Yosemite's highest-feeling high-country loop crosses multiple passes above 10,000ft in terrain that feels like another planet.
Yosemite's starkest high-country loop. Vogelsang Lake sits at over 10,000ft in a bare granite bowl. The route crosses high passes with panoramic views before descending through cascading creeks and lush meadows. Less crowded than Cathedral Lakes, more scenically varied, and just challenging enough to feel earned.
Start: Tuolumne Meadows (Wilderness Center or Rafferty Creek TH)
End: Tuolumne Meadows
Water: Rafferty Creek, Tuolumne Pass streams, Fletcher Lake
Steady climb up Rafferty Creek through forest and past Tuolumne Pass into open alpine country. Camp at the designated backpackers site near Vogelsang High Sierra Camp and Fletcher Lake.
Water: Streams near Evelyn Lake, Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River
Climb past Fletcher Lake toward Vogelsang Pass, then descend through Evelyn Lake Basin and into Lyell Canyon. Camp along the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River.
Water: Lyell Fork, Rafferty Creek
Easy morning return through Lyell Canyon and back up Rafferty Creek to the trailhead.
Vogelsang Peak scramble (11,516ft, class 2-3 from lake); extend to include Merced Lake for fishing; Babcock Lake side trip; connect to Sunrise Lakes for extended trip
Tioga Road must be open. Vogelsang High Sierra Camp may or may not be operating (check with park). This is high, exposed terrain - afternoon thunderstorms common. Carry warm layers even in summer. Bear canister required. No campfires above 9,600ft. Backpacker campground at Tuolumne Meadows for night before/after. Can be done as 2-day trip by strong hikers.
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