From the Vogelsang High Sierra Camp, this trail climbs easily to Vogelsang Pass between Vogelsang and Fletcher Peaks.  If you are interested in seeing his work, it can be found at his website. Here, the outbound hiker will want to continue straight (along the John Muir Trail/PCT towards Lyell Canyon), while the return hiker will rejoice at the return to relatively flat ground. One thought on “ Yosemite – tuolumne area : lyell-canyon-vogelsang-loop ” 0109rosanna says: October 21, 2015 at 12:22 pm. If you take your time, it is actually quite enjoyable. And in my opinion, going up Rafferty Creek and down into the Lyell Fork is the way to go. We were going to spend one more night, but smoke from the fires down by Glacier point changed direction, and changed our plans too. If you are carless, there are shuttle services to Tuolumne Meadows. Length 19.6 miElevation gain 2,247 ftRoute type Loop Good but not incredible views from the route’s high point. The Vogelsang Loop is a classic hike through Yosemite’s famed alpine backcountry. With lush flowers come bugs, which may be slightly better on the southwest side than the north side. We hiked all the way up to the trail to Evelyn lake which we would take the next morning. Took us some convincing to move out the next morning. The eastern Cathedral Range from the ridge line over Lyell Canyon. The High Sierra Loop – Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin, The High Sierra Loop – Glen Aulin to May Lake, The High Sierra Loop – May Lake to Sunrise Camp, The High Sierra Loop – Sunrise Camp to Merced Lake, I hope you liked this post. I hope you liked this post. Otherwise I stop mid-way between Little Yosemite Valley and Merced Lake, and then about mid-way between Merced Lake and Vogelsang. This longer Yosemite Backpacking trip is an excellent option for those with a bit more time to spend on the trail and who want to have an all-encompassing experience of Yosemite National Park. Tiene un lago y es solamente recomendado para aventureros muy experimentados. 7.4 miles, 2,000 feet of climbing, difficult. Plenty of camping here, but be gentle! Plenty of bear boxes at that car park too. Donohue Peak rises in the distance. Here is where we disagree with some of the other posts suggesting to take the trail the opposite direction. Took our sweet time and camped 3 nights. This backpacking trip goes through the Yosemite High Country south of highway 120, beginning at Tuolumne Meadows and heading south through Lyell Canyon. Overweight and little aerobic stamina. Up to Vogelsang Pass one day and up to Townsley lake the next. Vogelsang has a bit of a “himalayan” feel. I have a permit for June 20-24. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the scenery along the stretch from Vogelsang down to the Lyell Fork due to all the smoke. This encouraged us to pack quickly and hit the trail early. Here are two photos from the end of our trip.  I want to thank Ranger James and my fellow hikers for making it one of my most fun outdoor experiences, ever. Vogelsang Peak is a popular side excursion from here, although you should be comfortable going off-trail and doing some rock scrambling (the route starts by following the trail towards Vogelsang Pass). September 13, 2015 October 14, 2015 / yogihiker. Pretty awesome!! Snowmelt raises the level of the normally placid Tuolumne River in Lyell Canyon. Check out my post "Into the Meadow." I enjoyed the views ... but it is nowhere near 34 miles. Thanks to Ranger James for a wonderful trip, Day 0:  The High Sierra Loop – Arrival Day, Day 1:  The High Sierra Loop – Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin, Day 2:  The High Sierra Loop – Glen Aulin to May Lake, Day 3:  The High Sierra Loop – May Lake to Sunrise Camp, Day 4-5:  The High Sierra Loop – Sunrise Camp to Merced Lake. We lucked out with a cloudy hiking day, so that was a bonus. As the trail leaves the valley, the woodland assumes a noticeably alpine feel.  We passed a small secluded waterfall before reaching camp. There is a fantastic creek right at the junction and it is spring fed, so it is comfortable to cool off in year round. Fletcher Peak rises next to Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. Our 8 person trip to Vogelsang Hi Sierra Camp was awesome! Park at wilderness center or Dog Lake parking. July brings green meadows and lots of mosquitos, late September brings very chilly nights and no services at the trailhead. Amazing views, great fishing, never saw a mosquito. Head south about 2 miles to Ireland Lake, camp here (there are some sites right by the trail), or keep heading up towards the ridge. You will camp along pristine mountain streams, alpine lakes and at the highest of the High Sierra Camps at … -- in Lyell Canyon. Thanks! When you come up and over the mountain there is a small unnamed lake before Evelyn which we loved!! It took us 5 hours but we were in no hurry. Day 1: The High Sierra Loop – Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin. I found the Glen Aulin to May Lake hike pretty brutal towards the end. We’ll leave behind the crowds of Yosemite Valley as we hike 26.6 miles round trip through the alpine wonderland that is the Vogelsang area. Ending Elevation: 10100 ft. (3078 m) Yes. We had to make sure we liked this tent so we decided to go to Yosemite National Park and try her out. Many hikers prefer traveling uphill to down. Third highlight was Emeric Lake, which we had to ourselves and was gorgeous. This is a possible campsite -- the first since leaving the Lyell Canyon floor -- but there are better ones up ahead, as you traverse along the side of the ridge. The climb up out of the canyon wasn't bad. It is closer to 20 miles. There are excellent campsites just around here, right by the creek. I’m glad you enjoyed the article, Dan. The food is awesome. They were not bad when we hiked and really continued to dwindle as we finished our hike. It was amazing. Yosemite National Park features some of the most beautiful backcountry in all of the Sierra Nevada. My wife and I just did this hike over the labor day weekend 2017. Established over 120 years ago, Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular and visited parks in the country, and for good reason. My original plan was to enter Lyell Canyon, spend the first night at Ireland Lake, cross over to Vogelsang at Evelyn Lake, spend second night at Emeric Lake, then to Merced Lake for 3rd night and then the try to camp as close to Half Dome as possible without being in LYV the last night ( 4th ), summit Half Dome early and exit down the JMT on June 24. The highest of the High Sierra camps at over 10,000 feet above sea level, Vogelsang was established in 1940 and is a great basecamp for hikes to the surrounding alpine lakes, including Evelyn Lake, Ireland Lake, Boothe Lake, Emeric Lake, and Vogelsang Lake. He painted in the evenings and it was magical to watch. Bears are active day and night, and bear-resistant food canisters are required. The High Sierra Camp loop follows trails linking Tuolumne Meadows to Vogelsang, Merced Lake, Sunrise, May Lake, and Glen Aulin High Sierra Camps. The middle section was a boulder field with loose scree on both sides. The John Muir Trail winds through Lyell Canyon. Published by ftreheux. The trek out of the meadow after Ireland Creek junction is definitely a lung-buster but so very worth the effort. Weather-wise, expect warm days and cool nights; temperatures in the 40F range are common even at the height of summer, while it can warm up to 85F at the height of summer. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Cross the river and head back to the permit station to finish the hike. Would do it again in a heart beat. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. From this point on, you're by the High Sierra Camp. Fantastic sunrises and sunsets the entire trip. Yosemite Wilderness Permits This is the last reliable water for 4 miles. http://www.yarts.com. Only had time to do a short section after the split down Lyell canyon. This is an example of the open spaces -- and delightfully flat terrain! The next morning, the wind was gone, and unfortunately, that meant the Mosquitos came out with a vengeance. Towards the top of the ridge there are numerous places for camping but there are only a few places with readily accessible water. The hike up is not too steep, mostly in the shade, and only the altitude and carrying a pack make it strenuous. In its entirety, the camp has a dining area, a bathroom, and a seperate backpacker's camp. There will be plenty to paint! This remarkable landscape, deeply loved by naturalist John Muir and photographer Ansel Adams, features breathtaking mountains, deep valleys, majestic meadows, ancient sequoias, wild rivers, massive granite domes and much more. The route continues through the remarkably flat and lovely Lyell Canyon until its junction with Ireland Creek. This weeklong loop in the Cathedral Range is the epitome of Yosemite high country hikes: you'll climb past craggy granite, listen to babbling streams, and gaze at … Most visitors opt to book “glamping” tent cabins and meals at each camp so that they hike in a 49-mile loop, going from Tuolumne Meadows Lodge to Glen Aulin, to May Lake, to Sunrise Camp, to Merced Lake, to Vogelsang, and finally back to Tuolumne Meadows. You can follow the trail to Vogelsang Lake and climb the peak from there (search Everytrail for useful links). I've seen way more spectacular lakes in Yosemite than Ireland Lake! Side day hike to Vogelsang pass is definitely worth it. Day 3 was downhill to Lyell Canyon. Clouds Rest is visible to the right too. Vogelsang Pass is the highest point on the loop trail connecting six of the High Sierra Camps. We left in the middle of the afternoon for the PCT along the Lyell Fork. I agree with the other reviewer here, this tarn should be named. This post is part of a series about my hike on Yosemite’s High Sierra Loop. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm The High Sierra Loop is an adventure into some of the prettiest country in the entire Sierra Nevada Range and highlights the best of Yosemite’s high country in just four days! The Vogelsang Camp is a small tent village with 12 cabin-like tents that you can rent. Known for its incredible views from Vogelsang pass of the Clark range and other high country lakes visitors to the Vogelsang area are driven to climb the added 540′ feet out of Vogelsang high camp to the pass and along the way enjoying the Vogelsang lake and surrounding landscapes. I went counterclockwise and found it moderate only because I was carrying a pack. After a long day of hiking uphill and carrying all of our stuff on our backs, the tent-cabins at the Camp looked super cozy. Really enjoyed the hike. If you’re just getting into overnight backpacking trips, this short one… This is a long loop that visits the most popular areas of Yosemite’s high country. For the described hike, you will enter via Lyell Canyon, or the hike can be reversed, entering via Vogelsang. Starting Elevation: 7150 ft. (2179 m)  When a fish took the bait, he became very excited and gave a mighty jerk to set the hook. Wind limits tree growth near tarn 10,425. You are almost at the high point here. Yosemite Regional Transport See the High Sierra Camp page for more information. Everyone in our party agrees that this is the way to go, contrary to some other reviews here. In late May we received the tent we hoped would be our home on the PCT next year. http://www.yosemitepark.com/accomodations_highsierracamps.aspx, http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm, http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Surprisingly, however, most people stick to a few main trails – namely the John Muir Trail between Yosemite Valley – Tuolumne Meadows – Donahue Pass and the High Sierra Camp trails leading to Merced Lake – Vogelsang – Sunrise. 14. Did not find Ireland Lake worth the effort to hike out to. We had a snack and then began our 7 mile hike out along the Rafferty creek. Shortly after crossing the river, head east (away from the campground), and you'll soon run into the return leg of the trip, coming down from Rafferty Creek/Vogelsang. Trailhead: Lyell Canyon TrailheadLoop: Lyell Canyon and Vogelsang Loop Trail (found via AllTrails)Distance: 19.6 Miles (1-3+ nights depending on your side trails and/or abilities)Time of Year: Summer (End of June) *COVIDTraffic: Low *COVIDMaps: AllTrails (Downloaded) & Trails Illustrated Map 206: Yosemite National Park Trail… We got back from doing this loop with slight variations. We were under no illusions about the difficult climb ahead.  But many of us were raring to go.  We hiked away from Merced Lake through cool forest.  But soon the trail begins a long series of switchbacks as it ascends the walls of the Merced River valley. The reversed hike has a more steady climb up front versus the long, flat approach via Lyell Canyon. And the stars were perfect. Looking for more Yosemite? It was AMAZING. El sendero ofrece una serie de opciones de actividades y es mejor utilizado de mayo hasta octubre. We had to make sure we liked this tent so we decided to go to Yosemite National Park and try her out. IT makes a big difference to come prepared. I’ve not looked into restrictions on camping near the HSC. Yosemite National Park is truly a crown jewel of America’s many outstanding backpacking destinations. Next: Merced Lake to Vogelsang The High Sierra Loop – Introduction. SUPER DUPER FLAT and quick hike out. Vogelsang is the highest of the High Sierra Camps at 10,100’. 8. Trevor told me a story about a person he was teaching to fish. A small tarn provides nice campsites near Fletcher Peak. As we dropped down from the TM pass, we encountered a small unnamed tarn in a large valley before dropping down to Evelyn lake. Hiked it clockwise down Lyell Canyon. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $20 per person. Every day is a Sierra highlights reel—roaring waterfalls, wildflower meadows, quiet lodgepole pine forests, and jagged granite peaks—that ends with a family-style dinner. There are no showers at Vogelsang or Glen Aulin, but there are shower stalls. Starting from Tuolumne Lodge and going clockwise: Vogelsang, Merced Lake, Sunrise, May Lake, Glen Aulin and back to the Tuolumne Lodge trailhead. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. Except for a short duration on the way up „the steep bit“ we were never bothered by any bugs. I do this hike as part of a longer loop. We dropped down past Ireland Lake trail junction and took the JMT down into Lyell Canyon where we stayed another night. We huffed up canyons with steep walls of polished granite.  Despite being conditioned from 5 days of hiking, we labored up the unrelenting grade.  I’m sure you have been in similar situations.  Heart palpitating, you can hear the blood pounding in your ears as you struggle for breath. The Pass would have been my second highlight had we not summited. Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter. The trailhead is just off the Tioga Pass Road in the Tuolumne Meadows region of Yosemite; this is a summer hub of activity for the park and a beautiful place to visit. Pretty tired after an unexpected 6.3 mile hike. Day 0: The High Sierra Loop – Arrival Day. Beyond that, it is the nicest gradual ascending trail I've been on in a while. We had NO bugs camped on the windward edge of Boothe lake. You will be heading up the valley along Ireland Creek shortly. Potter Point and Amelia Earhart Peak rise over Lyell Canyon, next to Ireland Creek. We just finished this hike July 27th-30th. It literally took my breath away to see that it was James McGrew. Plenty of green left and some beautiful changing colors. This quintessential Yosemite trek takes us high into the backcountry of the famed Cathedral Range through narrow canyons, stunning alpine meadows and crystal clear mountain lakes. With its iconic scenery and mountains, including Half Dome and El Capitan, there are really no other National or State parks like it. It can be done as either an "independent" backpacking trip or through Yosemite's High Sierra Camps, providing meals and shelter at the Vogelsang High Sierra Camp in-season. This trip is doable during the summer and early fall, roughly from July through October, with August and early September being the perfect time for the hike. We reached a gorgeous stream cascading down the granite hillside.  It was a timely opportunity to cool down and take a break from the climb.  Panting heavily, we enjoyed the stream while the remainder of the group joined us at its bank. – Part 1 – Vogelsang Loop. First of all, it is a pack trail, so much of it included the typical large granite steps that are typical of pack trails in the high Sierra. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. We camped out for 2 nights and did day hikes around the area.  If so, you may be interested in others inÂ. Also, this trail is definitely NOT mostly flat. Our rest and recovery day behind us, the group was ready for the climb to Vogelsang.  The ascent is nearly 3,000 feet over 7 miles.  But altitude adds an extra degree of difficulty.  Vogelsang is the highest of the High Sierra Camps at 10,100’.  It has a distinct alpine feel with thin air to match. Park at wilderness center or Dog Lake parking. That route is steep, for a long ways!!! The hike travels through a range of alpine environments including meadows, forests, and passes. We did JMT up Lyell Canyon, up Ireland Creek Trail (night 1 in the little clearing where the dominant branch of the creek diverges from the trail), slackpacked over to the Lake and back, continued to Vogelsang HSC (night 2), slackpacked to the Pass and Peak, continued to Emeric Lake (night 3) onto the Tuolume Pass and down to JMT. I would suggest during fire season that an essential piece of gear to bring is an N95 or N99 or pm2.5 MASK, JUST IN CASE the winds change and you have an unexpected smoky day while out in the wilderness. Your trail will go right by Mammoth Mountain through Lyell Canyon. A bit treacherous on the descent. Sept 29-Oct 2,2020. My boyfriend and I did it over 3 days, our favorite camp being under Fletcher peak near Vogelsang. The really nice campsites are mostly behind you but the views just keep getting better. I would say we were mostly going down hill all the way and several parts in the middle and at the end were worse than what we had done the day before. Two other familiar names in the area, Babcock and Emeric, were also Fish and Game commissioners. We had to set up our shelters quickly in the afternoon in Lyell Canyon as a late afternoon thundershower blessed us with some great views and cooler weather. The way down Rafferty Creek on the third day took us 3h and is a very relaxed descent and wasn‘t hard on our legs. Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.  Here are some photographs from the climb: An amazing waterfall spills over granite ramparts, Bush Monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus) and other wildflowers decorated our journey, The scale of the terrain does not come through in pictures. The name “Vogelsang” is derived from German words meaning, “birdsong.”  The name captures a fierce alpine beauty that greatly affects many visitors.  Adjacent to the camp is a large lake, and I ambled over with my camera to take a look. (And note the lack of trees to stop the wind, if it's a windy night). In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. You can see how this makes for great camping, however. In early November some of the streams/lakes were partially frozen and the grasses are dry. We did this the opposite way than what this review spells out. From the top of the ridge, it's a slow drift downwards past a number of lakes to Vogelsang High Sierra Camp: both Lake 10,425 and Evelyn Lake offer nice, if windy, campsites and views towards the center of the Cathedral Range. When I got to the final post, I clicked on the link to his website. Enjoy the fields of wildflowers through the canyon, especially in early summer. Yosemite!! I located it by sound. Great challenging route with some good scenery along the way. Note the layers within the granite on the way towards Vogelsang. I was so happy when we arrived. It was a great trip. Yosemite High Sierra Camps: Sunrise to Merced to Vogelsang Loop - See 138 traveler reviews, 99 candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite High Sierra Camps at Tripadvisor. Was glad we were going down that, not up. Wonderful experience though. There weren't many switchbacks, it just winded through the forest. Lyell Canyon. Two creeks merge with a delightful waterfall. The Vogelsang High Sierra Camp is the highest elevation camp, located at 10,300 feet (3,100 m). From the High Sierra Camp, the trail drops to Tuolumne Pass and then gently descends the valley of Rafferty Creek until a last drop to meet the Tuolumne River and the trail you started on. some fantastic swimming spots along the way. He made each of us do an art project of our own during the trip. So the hike up Rafferty Creek was right at 7 miles to the backpackers campground at Vogelsang. This viewpoint is shortly before the junction with the Ireland Creek Trail. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. I'll soon be publishing my book about my 100-mile solo saunter following John Muir’s journals through Yosemite… Scenic meadows, but not a challenging hike in the physical sense. Our last night we hiked the 5.5 miles out along the JMT to our cars parked at Dog Lake Parking area. Wildflowers speckle the banks of the Tuolumne River in Lyell Canyon in early summer. And James supplied the materials! The trees helped manage the wind and the site was perfect. Once you reach the Ireland Creek Junction, you leave the John Muir Trail and turn towards Vogelsang and Ireland Lake. Good campsites on west side (far side) of Lake. It is merely 1.5 miles to Ireland Lake. This particular spot is an excellent place to cool your feet or filter water before the Ireland Creek junction. Merced Lake to Vogelsang via Fletcher Creek Only drawback was significant smoke on the second day and lingering smoke at a distance on others. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 21. Stayed night 1 at Vogelsang H.S. Huge Mountains, valleys, lakes, cascades, granite scapped mountains in both directions. The scenery doesn't really unfold until you can start to see Fletcher and Vogelsang peaks. backpacking lyell canyon tuolumne vogelsang yosemite. We parked and started hiking from the Dog Lake parking area though. For an independent backpacking trip, a hiking permit is required; permits can either be reserved up to 6 months in advance or obtained the day before first-come-first-served. It was breezy in the afternoon but I think that kept the mosquitoes at bay. A tramp through the heart of Yosemite's Cathedral Range. GPS compatible with a complete UTM grid, this trail map, produced by Tom Harrison maps, is easy to read and includes May Lake, Glen Aulin, Vogelsang, Merced