Two High Country Trails

July 31, 2012
Lyell Canyon, Yosemite National Park and
Tioga Lake, Mono County, California
Total distance walked: 7.06 miles

Today, Michelle joined me for a hike along two high country trails: the John Muir Trail through Lyell Canyon and a walk around Tioga Lake.

The trail to Lyell Canyon starts just behind the parking area of Tuolumne Meadows Lodge.

Shortly after beginning our hike, we crossed a bridge over the Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River and later, the twin bridges over the Lyell Fork, where we stopped by the water’s edge. The riverbanks were bustling with many people, and the trail was equally busy.

First bridge.

This trail leads to the popular Vogelsang High Sierra Camp and is a segment of the renowned John Muir Trail (JMT). The JMT, named after naturalist John Muir, spans 211 miles from Yosemite Valley paralleling the Sierra Nevada Mountain range culminating at Mt. Whitney. Additionally, the Pacific Crest Trail intersects at this point, rendering the Lyell Canyon trail a crowded thoroughfare.

The trail through Lyell Canyon wound through the dusty forest. A footbridge crossed over Rafferty Creek, which had dried up.

Bridge over Rafferty Creek,

Dry Rafferty Creek.

Upon reaching an open meadow dotted with mauve grass, the distinctive call of a mountain chickadee echoed from the branches overhead.

Kuna Crest loomed in the distance, bringing to mind one of my favorite trails to Spillway Lake. It marked the point where we would turn back.

Returning to the car, we headed to Tioga Lake which is nestled beside Tioga Road. This small glacial lake lies just three-quarters of a mile from Yosemite’s Tioga Pass entrance station. We made our way down the steep path, weaving through the trees to the lake’s northern tip.

The view of Mt. Dana was beautiful.

Soft white ranger buttons, vivid pink paintbrush, and lush lupine adorned the grassy meadow.

Michelle stepped into the water and sunk to her ankles in the soft mud.

We lingered for a time, basking in the tranquil beauty of the lake before making our way back up the hill to the car and then home. I intend to return to this lake one day.