Avoid camping in this 11 mile section of the trail if you want to keep your food. A large rodent, called a Marmot, that lives along the trail can also be a problem. Marmots will eat anything and may chew through your pack if you leave it unattended. This is especially a problem where hikers leave their packs at Trail Crest, for the short hike up to the summit of Mt Whitney. These elusive creatures are not generally a problem, and you should feel fortunate if you see one.
Cats like to chase things that are running.
How to Handle a Mountain Lion Encounter . Guidebooks, Maps, and Videos. In addition, several videos about the trail are also available. Other Help Richard Kirby and his wife Mattie hiked the John Muir trail from August 20th through September 2nd 1996. They spent 14 days on the trail and one day at the Vermilion Valley Resort as a rest day.