Yosemite is unpredictable. The itinerary may change due to trail closures, extreme weather, smoke, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances. If you sign up for this trip, you agree to be flexible regarding the itinerary.
The High Sierra Camps was an idea started in 1916 to make the high Sierra more accessible to the public. Imagine the joy of backpacking without the burden of a heavy backpack filled with tents and cooking gear. Accessible on foot or by mule, the camps are spaced 6 to 10 miles apart along a loop trail. We will not stay at the camps but will stay next door at the backpacker campground. Some of them have flushing or composting toilets that we can use. All of them have a lake or river for swimming. The High Sierra Camp loop follows trails linking Tuolumne MeadowsHSC(1916) to VogelsangHSC(1940), Merced LakeHSC(1916), SunriseHSC(1960), May LakeHSC(1938), and Glen AulinHSC(1927). The hike travels through a range of alpine environments including meadows, forests, and passes. This is a long loop trail that visits the most popular areas of Yosemite’s high country. Distance: 48.2 miles (77.6 km) loop Elevation Gain: 6,450 feet (1,970 m)
Optional Day 0 Monday, Aug 25 Tuolumne Meadows Backpacker Camp overnight
Day 1 Tuesday, Aug 26 Cathedral Lakes Trailhead to Sunrise HSC 7.4 miles 1,371 ft ascent
The trail climbs to the Cathedral Lakes area where we can rest and get water. The trail starts going downhill and through meadows to the Sunrise HSC.
Day 2 Wednesday, Aug 27 Sunrise HSC to Merced Lake HSC 9.5 miles with 2,500 ft descent
The trail begins with an easy 1.5 miles and then descends almost 2500' over nearly six miles. The final two miles of trail pass through lush Echo Valley and then over granite before pacing alongside the Merced River at its outlet from Merced Lake. Parts of the trail are forested while others are over granite. Water is available at the Echo Creek crossings (seasonal) and along the Merced River.
Day 3 Thursday, Aug 28 Merced Lake HSC to Vogelsang HSC 7.8 miles with 2,950 ft ascent
Route 1: The Fletcher Creek route is slightly shorter and gains about 800' less elevation overall. This trail has short segments of flat trail interspersed with steep climbs. It offers the chance to see Babcock Lake and Emeric Lake by walking .3 and .4 miles, respectively, from the trail. Water is available at the Fletcher Creek crossing (seasonal) and the aforementioned lakes.
Route 2: The Lewis Creek route is slightly longer and gains 800' more elevation because it climbs over Vogelsang Pass at nearly 10,700 feet before descending into camp. It is a steady uphill climb gaining over 3000' in six miles. There is a one-mile spur to Bernice Lake from this trail. Water is available from Lewis Creek and at the Florence Creek crossing (seasonal).
Day 4 Friday, Aug 29 Vogelsang HSC to Tuolumne Meadows 7.2 miles with 1,439 ft descent
The trail is almost entirely downhill. It passes through meadows and forested areas. Water is available at a couple of seasonal creeks and a crossing of Rafferty Creek.
Day 5 Sat, Aug 30 Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin HSC 6.3 miles with 769 ft descentThe trail is gradually downhill in the first 5.5 miles. The last mile descends 500 feet into camp on a trail built with stone steps and rocks. Water is available at the Delaney Creek crossing and from the Tuolumne River.
Day 6 Sunday, Aug 31 Glen Aulin HSC to May Lake HSC 8 miles with 1,470 ft ascentThe trail climbs 200' out of Glen Aulin to McGee Lake in under a mile. There is a 200' elevation loss over the 2nd mile to Cathedral Creek. From there the trail climbs 1450' over the next 6 miles before reaching May Lake. Water is available at McGee Lake, the Cathedral Creek crossing (seasonal), and Raisin Lake.
Day 7 Monday, Sept 1 May Lake HSC to Sunrise Trailhead (3 mi) or optional to Cathedral Lakes Trailhead (10.2 mi) to complete the loop. The trail is downhill and crosses Tioga Road to the Sunrise Lakes parking lot. It continues along Tenaya Lake through Tuolumne Meadows to the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead parking lot.
EXPECTATIONS: Here are some of the expectations:
- The elevation, likelihood of mosquitoes, sudden inclement weather, presence of bears, the potential for flooded trails, etc., all pose their challenges, and you should come prepared to cope with these (note that using bear spray is neither allowed in the park nor is it necessary, so do not bring any).
- We won’t be racing, because we want to appreciate the scenery and wilderness experience. However, maintaining a reasonable pace and group cohesion are expected. So, if you feel you need more independence and less structure, do not sign up for this trip.
- You may not ask to leave early on the last day. As a group function, we travel together. If you have a commitment that requires you to leave early, do not sign up for this trip.
- We leaders are volunteers and do not have time to deal with numerous cancellations. So please make this trip a priority and commit to arranging your work schedule and family obligations around this trip. Otherwise, do not sign up for this trip.
- In the unlikely event that you need to be evacuated, by signing up for this trip, you accept full responsibility to pay the full cost for your evacuation. Neither the Sierra Club nor the National Park Service pays for this service. If you do not agree, do not sign up for this trip.
Level: Strenuous(2C3)
Cost: $105.00
Signup Instructions: Make sure you sign the online waiver and then I will contact you about other forms you will need to fill out. You will be accepted to the trip providing there is room and you have filled out the required medical and experience forms.
Bring: Food is an individual commissary. You will need backpacking gear, bear cannister, a tent, sleeping bag, stove, and food. I will supply a detailed list after you have signed up.
Signup Restrictions: Please R.S.V.P below and acknowledge the liability waiver. The trip leader will contact you to start the approval process and provide further information. The trip is limited to 6 people using this permit.
Additional Directions: We will meet at the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead on 8/26 or the night before at the Tuolumne Meadows Backpacker camp. You will need to participate in a car swap with some cars left at the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead Parking lot and some at the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead parking lot.
Carpool: Carpooling is up to the individuals on the trip. The leader will not make arrangements. I will send out a participant list so you can make your own arrangements.
Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.
Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather
Yosemite National Park