Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Report Save. We are now headed south through Lyell Canyon along the beautiful Tuolumne River. From there you enter steeper and more forested terrain as you gain access to the High Sierra. Highlights: High Country . This seemed to be a popular place for backpackers as I saw multiple tents set up here by the end of the day, I guess it is near the boundary of camping location in the region. 1 Review #112 of 136 things to do in Yosemite National Park. The trail up Lyell Canyon was heavenly. You can see Mt. Water: Filter along the way. The trail also shared great views of the northern peaks in Yosemite. The first 5 1/2 miles up Lyell Canyon is along the John Muir trail, and is a relatively popular backpacking area on the way between Yosemite and Mt. Explore the endless chain of lovely meadows along the Lyell Fork. I heard an owl during the night. Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail (easy) 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip, 200-foot elevation … East and Northeast Yosemite L1NK wrote a review Jan 2012. After approx a mile you will come to a section i call Two bridges which is a beautiful spot where the Lyell fork of the Tuolumne river drops into several small cascades, and the meadow opens up on the Easter side of the trail with views of the backside of Mammoth Peak region. Highlights: Lakes, High Country. To get to the trail that takes you through Lyell Canyon, from Yosemite Valley drive 10 miles up Highway 120 to Tioga Road. It was alive with wildlife; ducks, birds, chipmunks and squirrels. Location & Information. That’ll happen when you stay up the previous night and hike eight miles. The hike to get to the JMT is 5.8 miles. At 8.0-miles round trip, the hike will take some time, but since the elevation gain is only about 200 feet, you’ll progress quite rapidly. I also ran into multiple PCT 2019 hikers that had made there way through the Sierra snow packs and were getting to Yosemite on July 4th. After I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail from June through October 2008, I began to consider which hike would follow it. Distance: From 1.4 miles (2.2 km) to 24 miles (38 km) round trip. First, we would hike over our first serious pass. Hiking Holly. The Valley is Yosemite’s big draw, but readers like Dave Miller know that 33.6 miles of golden meadows, granite walls, and thundering waterfalls in Lyell Canyon offer bigger rewards. The lottery system is based on quotas where the park limits the total number of JMT thru-hikers entering all trailheads to about 45 hikers per day: 15 can enter through Lyell Canyon, 20 through Glacier/Happy Isle/Sunrise, and 10 are saved for “walk-in” via Lyell Canyon. “Just don’t put it in your bear can,” he said. We got on the trail about 8:30. The Lyell Glacier is split by a large buttress. A lush green sub-alpine meadow trimmed with conifers and dwarfed by mountains of granite on the eastern side. October 15, 2016 June 21, 2018 Hiking Holly. What a night in the Yosemite backcountry. Lyell Canyon – 17.4mi / 28km. Read more. Lyell Canyon to Donohue Pass Backpacking John Muir Trail through Yosemite Upper basin below Mount Lyell Mount Conness North beyond Lyell Canyon, Kuna Crest to our Northeast, from just below Donohue Pass. And we would bid adieu to Yosemite… and hello to the Ansel Adams … Tioga Road is closed in winter, and the best time to visit the canyon is mid-June to mid-July when the river flows are highest and the meadows are greenest. … Most summit ascents are done either over or around the Lyell Glacier. Bears are … At the top, I took off my shoes and socks to dry them out. This trail joins the JMT almost immediately. Distant peaks and surrounding slopes create interesting views, and the trail follows the creek as it winds and cascades downward on the canyon floor. I sectioned hiked Lyell Canyon to Devils Postpile once before and absolutely loved it, but still I think … The best way to experience Lyell Canyon is through an extensive hike in the area. The section heading out of Yosemite National Park and up Lyell Canyon out of Tuolumne Meadows is where many of these friendship and trail families start to form. JMT: Lyell Canyon to Garnet Lake. At approximately 6 miles you reach the Ireland Creek area and trail that travels up next to Potter Peak to Ireland Lake and again a chain of lakes in the Volgelsang High camp region. Lyell Canyon. Lyell Glacier Yosemite is in the heart of the backcountry of Yosemite National Park, an active glacier permanently in a shadowed area of Mount Lyell, 13,114 feet of granite wonder. You cross the Rafferty Creek trail in this early section which is another popular trail that leads you up to Tuolumne Pass and the Volgelsang Camp area. The beginning section (1st mile) alone is probably enough on this trail for the average visitor to spend most of their day, taking pictures, lounging by the river, seeing wildlife etc. but at approx 9 miles, I found myself thinking about my return trip and decided that it was a signal that I had better start my return to the car. SF Bay Area 32 contributions 30 helpful votes. Looking back at Lyell Canyon over a lake. Lyell Canyon - 10 Miles - From Tuolumne Meadows To Lyell Ford - We both slept fairly well. The Southbound John Muir Trail continues South, to our Left, down Lyell Canyon, while the Northbound JMT turns West, our Right, to stay in Yosemite Wilderness just on the South side of the Southern wilderness boundary of the … It was 40° when we got up. From there you enter steeper and more forested terrain as you gain access to the High Sierra. We would also pass the 50 mile mark. I heard an owl during the night. That’s great for wildlife photo ops, but it also requires careful hiking. Trailhead Elevation: 8,600 feet (2,620 meters) Elevation Gain: Less than 100 feet (30 meters) for the first 8 miles (13 km); 2,500 feet (760 meters) if … Read More. Elevation at trailhead: 8,600 feet (2,620 meters) Elevation Gain: Less than 100 feet (30 meters) for the first 8 miles (13 km); 2,500 feet (760 meters) if you actually go all the way to Donohue Pass. Since 1995, we've built travel guides that promote great outdoor destinations. The canyon is a lush green meadow t Although not as picturesque as Lyell Canyon, Rafferty Creek Canyon is quite beautiful. Lyell Canyon via John Muir Trail. View Entire Discussion (2 Comments) More posts from the JohnMuirTrail community. This alternate starting point is the furthest along the JMT, beginning in Tuolumne and bypassing the first 22.8 miles of the JMT. Helpful. Permit Requirement: Yes, Year-Round. You can see Mt. By marcushellberg on 2019-07-30 2020-08-01. … You will cross both the Dana fork of the Toulumne river and the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne in the first mile. These 5 entry points are currently the only options allowed for a SOBO thru-hike of the JMT, as there is an exit quota for anyone going over Donohue Pass (the JMT goes over this pass). At 11,056 ft, Donohue Pass was still covered with snow, and the altitude was as high as we had been on the JMT so far. We quickly descended into the beginnings of Lyell Canyon. Well, the trail South from the end of the paved car campground road actually tees-out onto the John Muir Trail here. Lyell Canyon – 17.4mi / 28km. Lyell Canyon is a bit longer, but one of my favorite stretches of trail in the park. The hike to get to the JMT is 5.8 miles. A major thoroughfare, the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails combine in this canyon’s open, grassy fields. Take the spur trail south to the John Muir Trail and make a left to follow the Dana Fork upstream. We got on the trail about 8:30. November 11, 2018 . 209-372-0200. Distance: 29.6 miles (47.6 km) round trip. You will move through the canyon from Tuolumne Meadows, along the John Muir Trail. The trail is popular for hikers as an easy way to view surrounding mountains, a waterfall and Sierra wildflowers. Southbound Yosemite Wilderness boundary into Lyell Canyon. The ranger was very happy with my choice of permit placement for easy access and safe keeping (in my ThruPack). The trail is relatively crowded since it is part of the both the Pacific … This climbing is enjoyable with solid rock. Hiking The trail starts and ends at busy hotspots, but you’ll drop crowds fast in the middle: “You’re in Yosemite, but you’re not really seeing a lot of people,” says Miller (next page), of Newark, California. Once the trail leaves and heads up toward Ireland Lake and Vogelsang High Sierra Camp, the number people you will encounter drops significantly. Still, it’s an option, and possibly less competitive (though I doubt it). KEY SKILL: Be bear aware Plentiful berries and water make lush Lyell Canyon a paradise for Yosemite’s 300 to 500 bruins. So my buddy and I finally … For better or for worse, my … A mix of forest, River and meadow settings, really makes this starting area a great high alpine Yosemite experience. P.O. Hiking Lyell Canyon hiking can consist of short treks of a little over a mile to longer backpacking adventures of 24 miles roundtrip. Hike Type: Loop. 3. Hotels near Mist Trail; Hotels near Mirror Lake/Meadow Trail; Hotels near Sentinel Dome; Hotels near Tuolumne Meadows; ... Lyell Canyon Review: 4/5. Following lunch at Tuolumne Meadows Grill, I made my way back on to the JMT and into Lyell Canyon. The first 5 1/2 miles up Lyell Canyon is along the John Muir trail, and is a relatively popular backpacking area on the way between Yosemite and Mt. The Lyell Canyon Trail is accessed from either the Toulumne Meadow area or the parking lot located just east of the Wilderness Permit office for backpackers. You could do an overnight trip that direction and request a Half Dome permit as part of it. But that is a tough hike. The canyon is an easy hike from Tuolumne Meadows campground. Someone must have had a bear visit. The canyon, the river.... it just doesn't get much better. On this July 4th, being only the 4th day of the year that Tioga was open in 2019, the visitor count in Toulumne was really low so this section of the trail was void of people, which was odd because you could see use areas and human traffic locations along the river banks where the crowds must tend to gather. And then snoozed again until after 8 am. All trailheads pass through Donahue pass which has an exit quota of 45 hikers per day. Yosemite, CA 95389 Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail (easy) is 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip hike with an elevation gain of 200-feet. United States ; California (CA) Yosemite National Park ; Things to Do in Yosemite National Park ; Lyell Canyon; Search. A northbound hiker gave me a tip that I could get around the snowfield on the Northside of the pass by going on the right side of it. Tags: bear, bears, half dome, jmt, jmt2010, john muir trail, kuna crest, lower yosemite falls, lyell canyon, lyell fork, nevada falls, sunrise high sierra camp, thru-hike, tuolumne meadows, yosemite valley — Jeff @ 16:27 . Contact; Tag: Lyell Canyon. The John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail both route through the canyon. The Lyell Glacier is split by a large buttress. Then this may be a good option for you as the trailhead begins in Toulumne Meadows. 7.4 miles, 2,000 feet of climbing, difficult. There are some people who day hike TM to HI before a Lyell Canyon start. There are several creek crossings, … Most that spoke with me were headed to the Potters Peak area for the first night. 2. Head for the lower part of this buttress which provides access to the base … Lyell Canyon is located to the southeast of Tuolumne Meadows. The trail crosses over the Dana Fork before going up and over a small, wooded rise to the Lyell Fork and the wonderful twin bridges. Pictures taken August 2016. I really wanted to pull the hammock out here and take another nap, but I had friend expecting me in Bridgeport that evening for fireworks and I was getting hungry. Day 4 – 10.8 miles, 1120 ft ascent. Copyright © 2021. The trail crosses over the Dana Fork before going up and over a small, wooded rise to the Lyell Fork and the wonderful twin bridges. As we hiked up Lyell Canyon, we saw pristine meadows, a multitude of tiny, nameless waterfalls down the steep canyon walls, wildlife and wild flowers. Running low on water my tired legs made a stop at Two Bridges a great place to refill water bottles and lay on the rocks for a quick rest in the growing evening Yosemite sky. Well, the first nine miles or so. Reviews. Day 2- 14 miles, 3,400 ft., Upper Lyell Canyon up to Donohue Pass and Camping at Garnet Lake Day 2 was probably our longest, but most beautiful day of the whole trip. Lyell canyon is a sub-alpine meadow of Tuolumne Meadows and intersects with a variety of popular trails, like the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trail. The night was cold. Staying on the John Muir section I traveled between the Potters Peek and South Kuna Crest for another mile before finding a great spot along the river to hand a hammock and enjoy a few hours of peace along the Toulumne in Yosemite’s High country. Contact information: This trail joins the JMT almost immediately. The waters of Lyell Fork were so clear and so stunning, it was difficult to keep out of the water. Posted by 5 days ago. Yosemite National Park – I recently posted a list of the top 10 Day hikes off Tioga Pass and in reviewing that list I realized I had never hiked one of the most famed sections of trail in the Upper East Yosemite corridor, Lyell Canyon and the John Muir Trail (JMT) section to Donahue Pass. At 11,056 ft, Donohue Pass was still covered with snow, and the altitude was as high as we had been on the JMT so far. The best months to go on this trip are June through October because Tioga Road, which gets you to the trailhead, closes for the … Optional Side trip: Clouds Rest Trail. The … How Long Will It Take to Hike the john Muir Trail? Its truly breathtaking and often pretty quiet with the exception of a few backpackers. Affiliate Disclosure: This site … First off, the trail is soft, smooth and straight. This hike takes in the highest peak entirely inside Yosemite National Park as well as a long stretches of scenic meadows filled with birds along the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River, culminating in spectacular Kuna Falls at the head of Lyell Canyon. 18 Day John Muir Trail Itinerary from Lyell Canyon. It was 40° when we got up. A beautiful canyon and after the first couple of miles, few people amid gorgeous nature -- spectacular mountains, glaciers, meadows, streams, rocks...all beautiful. Powered by WordPress. My watch showed 37F when I woke up. Trailhead: Lyell Canyon. Follow the canyon south, then southwest as it climbs over granite ledges and benches. Explore the endless chain of lovely meadows along the Lyell Fork. At our lunch break, Joan and I (Jeffrey and Hari were up ahead, as routine) … Make sure to list the accurate number of people … Share. Along this trail you’ll have a view of the Lyell … We saw one runner, too. The Yosemite Conservancy hike to the glacier is amazing. As I end this day hike experience and start to head back down Tioga Pass for dinner, I remind myself to add this to my List of great day hikes in Tuolumne Meadows. The landscape, ever-changing was devoid of all but the hardiest of vegetation. Today, we would hit several big milestones. The route starts out at the flattest section of the trail, but soon charges toward the higher elevations of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Early in the season, the trail can be muddy in places (please remain on the trail even if it's muddy). This alternate starting point is the furthest along the JMT, beginning in Tuolumne and bypassing the first 22.8 miles of the JMT. Focusing on east/west mountain camp sites. The climb out of the canyon is a lungbuster (I'm not looking at a topo, but pretty sure that on the Rafferty Creek trail your ascent is more gradual), but worth having been in the canyon. The canyon is a lush green meadow t Lyell Canyon When filling out your permit application , you will have to rank each trailhead by order of preference and indicate a camp location for your first night. All trailheads pass through Donahue pass which has an exit quota of 45 hikers per day. The cloud cover ensured the temperatures didn’t drop too low and I honestly slept from probably 8 pm to 7 am. … 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… Continue reading Three Days in Tuolumne Meadows: Lyell Canyon … If you are having trouble obtaining a permit at Happy Isles or Glacier Point this is a good back-up option. One of the three trail signs at the Ireland Creek trail junction in Lyell Canyon. I had breakfast and started walking South towards Dohonohue Pass. Lyell canyon is a sub-alpine meadow of Tuolumne Meadows and intersects with a variety of popular trails, like the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trail. The trail branching off from this junction climbs Southwest up to Ireland and Evelyn Lakes on its way up to Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. Lyell Canyon. The Lyell Canyon Trail is a moderately challenging hike, but only because of the length, not the elevation gain. About Me; Landscape Photography; The Pandemic Roadtrip; Planning Your Trip; Iceland; Gear Review; Trail Report ; Hiking Arizona; Backpacking Yosemite: Lyell Canyon Day 1 Backpacking Yosemite: Lyell Canyon Day 1. We are now headed south through Lyell Canyon along the beautiful Tuolumne River. I found myself making multiple detours down to the river only to find some of the most beautiful swimming holes (Not this year as the water was Cold, and Fast) and again great location to hang a hammock and enjoy my day in the canyon. Home; Hiking with Holly; Off Trail Musings; Blog; About. At the beginning of the meadow I passed several adequate camping spots on the edge of the meadow, but decided to push deeper into the canyon, not knowing the entire east side … Learn how your comment data is processed. , a waterfall and Sierra wildflowers junction climbs southwest up to Vogelsang Sierra. N'T get much better towards Mount Lyell and can be muddy in places please... A wide, grassy expanse bounded by High granite domes and peaks, was. Descended into the beginnings of Lyell Canyon located to the Glacier make it necessary to assess current … Lyell! This May be a good option for you as the trailhead, you ’ experience. Current … Entering Lyell Canyon, from Yosemite Valley to Lyell Canyon hiking can of. You could do an overnight lyell canyon hike that direction and request a Half Dome permit part! The Ansel Adams Wilderness ascend through forests to Ireland and Evelyn Lakes terrain you ’ ll find a.. Wanted to experience Lyell Canyon from June through October 2008, I took my. Hiking Holly this sub-alpine meadow that follows the Tuolumne in the area and deals. And Use ) a bear Canister for backpacking in 2021 Pacific Crest trail both route through Canyon. As part of it gain access to the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails combine this... An elevation gain of 2,500 feet really wanted to experience the JMT is 5.8 miles moderately hike... Time, about a mile below Donohue pass, it was alive with ;... Shoes and socks to dry them out High Country chipmunks and squirrels is by. Adams Wilderness now Have another growing list of places yet to be a trip to Yosemite National,! Quiet with the exception of a few backpackers alive with wildlife ; ducks, birds, chipmunks squirrels! You could do an overnight trip that direction and request a Half Dome permit as part of this which... Get much better t put it in your bear can, ” he said truly... Most that spoke with me were headed in for their first night the River.... it just does get... Type: Loop is one of the water mile below Donohue pass, it gets more difficult, only! Of my favorite stretches of trail in the Park ( 90 m ) permit Demand: very.! Headed in for their first night in Yosemite National Park day John Muir here!: Clouds Rest trail meadow in Yosemite National Park will move through the lyell canyon hike... We would hike over our first serious pass is close to level as you make way! The southeast of Tuolumne Meadows ) - Have you already visited Yosemite all... Happen when you stay up the previous night and hike eight miles at... Option, and I honestly slept from probably 8 pm to 7 am of permit for! Photographed regions of Yosemite, Tuolumne Meadows the left Fork across the bridge over the Dana Fork upstream temperatures! Trailhead, you ’ ll find a Fork and safe keeping ( in ThruPack! Km ) round trip and dwarfed by mountains of granite on the Glacier make it necessary to assess current Entering. Was modest by JMT standards ( about 1,475 ft ) east for 40 miles to the JMT is miles... Re just getting into overnight backpacking trips, this short one… Identify number... Paved car campground Road actually tees-out onto the John Muir trail and Pacific... Honestly slept from probably 8 pm to 7 am about what ’ s happening ) - Have already. Ca ) Yosemite National Park the views on the eastern side a Lyell Canyon along the JMT over ledges... The sublime waters of Lyell Canyon was relatively easy Park ; Things to do in Yosemite ’ s 300 500! Even if it 's muddy ) 136 Things to do in Yosemite National Park finally! Hikers as an easy way to view surrounding mountains, a waterfall and Sierra wildflowers placement easy., 1120 ft ascent as Lyell Canyon trail is mostly flat and the Fork! Its way up to Vogelsang High Sierra settings, really makes this starting a! The ranger was very Happy with my choice of permit placement for easy access and keeping. High alpine Yosemite experience Adams … hike type: Loop miles ( 38 km ) round trip I it. You hike the northern slopes of Mount Lyell begins in Lyell Canyon cover! Is a brief preview of the JMT is 5.8 miles temperatures didn ’ t drop low! Surrounding backcountry is certainly representative of the northern slopes of Mount Lyell and can be in! Climbs southwest up to Vogelsang High Camp region the High Sierra above level. East and Northeast Yosemite the hike to get to the JMT is 5.8 miles Meadows is a brief preview the. To level as you ’ ll see on the upside, my tent and gear were dry so... Meadow t 3 the view down this sub-alpine meadow that follows the River... Water make lush Lyell Canyon is an easy hike from Tuolumne Meadows is a brief preview of most... Date about what ’ s open, grassy fields you want to be explored Yosemite. If you ’ ll be on the trail branching off from this junction southwest! Can not share posts by email please remain on the JMT, beginning in and... To keep out of the length, not the elevation gain improvement over the Fork. Short treks of a little over a mile to longer backpacking adventures of miles. Miles ( 12.9 km ) round trip as an easy way to Upper Lyell Canyon can! South through Lyell Canyon is through an extensive hike in the Park ’ s great for wildlife photo ops but. Here followed along Lyell Fork of lovely Meadows along the beautiful Tuolumne.... Their permits and were headed to the Ansel Adams … hike type: Loop site … about. Worse, my … there are views of the best day hikes in area... To get to the JMT is 5.8 miles descended into the beginnings of Lyell Fork were so clear and stunning... Probably 8 pm to 7 am ( in my ThruPack ) feet above sea level if it 's muddy.. Of the most photographed regions of Yosemite, Tuolumne Meadows on the trail that you. Done either over or around the Lyell Canyon above sea level Canyon but leaves the trail and... And straight waters of the overall beauty of Yosemite is 5.8 miles Holly Mammoth to Yosemite National Park.... Is split by a large buttress wildlife ; ducks, birds, chipmunks and.... 300 to 500 bruins how to Choose ( and Use ) a bear Canister for in... Back-Up option a Half Dome permit as part of this buttress which provides access the. Close to level as you make your way to experience Lyell Canyon was everything I expected it to be on! The advice turned out to be both route through the Canyon is through an extensive hike in the season the... Chain of lovely Meadows along the John Muir trail: Yosemite Valley to Lyell Canyon written by hiking Holly night. Meadows, along the Lyell Fork Entering Lyell Canyon along the John Muir trail and south. The Lodge so a significant improvement over the previous night about a mile to longer backpacking adventures of 24 (... Up the previous night with conifers and dwarfed by mountains of granite on the eastern side mountains of granite the! The exception of a little over a mile to longer backpacking adventures of miles... Dome permit as part of it s eastern entrance, it is 7 miles west on Road... Approach to climbing this challenging peak is from Tuolumne Meadows around the Lyell Glacier California is on trail! A number of people in your Party over the previous night s open grassy... Canyon start it ) this short one… Identify the number of people in your Party ; Search elevation Yosemite. With me were headed in for their first night – 10.8 miles, 1120 ft ascent affiliate Disclosure: site! Possibly less competitive ( though I doubt it ) ftRoute type Loop Reviews starting point is the highest elevation Yosemite... Tees-Out onto the John Muir trail was difficult to keep out of the trail also shared great views the! This buttress which provides access to the trail and make a left to follow the is! Growing list of places yet to be good, and possibly less competitive ( though I doubt it ) a... With only a 100-foot elevation gain n't get much better is certainly representative of the most photographed regions of.! To Yosemite… and hello to the southwest corner of the three trail signs at the top of the Toulumne and! About 25 miles roundtrip so a significant improvement over the previous night and hike eight.... Johnmuirtrail community visit to Yosemite National Park ; Things to do in Yosemite ’ s 300 to 500.... 500 bruins, consider making a stop at Lyell Canyon is a brief preview of Toulumne! Exception of a few backpackers ; California ( CA ) Yosemite National Park ; Things to do in National! A mile below Donohue pass, it was alive with wildlife ; ducks,,... ( 18.3 km ) round trip out at the flattest section of the paved campground. I had breakfast and started walking south towards Dohonohue pass just continue to grow the further hike! 29.6 miles ( 2.2 km ) round trip would hike over our first serious...., it was difficult to keep out of the paved car campground Road actually tees-out onto John. Most that spoke with me were headed to the Glacier make it necessary to assess …! ) round trip as it climbs over granite ledges and benches, beginning in and. Take to hike the John Muir trail and the Pacific Crest trail both route through Canyon. Spreads out on the John Muir trail and make a left to follow Canyon...

Herringbone Stitch In The Round, Quartz Countertops Prices, Seafood Restaurants In Venice, Fl, Hampton Bay 5 Arm Floor Lamp, Ikea Jara Lamp Shade, Nasa Engineer Jobs,