Backpacking Yosemite National Park

You can spend entire books (and an entire life) on long hikes through Yosemite; I’ve only scratched the surface. Here are some of my favorite multi-day routes through the park.

Tuolumne Meadows to Vogelsang, Merced Lake, and Cathedral Lakes

From Tuolumne Meadows, follow the Lyell Fork south to Rafferty Creek, then follow the creek up to Vogelsang. Drop down to Merced Lake via either Fletcher Creek and Emeric Lake or, after crossing Vogelsang Pass, Bernice Lake and Lewis Creek. Climb up out of the Merced River drainage along the Cathedral Fork to join the John Muir Trail as it approaches the Cathedral Lakes area and then returns to Tuolumne Meadows. Depending on side trips, this loop is 30-35 miles.

Fall is a wonderful (bug-free!) time to do this loop, but a note about water sources: in late September 2019, the Cathedral Fork was dry just a mile or two above the Merced River, and there were no additional water sources until Cathedral Lakes. The climb from the Merced up toward the JMT can be hot, so consider camelling up before you leave the Merced.

Illilouette Creek to Red Peak Pass to Merced Lake

Follow Illilouette Creek south to the Ottaway Lakes area, cross Red Peak Pass and descend into the Red Devil Lakes area. Follow Triple Divide Fork until it becomes the Merced River, passing Washburn and Merced Lakes along the way. Can be done from Happy Isles (Yosemite Valley) or one of the trailheads along Glacier Point Road. Allow 4-6 days for this 50-mile loop.

Tuolumne Meadows to Young Lakes and Mt. Conness

The Young Lakes area is a lovely destination in its own right but also makes a natural base camp for a hike up Mt. Conness. This is a short trip (14 miles round-trip, plus a few more if you hike up Conness), suitable for an overnight or long weekend.