Skillfully Evasive

June 18, 2015
Tioga Lake, Mono County
Total distance walked:  2.27 miles

Andrew’s home for the summer and eager to squeeze in fun-filled days before starting his job with the National Park Service. As spring wrapped up and temperatures soared into the mid-90s, we decided to escape the heat by packing up the car and heading to Tioga Lake. Nestled just beyond the gate of Yosemite National Park in the Inyo National Forest, the lake sits at an elevation of 9,700 feet. Our journey took us through the Arch Rock entrance of the park and out the east side.

We set off by mid-morning but didn’t make it to the lake until around 12:30. Our drive was interrupted by 15 miles of road construction, leaving us stationary for 40 minutes. Still, if you had to be stuck in traffic, there were worse places to be than Yosemite! The cool 70-degree air, combined with the fresh scent of pine wafting through the car, served as nature’s perfect air freshener.

Upon arrival, we lugged our fishing gear, ice chest, and beach towels down a winding path through the trees. On the rocky western shore, we found a spot deep enough for fishing. Andrew quickly cast his line, eager to start. The wind was brisk, gusting occasionally and adding an extra thrill to the day. I nestled under a tree to keep my hat from blowing away.

At lunchtime, we observed seven California gulls circling the lake, performing aerial dives into the water one by one in search of their own lunch. While Andrew continued fishing, I wandered towards the opposite shore and discovered a trail leading to Glacier Canyon and Dana Lakes, a hike for another day.

A chatty family eagerly approached me, bursting to share their story. They had just been chased by a large brown bear in the area I was headed towards. Thrilled by the chance of spotting the big bruin, I pressed on with heightened anticipation, eyes peeled and camera at the ready.

About a third of the way around the lake, I came to the creek and realized I couldn’t cross without getting wet. Unwilling to plunge my feet into the cold water, I turned back, never catching a glimpse of the elusive bear.

After several hours, Andrew reeled in for the final time. Despite a few nibbles, the fish proved as elusive as the bear. We bid farewell to Tioga Lake, ascended the hillside, and returned to the car for the long drive home. It was a day well spent in Yosemite’s high country, close to the sky.