The John Muir Hiking Trail (a.k.a. the motherland of breathtaking views) is named after the nation's most influential naturalists and founder of the Sierra Club, John Muir. Running 211 miles north and south, the trail spans over three national parks, beginning at the glaciated granite domes of Yosemite to the 14,505-foot summit of Mount Whitney (the highest point in the continental United States).

Finishing the trail will take you 30 days, so pack your bags and prepare for a long adventure—you're about to witness some of the greatest assets that nature has to offer.

1. Cascade Valley

The Cascade Valley trail is a short 1.1 miles, beginning at Minnow Creek and ending at Fish Creek, but the Cascade Valley waterfall with have you dumbfounded in wonderment.

2. Cathedral Peak

Cathedral Peak—part of the Cathedral Range in Yosemite National Park—was formed by glacial activity and got its named from its cathedral-shaped peak (duh).

3. Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows is a quiet, dome-studded, meadowy section of the Tuolumne River, on the east side of Yosemite National Park. Perfect for quiet meditation.

(Evolution Lake, photo by Rini Sugianto)

4. Evolution Lake

The Lake Evolution basin in High Sierra country is most famous for its pyramid-shaped peaks, mountain meadows, alpine lakes, and clean alpine air. At night, you can look up and see the stars and galaxies, unpolluted by city lights.

5. Garnet Lake

Garnet Lake is located in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Inyo National Forest. Framed by bedrock and pines, it's easy to see why the famous photographer loved this place.

6. Grouse Meadows

Grouse Meadows is located just south of the Bishop Pass and John Muir Trail junction. Keep an eye out for deer in this beautiful meadow.

(Mount Whitney, photo by Rini Sugianto)

7. Mount Whitney

Mount Whitney is the highest summit in the Sierra Nevadas with an elevation of 14,505 feet.

(Muir Pass and hut, photo by Rini Sugianto)

8. Muir Pass

Muir Pass is the midway point of the John Muir Trail. The Muir Hut, built by the Sierra Club, is at the summit of the pass.

9. Rae Lakes Basin

Rae Lakes Basin stuns as one of the most beautiful locations in Kings Canyon National Park.

(Seven Gables Peak, photos by Rini Sugianto)

10. Seven Gables Peak

Seven Gables is located in the Bear Lakes basin near Lake Italy and Mount Hilgard. It sits above most of the surrounding peaks and has outstanding views ranging from Mount Lyell to Mount Whitney.

(Thousand Island Lake, photo by Rini Sugianto)

11. Thousand Island Lake

Thousand Island Lake is a large, elevated lake in the Sierra Nevadas named for the various small rocky islands that pierce its surface.

12. Pacific Crest Trail

Popularized by the Reese Witherspoon movie Wild, The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the most stunning hiking trails in the world.