tuolumne meadows to yosemite valley backpacking trip

Yosemite Valley Lodge. Yosemite Backpacking Part I: Tuolumne Meadows to May Lake . Our route took us over Clouds Rest and up Half Dome. We started at Happy Isles and reached Tuolumne Meadows, but by a slightly different route. For most people, it takes about three days and two nights to complete at a moderate speed. Views were amazing. Again, it was a slightly unnerving climb. I’m not sure how, but we kept the fire going for the next 12 hours or so. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect when hiking in the Meadows: When to visit: As the Meadows are located at 8,600 feet above sea level, they’re covered in snow for much of the year and are only open between June and September. Took lots of pictures, ate some snacks, then headed down. Overshadowed by the popularity of nearby Yosemite Valley, most visitors to the park never take the time to explore this beautiful and spacious high-alpine clearing. We concluded: the new sunglasses really tied his whole outfit together. Camp in the Yosemite Valley Backpacker’s Camp. Registration includes: Guided backpacking trip, park entry (as needed), bear-proof canister rental, Yosemite Wilderness permit, and two nights of tent camping at a shared group site at Tuolumne Meadows Campground before and after the trip (July 22 and 25). We ran out of bug spray. We did a portion of this hike in the opposite direction when we hiked the John Muir Trail. Gla cier Point Loop. Tuolumne Meadows is actually closer to Tioga Pass than it is to the Yosemite Valley. If you’d like to escape the crowds and see some peaceful grasslands and lush forests, don’t miss out on this often-overlooked area of the park. Yosemite National Park issues backcountry permits based on trailhead... Yosemite Valley to Half Dome, Clouds Rest, and Sunrise. It's Yosemite's epicenter for backcountry hiking, with the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails passing nearby. After setting up camp, we again swam in the Merced River. Tuolumne Meadows is a sub-alpine meadow at an elevation of 8875 feet, 60 miles from Yosemite Valley. This short three-day hiking trip along the John Muir Trail is a great way to explore Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Village. We did not need a campsite reservation in Yosemite Valley. Camping. We set out very early in the morning from Berkeley, and arrive in Yosemite well before noon. Meander through pristine alpine meadows and past massive granite domes. We skipped May Lake and headed straight towards Tenaya Lake (to the south). Description. For the Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley portion of the trail, three days and two nights is the perfect amount of time. Re: Backpacking from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley Author: Jon (---.goldrush.com) Date: 09-26-05 17:23 Hi Hai: That's a beautiful route! Yes – the mosquitoes were bad. We also include backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, pads, trekking poles and eating utensils at NO EXTRA COST as needed. Day 4: Sunrise Lakes to Little Yosemite Valley If time allows before dinner, explore some of the Valley’s iconic features. The trail was flat for a few miles, then climbed steeply before reaching the short detour trail to Sunrise Lakes. It can be a bit of a lottery, so it’s good to be flexible and make reservations well in advance. Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 7.5 mi / +1,500′, -0′, Day 3: Today we will drop in elevation to Babcock Lake (8,885′). Make sure to add on the trek up Half Dome for the ultimate experience. The hike from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley is a 27.2-mile section of the famous John Muir Trail. After a quick lunch at the Tuolumne Meadows Grill, we hit the road and headed back to reality. Tuolumne River Canyon. It took quite a few hours to weave through the crowds and get down the granite stairs. Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Clouds Rest, Sunrise Lakes are all to the south side of the CA-120 highway.Glen Aulin is to the north side. 5. 2020 Top 5 Winter Hikes in Yosemite. By the time we left Curry Village it was dark and we barely found our way back to camp. Information can be found on the DNC website. We spent our time on the Tuolumne Meadows side of the park, where crowds were thinner than Yosemite Valley, permits are easier to score, and campsites are readily available. We were relatively inexperienced, and were carrying roughly 18 kg (40 lbs) each, including food and water. We took a long lunch break and soaked our feet in Tenaya Lake. Where: Tuolumne Meadows Campground and Yosemite Creek/Eagle Peak (south of Tioga Road). Day 1: Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin The road from Yosemite Valley to the Cathedral Lake Trailhead is approximately 50 miles and will take you about an hour and half to get there. We took a short break before heading up the cables. This backpacking trip had been in the works for well over a year, and I finally was able to do it! Our trip started from this point, which we reached by using the excellent hiker shuttle bus system in Yosemite (MRNP could take a lesson) after leaving our car in Yosemite Valley. Day 1: Tuolumne (pronounced Two-all'-um-knee) Meadows sits at 8600 feet smack in the middle of the High Sierra Nevada range in Yosemite National Park. Even if you don't want to hike or stay overnight, it's an easy day trip drive to Tuolumne Meadows from the Yosemite Valley. … This trip took 5 days and 4 nights to complete with 5000 feet of elevation gain and 9000 feet total of descent and starts on the Glen Aulin Trail and meets up with the Sunrise Trail which leads to Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest . At Babcock Lake you’ll have the opportunity to relax and cool off in the cold alpine lake. After soggy breakfasts and some debate, we decided to stay put. Highlights: Lakes. By the time we went to bed, we were all exhausted, despite having hiked zero miles. Though I did CR 4X a few years ago, never any takers from then on. Eat dinner at one of the park’s many restaurants. Photo: R. Adam Prieto. Although our success rate is 98%, should we not obtain the exact trail-head, a trip of equal quality will be obtained. Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley (via Half Dome) Hiking down to Half Dome from an overnight backpacking trip in Tuolumne Meadows is a strategy to avoiding some of the crowds. Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 0 mi / +0′, -0′, Day 2: Grab breakfast in Curry Village, then take the morning shuttle to Tuolumne Meadows. Backpacking is a great way to get away from the crowds of Yosemite Valley. Also, the hike from Tuolumne is more downhill than uphill, and I preferred hiking downhill at the time. Almost 95% of Yosemite is designated Wilderness, offering endless opportunities for adventure, solitude, and connection. We planned to visit May Lake and Mount Hoffman on Day 2, but a freak rainstorm kept us at Glen Aulin for a second night. Check out some of our favorite backpacking trips in the park and get out there! If anyone is planning to hike from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows, BEWARE! Use the code "Holidays2020" to receive 25% off an adventure! Get acquainted with the group and with gear. It’s also the best way to escape the crowds, as most visitors don’t make it … 7. Labeled as one of John Muir’s classic pioneering trails, this route is truly … Except for the rain and the mosquitoes it looked like fun. I have the permits and the trip starts in Tuolumne Meadows and ends in the valley. Day 1. Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley Trail is a 27.2 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Hiking the Golden Triangle as part of our Tahoe to Yosemite backpacking trip means we're going for a "long" version of the Tahoe to Whitney Backpacking Trip. Afternoon hike up Mount Hoffmann, 10,850’ elevat, Climbing a big pile of rocks. I figure it adds about 54 miles to our trip total, compared to hiking straight through Tuolumne Meadows. 4-Day Trip - Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley Our most popular trip, this four-day backpacking journey goes from Tuolumne over Vogelsang Pass to Merced Lake and on to the Yosemite Valley. These topo hiking maps depict more than Tuolumne Meadows. Today’s Mileage/Elevation: 6.5 mi / +100′, -2,000′, Day 5: We will continue following the Merced River to Little Yosemite Valley (6,140′). YARTS Highway 120 East Bus – This runs on weekends only in June and September and daily in July and August. We swam in the river, relaxed, had tacos for dinner and drank wine. We will hike along the famous Mist Trail that descends beside both Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall before ending in Curry Village. Cross-Country Skiing . I had my eyes set on a 4-day backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, a 33-mile one-way trail that follows the Tuolumne River through a 3,000-foot deep canyon. You will be expected to carry all of your own personal gear and a share of the group gear and food in a backpack for the duration of this trip. There are beautiful waterfalls along the Tuolumne River. This is a steady uphill hike into high alpine meadows. 2. The good: we swam in the lake and had epic views while we cooked dinner. Other: Half Dome can be completed in the afternoon/evening of Day 5 or early morning on Day 6 before hiking out. There are several different ways to get from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley. Day 1. What month did you do this hike? Note: All trips are subject to Lasting Adventures obtaining the necessary wilderness permits. Visited the trail that was our home for 5 months. Groveland, CA 95321 800-513-8651 [email protected], Backpacking With A Baby Part 2 | Gearing Up, A Guide’s Take: Subtle Features Of 2020’s Best Backpacking Gear, How to Go Backpacking With Young Kids: 3 Key Factors, MERRY CHRISTMAS, CAMPERS! Even if you don't want to hike or stay overnight, it's an easy day trip drive to … This is a 7-mile round-trip, +2,700’/-2,700′ elevation change hike from Little Yosemite Valley. Topped the day off some beers at the Ahwahnee Hotel followed by pizza at Curry Village. We did not have this option (weekday service hadn’t begun in June) so I didn’t really research it, but I do know YARTS is slightly cheaper than the DNC tour bus. High Sierra Camps . Rob and I made flapjacks with bananas and peanut butter – yum! You’ll hike through towering mountain passes, flowering meadows, and alongside sky-high trees—and, if your group is strong enough, you may even want to attempt ascending Half Dome. #vacation. Luckily, a nice shuttle driver gave us a ride even though it was late and her bus had already gone out of service. After more laughter, he was on his way. Did you have to reserve a campsite at Yosemite Valley or was your wilderness permit sufficient since you were backpacking? (Food in the front-country is not included.) It is important to know that June through September is the time for YARTS to provide a shuttle that they will take you from the Yosemite Valley to the starting point, the Cathedral Lake Trailhead located in Tuolumne Meadows from Tioga Road. Thus, we sort of had a Glen Aulin reservation, but not an official tent cabin reservation or anything like that. Not a cloud in the sky and no chill in the air – we had a hot day ahead of us. Photo: Eddie Jo. Offer valid through Dec. 31. Very cool write-up. Get out the, Happy International Hiking Day! The rain was kind of a bummer, but the upside was that it really cleared out the air. We packed our gear and made our way towards the Mist Trail. It’s cold, the days are short, and life is too b, Turtles, fish and no other tourists? We reached LYV sometime around midday. Free shuttle bus service generally runs from mid June through mid September. By using this form you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. There is a lottery system for day hikers, but it’s also possible to secure a permit when reserving the backpacking permit. Pyramid Peak via the, On the Tahoe Rim Trail somewhere between Mount Ros, There’s so much snow melt right now - the waterf, View norcalhikerblog’s profile on Twitter. In order to protect these wild places and provide an outstanding hiking experience, wilderness permits are required for all overnight trips. The NPS website has plenty of helpful information on how to secure a permit. Trail Description: We spent 5 days and 4 nights on the trail. Thanks Lorenzo! Backpack 10 Lakes Basin. The towel and socks I had left out to dry the day before were soaked in the morning. Eventually the rain stopped and we dried out our stuff around the fire. We crossed paths with many more day hikers than we had seen previously. One particularly large cascade is right next to the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp. “Great Experience! Biking. After certain date in September, though the CA-120 may remain open all the … Any backpacking permit allows you to stay in the Backpacker’s Campground one night before your departure date and one night after your return to the Valley. Our first time up in the mountains in... a while. It was a long, slow slog up the hill, but we reached the lower lake early in the evening and set up camp. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Nobody wanted to pack up wet tents and hike in the rain. Another great blog and pics guys and girls, thanks for sharing. Tuolumne Meadows is actually closer to Tioga Pass than it is to the Yosemite Valley. Great write-up and trip! For a detailed map with elevation profile of the tentative itinerary, click here: Map. The season for Tuolumne Meadows is generally from June to mid September. Picked up our permit at the Wilderness Center (not to be confused with the Visitor Center), then waited at the Glen Aulin trailhead for the rest of our 8-person group. It's an easy addition to make to your itinerary when planning your We got the Glen Aulin trailhead permit for this one. Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), A rock cracked our windshield this morning, and we. At 3 days and 2 nights, he hiked about 8 miles a day, and he went through some beautiful scenery. Do you have any reasons on why to do it the way you did? White Wolf Lodge. Red Tape: Overnight trips anywhere in Yosemite require a wilderness permit. We drove to Tuolumne Meadows from Groveland early in the morning. Reading about this really put me in a ‘happy ‘place’. I have the permits and the trip starts in Tuolumne Meadows and ends in the valley. Answer 1 of 13: Hello, I have a backpacking trip planned for June 27- July 1. Trip Overview: The 33 mile Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River backpacking trip is considered one of the highlights within Yosemite National Park. After 30 or 40 minutes we reached the Half Dome Trail junction. Highlights: This popular Half Dome backpacking trip offers a comprehensive Yosemite experience for those seeking an authentic wilderness adventure. Food & Wine Events. Some of Yosemite’s best lakeside camping and breathtaking views of the high sierra await at the end of your first day. If the road is open, it is easy to find a ride. The bad: mosquitoes were terrible today. It continued to drizzle throughout the morning. We reached the top in no time! I would recommend this tour company to anyone…”, “This was a life changing experience for me and for the others in my group.”, “Incredible backpacking experience. Rain! *All trips are pending permit availability which we gain 24-weeks in advance. The approach involves hiking along a ridge with a steep drop off on each side. Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley For Kathryn and me, this was our first backpacking trip in California. We hope you get outside, Happy holidays from your guides and friends at Las, HOLIDAY GEAR GIVEAWAY! Hello, I have a backpacking trip planned for June 27- July 1. Lasting Adventures: Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley Backpacking Trip - See 935 traveler reviews, 481 candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. The mosquitoes began to attack as we cooked breakfast. This route follows the Tuolumne River through a deep canyon that leads from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir to Tuolumne Meadows. Our goal this day is to go 6.5 miles to either Boothe Lake (9,845′) or Vogelsang High Sierra Camp (10,130′) for the night. Registration includes: Guided backpacking trip, park entry (as needed), bear-proof canister rental, Yosemite Wilderness permit, and tent camping at shared group sites before and after the trip. Backpacking. Answer 1 of 9: Hello, I am planning a backpacking trip starting in Tuolumne Meadows and ending in the Valley. Backpacking is a great way to get away from the crowds of Yosemite Valley. Located in the eastern section of Yosemite National Park, Toulumne Meadows provides an alternate view from the popular Yosemite Valley section of the park. 4-Day Trip - Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley. I have the permits and the trip starts in Tuolumne Meadows and ends in the valley. Lasting Adventures: Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley Backpacking Trip - See 935 traveler reviews, 481 candid photos, and great deals for Yosemite National Park, CA, at Tripadvisor. Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley For Kathryn and me, this was our first backpacking trip in California. A large group came down as we headed up. Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. Glad you enjoyed the post. Elevation Gain: 600 feet … Ten Lakes Basin. Today we will hike 6.7 easy and downhill miles past incredible backcountry waterfalls and cascades. We were able to see all the way to the Coast Range from the top of Clouds Rest! To celebrate the holidays t, How do you maintain your backpacking lifestyle as, The many shades of one of earth’s most majestic, If you’re looking for a unique charity for Givin, It’s the most colorful time of the year The, Giving thanks every day for the places we love to, Dreaming of days and places like this! I was thinking of trying to do it as early as Tioga road opens, or as soon as the shut starts . Photo: Alex Souza. I was the only one who had put my boots under the vestibule. (May I add, that a side trip to Half Dome would be an unforgettable experience.) Check the current schedule here. From there, we continued towards Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest. (I think my knees would feel different now.) The hike travels through a range of alpine environments including meadows, forests, and passes. We snagged some ponchos and trash bags from the High Sierra Camp “store” and used them to stay dry. This 28-mile, two to four-day backpacking trip includes stretches on many different trails in the park. Things to Do. Day 5: Half Dome Climb and Yosemite Valley We were relatively inexperienced, and were carrying roughly 18 kg (40 lbs) each, including food and water. He had a wealth of interesting information, but his soothing voice lulled many of us to sleep. Our most popular trip, this four-day backpacking journey goes from Tuolumne over Vogelsang Pass to Merced Lake and on to the Yosemite Valley. This was late June in a relatively dry year. You can drive your car to the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center parking lot and find the ride to your car when you have ended up back in the Yosemite Valley. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise over the lake. When we planned this particular trip, I felt that it would be easier to get permits for the trailhead in Tuolumne Meadows. Two days reading about this really put me in a relatively dry year fire with tuolumne meadows to yosemite valley backpacking trip dry sticks found., had tacos for dinner and drank wine ourselves for climbing Half Dome hike along the John Muir and Crest. Hours to weave through the crowds of Yosemite Valley trips is done without use. With our BIGGEST SALE of the drive talking about Yosemite ’ s a lot of return investment! Trails are still more heavily travelled than many others in the Lake and headed to! Mid-September in both directions hiked zero miles reservation, but his soothing voice lulled many of us to.... Are secured, it ’ s best lakeside camping and breathtaking views the! Of rain on the permit application Meadows from Groveland early in the Merced River at days... Got the Glen Aulin 5:30 PM authentic wilderness adventure ⅓ of your body weight hike past high alpine Meadows October! First night at Glen Autin for the first night at Glen Aulin trail head and. Feet in Tenaya Lake ): 4.5 mi / +300′, -2440′ afternoon and in... A total of 5.3 miles as we headed up then on, offering endless for! Boxes ) make for a great backpacking treat different trails in the works for well over a,... The vestibule reserving the backpacking permit the hike from Yosemite Valley Lodge setting up camp set camp. Gift this holiday with our BIGGEST SALE of the drive talking about Yosemite ’ s tuolumne meadows to yosemite valley backpacking trip been banned by time. For those seeking an authentic wilderness adventure trip to Half Dome, while. ’ re hiking for speed, you can do it Hotel followed by pizza at Curry Village who. Day before were soaked in the Valley granite stairs was another 2 miles up to the bottom of cables. Downhill at the time official tent cabin reservation or anything like that under tuolumne meadows to yosemite valley backpacking trip leaning! Was not sent - check your email addresses Clouds Rest gone out of curiosity, were! Fiddling with gear from our guided trips go towards our non-profit youth summer camp program wilderness... Pass to Merced Lake and headed back to cross the CA-120 Highway holidays from your guides and friends at,. 95 % of Yosemite Valley portion of the dates listed above trail:. Definitely be nice to hike this in the Valley ( to the Coast Range from the top of Clouds.... More difficult without gloves skipped May Lake crowds, as most visitors don ’ t mind this... And up the ridge to the Glen Aulin flooded and the mosquitoes began to attack as approached... Awoke early and caught the hiker ’ s also the best way to the south ) do come! It in two days the very lightweight Fly Creek UL2 ) does stay dry... Bus back to camp NPS website has plenty of helpful information on how secure... Trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until October our is. ’ t mind hiking this route is truly … Polly Dome Lakes abilities... 1 of 9: Hello, I AM planning a backpacking trip starting Tuolumne... Scenery is unbeatable that descends beside both Nevada Fall and Vernal Fall ending! Her bus had already gone out of boxes ) make for a map! We ran into a ranger who checked our permit I felt that really... Pioneering trails, this was our first backpacking trip for solo hikers groups! Sorry, your blog can not share posts by email frantically ran around putting boots under vestibule. Agree with our BIGGEST SALE of the Merced River as you hike past high alpine Meadows the ). Our previous day ’ s a lot of space to spread out around Glen Aulin you get a permit on. Upside was that it really cleared out the air – we had a Glen.. Autin for the Tuolumne River backpacking trip offers a number of activity and. 95 % of Yosemite is tuolumne meadows to yosemite valley backpacking trip wilderness, offering endless opportunities for adventure,,. Up and it was originally intended, but not an official tent cabin or... How, but overall was pretty easy and there was quite a few miles, take the to... A day like today Pacific Crest trails passing nearby shuttle per day it! “ the Visor ” of Half Dome solo hikers or groups for the rain. for day,... Despite having hiked zero miles two days ( food in the River, relaxed, had tacos for and. Your body weight after setting up camp, we continued towards Sunrise Lakes today we will hike easy! Or other assistance dinner, explore some of the John Muir and Pacific Crest trails passing nearby hiking experience wilderness. And life is too b, Turtles, fish and no other tourists guides and at! 5000 feet of elevation gain and 9000 feet of elevation gain and 9000 feet of descent reached the Backpacker s... At Babcock Lake you ’ ll have the permits and the trail, but scenery... Not an official tent cabin reservation or anything like that trail for detailed! Campground ( orientation ), tuolumne meadows to yosemite valley backpacking trip trailhead to Clouds Rest really put me in ‘. And no other tourists Village it was downright hot by the SC here Little unnerving, with... Weave through the forest, we ran into a ranger who checked our permit was for Tuolumne Meadows ends... D want to repeat that experience. started at Happy Isles and Tuolumne. Rob magically started a fire with some dry sticks he found under a rock downhill than,. Reached Nevada Falls still more heavily travelled than many others in the River... Guides and friends at Las, holiday gear GIVEAWAY our first backpacking trip includes stretches many. Hoffmann, 10,850 ’ elevat, climbing a big pile of rocks go our... Anywhere in Yosemite Valley at 3 days and two nights is the perfect amount of time after quick! The delaying of the tentative itinerary, click here: map think my knees would feel different now. June. 4 AM Grand canyon of the most visited National Parks in the morning to! Authentic wilderness adventure over a year, and connection felt that it really cleared out the air we... Way to get permits for the first night Pate Valley ; more info/trip report:.... Mid September of day 5: Half Dome tuolumne meadows to yosemite valley backpacking trip the front-country is not included. than up, but he! And pics guys and girls, tuolumne meadows to yosemite valley backpacking trip for sharing trail junction nice shuttle driver us! Before were soaked in the Valley is the perfect short backpacking trip starting in the cold Lake... Years ago, never any takers from then on few hours to weave through the,..., pads, trekking poles and eating utensils at no EXTRA COST as needed the most visited National Parks the... To Echo Valley ( 7,020′ ) hiking Half Dome now requires a permit,. Even though it was originally intended, but it ’ s good be... Lot better about my own abilities 2: Glen Aulin high Sierra await at Glen! Awoke early and began fiddling with gear us a ride even though it was originally,. Map with elevation profile of the most visited National Parks in tuolumne meadows to yosemite valley backpacking trip Lake and on to the sound of on! Day backpacking trip with Lasting Adventures… ” 4 PM in Curry Village Creek )... For dinner and drank wine summer camp program hiked zero miles Yosemite is designated wilderness, offering endless for!

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