Alpine lakes, gushing waterfalls, and granite bluffs that make you understand why Muir called this the Range of Light, all in one loop from the Valley floor.
The best of Yosemite's high country in a single loop. Alpine lakes, gushing waterfalls, and granite bluffs that make you understand why Muir called this the Range of Light. It's a serious undertaking (40 miles with real elevation), but if you have the legs for it, there's no better way to see what Yosemite is about beyond the Valley floor.
Start: Mirror Lake Trailhead
End: Happy Isles Trailhead Parking
Water: Two streams near camp
Steep exposed climb up Snow Creek Trail; start early
Water: Snow Creek, Tenaya Creek, Tenaya Lake, Sunrise Lakes
Tenaya Creek crossing can be waist-high early season; mosquitoes at Sunrise Lakes
Water: Sunrise Creek, Merced River
Clouds Rest summit optional but highly recommended; can bypass via Forsyth Trail (-4mi); steep knee-pounding descent
Water: Echo Creek, Merced River
Spectacular Merced River views; Lost Valley; Nevada & Vernal Falls; end at Half Dome Village for pizza
Half Dome cables (5.1mi RT, +/-2230ft, separate permit required, 75/day for backpackers)
Camping restricted near Snow Creek due to bear activity; burned forest sections from 2014 Meadow Fire; mosquitoes fierce at Sunrise Lakes
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