Life, as the trail, is a never-ending series of ups and downs. An exploration of the challenges and peace found in the Great Outdoors-and how they might salve the plight of daily life-Elevation Gain tracks J. Wilson's 17-day thru-hike of the John Muir Trail in 2019. Both pensive and light-hearted in style, Elevation Gain contains both affection for nature and cultural criticism alongside history lessons and observation of current events. Trekking with his wife, Wilson explores the simple life of the long-distance hiker while laboring to shake off the clutter of civilization and apply the trail's magic to a complicated post-hike life.Running from Yosemite Valley (elevation: 4,040 feet) to the summit of Mount Whitney (elevation: 14,505 feet), the iconic John Muir Trail is a 210-mile, long-distance hike in the Sierra Nevada of California. With an elevation gain of around 46,000 feet and descent of approximately 38,000 feet, the trail lies primarily at or above 8,000 feet in elevation. The JMT passes through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks, as well as the Inyo and Sierra National Forests (including the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wildernesses), and Devils Postpile National Monument. Over the course of the journey, hikers cross ten mountain passes, six of which lie above 11,000 feet in elevation.