Three days on the John Muir Trail crossing Donohue Pass and Lyell Canyon. The best JMT sampler without committing to 211 miles.
Three days on the John Muir Trail connecting Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite. You'll cross Donohue Pass (the Yosemite/Ansel Adams boundary), traverse the beautiful Lyell Canyon, and walk through Tuolumne Meadows. This is the reverse direction of Route 33 (Tuolumne to Red's Meadow) and makes an excellent JMT sampler for those not ready for the full 211-mile commitment.
Start: Agnew Meadows (River Trail TH)
End: Tuolumne Meadows
Water: Shadow Creek, Garnet Lake
River Trail to JMT junction; steep 500ft climb to Garnet Lake; Banner Peak and Mt Ritter views; windy - find sheltered campsite
Water: Thousand Island Lake, Ruby Lake, Emerald Lake, Davis Lakes
Traverse past Thousand Island Lake (iconic views); over Island Pass; leave JMT for Davis Lakes for real solitude
Water: Lyell Fork, Tuolumne River
Over Donahue Pass (11,056ft); steep descent to Lyell Canyon; long flat stretch through canyon to Tuolumne Meadows; catch YARTS bus back to Mammoth; could split into 2 days camping in Lyell Canyon
Davis Lakes (solitude off JMT), Ediza Lake, Cecile Lake, 60 Lakes Basin
One-car trip: YARTS bus from Tuolumne back to Mammoth (~$15); Devil's Postpile shuttle required to reach Agnew Meadows (carry cash); Day 3 is 20mi if done in 3 days - consider 4 days with Lyell Canyon camp; Inyo NF permits easier than Yosemite permits; multiple trailhead options if River Trail quota full
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