Hi Everyone!
This was a local trip for me, but it is probably be an "overseas trip" for most forum members. My understanding is that many people from the UK visit Yosemite National Park each year. So you may already be planning a trip to the park.
Yosemite National Park just celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act. When President Lincoln signed the act, the concept of preserving wilderness instead of exploiting it was a novel idea. We have a thread (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123170) that talks about the anniversary.
Since I do not post many trips, I thought I would share my favorite one to Yosemite for anyone who might be interested. It is a 7-day 54-mile loop through Yosemite's High Country.
I will update this post with links to the pictures and descriptions of the trip so anyone interested can take a look. It may take awhile because unfortunately, I do not type very fast.
The High Sierra Loop - Introduction
The link above describes the loop and provides information for anyone wanting to plan a similar trip. It explains how and why I planned my trip. I lacked the confidence to backpack solo through the high country. So my goal was to use the High Sierra Camps as risk control to permit me to hike solo during the day and still benefit from human company in the evenings. As they usually do, my plans go awry. I did not get the solo trip I wanted, but instead ended up with one of my most fun trips, ever.
The High Sierra Loop - Arrival
Sorry, a crazy week at work delayed the rest of the pictures. The link above recounts my arrival in Tuolumne Meadows, a dayhike along the Tuolumne River, and meeting our ranger-guide for the 7-day trip.
The High Sierra Loop - Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin
Starting Elevation: 8775 ft. (2675 m)
Ending Elevation: 7800 ft. (2378 m)
Approximate Mileage: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Away we go! Passing archaeological sites and soda springs, things get interesting on the trail. Mountains make their own weather.
The High Sierra Loop - Glen Aulin to May Lake
Glen Aulin to May Lake
Starting Elevation: 7800 ft. (2378 m)
Ending Elevation: 9270 ft. (2825 m)
Approximate Mileage: 8.5 miles (13.7 km)
We climb from Glen Aulin through lodgepole pine forest and ascend an imposing granite ridge. We manage to catch some food for dinner along the way and enjoy the colors of the sunset displayed on the granite peaks.
The High Sierra Loop - May Lake to Sunrise Camp
May Lake to Sunrise Camp
Starting Elevation: 9270 ft. (2825 m)
Ending Elevation: 9400 ft. (2865 m)
Approximate Mileage: 8.25 (13 km)
We descend from May Lake to Tenaya Lake and then climb the steep switchbacks to Clouds Rest junction. We hike through ancient junipers and swim in crystal clear lakes on our way to our camp overlooking the beautiful Long Meadow.
The High Sierra Loop Sunrise Camp to Merced Lake
Sunrise Camp to Merced Lake
Starting Elevation: 9400 ft. (2865 m)
Ending Elevation: 7150 ft. (2179 m)
Approximate Mileage: 9.5 miles (15.5 km)
The group bushwhacks in the spirit of the first explorers of Yosemite's high country. We cross Long Meadow and descend a rock formation named for a famous actress' distinct anatomy. Again off trail, we visit a hidden waterfall and fish for trout. Finally we ascend a granite trail beside the Merced River to arrive at our camp for days 4 & 5.
The High Sierra Loop Merced Lake to Vogelsang
Merced Lake to Vogelsang via Fletcher Creek
Starting Elevation: 7150 ft. (2179 m)
Ending Elevation: 10100 ft. (3078 m)
Approximate Mileage: 7.8 miles (12.5 km)
This is the last part of the series. We climb into alpine terrain, keeping cool by soaking in high mountain streams. After traversing a high mountain meadow, we arrive at Vogelsang camp (10,100'). I get a fly fishing lesson and land my first fish! It is a humongous gigantic enormous (NOT!) brook trout!
At this point, all portions of the hike have links (in blue text) on this thread for people who want to plan a similar trip. It was an amazing experience that I encourage everyone to try. For those hesitant to backpack, have problems carrying weight, or do not want to travel from the UK with a multi-night backpack, the High Sierra Loop gives you a true backcountry experience with the advantage of a warm place to sleep and congenial human company.
If you go on a trip in the Yosemite High Country, please feel free to share your experiences and pictures on this thread.
Regards!
- Woodsorrel
This was a local trip for me, but it is probably be an "overseas trip" for most forum members. My understanding is that many people from the UK visit Yosemite National Park each year. So you may already be planning a trip to the park.
Yosemite National Park just celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act. When President Lincoln signed the act, the concept of preserving wilderness instead of exploiting it was a novel idea. We have a thread (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123170) that talks about the anniversary.
Since I do not post many trips, I thought I would share my favorite one to Yosemite for anyone who might be interested. It is a 7-day 54-mile loop through Yosemite's High Country.
I will update this post with links to the pictures and descriptions of the trip so anyone interested can take a look. It may take awhile because unfortunately, I do not type very fast.
The High Sierra Loop - Introduction
The link above describes the loop and provides information for anyone wanting to plan a similar trip. It explains how and why I planned my trip. I lacked the confidence to backpack solo through the high country. So my goal was to use the High Sierra Camps as risk control to permit me to hike solo during the day and still benefit from human company in the evenings. As they usually do, my plans go awry. I did not get the solo trip I wanted, but instead ended up with one of my most fun trips, ever.
The High Sierra Loop - Arrival
Sorry, a crazy week at work delayed the rest of the pictures. The link above recounts my arrival in Tuolumne Meadows, a dayhike along the Tuolumne River, and meeting our ranger-guide for the 7-day trip.
The High Sierra Loop - Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin
Starting Elevation: 8775 ft. (2675 m)
Ending Elevation: 7800 ft. (2378 m)
Approximate Mileage: 9 miles (14.5 km)
Away we go! Passing archaeological sites and soda springs, things get interesting on the trail. Mountains make their own weather.
The High Sierra Loop - Glen Aulin to May Lake
Glen Aulin to May Lake
Starting Elevation: 7800 ft. (2378 m)
Ending Elevation: 9270 ft. (2825 m)
Approximate Mileage: 8.5 miles (13.7 km)
We climb from Glen Aulin through lodgepole pine forest and ascend an imposing granite ridge. We manage to catch some food for dinner along the way and enjoy the colors of the sunset displayed on the granite peaks.
The High Sierra Loop - May Lake to Sunrise Camp
May Lake to Sunrise Camp
Starting Elevation: 9270 ft. (2825 m)
Ending Elevation: 9400 ft. (2865 m)
Approximate Mileage: 8.25 (13 km)
We descend from May Lake to Tenaya Lake and then climb the steep switchbacks to Clouds Rest junction. We hike through ancient junipers and swim in crystal clear lakes on our way to our camp overlooking the beautiful Long Meadow.
The High Sierra Loop Sunrise Camp to Merced Lake
Sunrise Camp to Merced Lake
Starting Elevation: 9400 ft. (2865 m)
Ending Elevation: 7150 ft. (2179 m)
Approximate Mileage: 9.5 miles (15.5 km)
The group bushwhacks in the spirit of the first explorers of Yosemite's high country. We cross Long Meadow and descend a rock formation named for a famous actress' distinct anatomy. Again off trail, we visit a hidden waterfall and fish for trout. Finally we ascend a granite trail beside the Merced River to arrive at our camp for days 4 & 5.
The High Sierra Loop Merced Lake to Vogelsang
Merced Lake to Vogelsang via Fletcher Creek
Starting Elevation: 7150 ft. (2179 m)
Ending Elevation: 10100 ft. (3078 m)
Approximate Mileage: 7.8 miles (12.5 km)
This is the last part of the series. We climb into alpine terrain, keeping cool by soaking in high mountain streams. After traversing a high mountain meadow, we arrive at Vogelsang camp (10,100'). I get a fly fishing lesson and land my first fish! It is a humongous gigantic enormous (NOT!) brook trout!
At this point, all portions of the hike have links (in blue text) on this thread for people who want to plan a similar trip. It was an amazing experience that I encourage everyone to try. For those hesitant to backpack, have problems carrying weight, or do not want to travel from the UK with a multi-night backpack, the High Sierra Loop gives you a true backcountry experience with the advantage of a warm place to sleep and congenial human company.
If you go on a trip in the Yosemite High Country, please feel free to share your experiences and pictures on this thread.
Regards!
- Woodsorrel
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