wildernesses in the nation. The John Muir was also established with the Wilderness Act of 1964 and enlarged by the California Wilderness Act of 1984, now totaling 584,000 acres.
Named after the brightly colored California state fish, the Golden Trout Wilderness extends from Lone Pine below the John Muir Wilderness, south and west, encompassing 306,000 acres. Designated a wilderness in 1978 by the United States Congress, the Golden Trout sees heavy visitor use and attracts anglers, horse packers, backpackers, and water adventurers alike.