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Vogelsang High Sierra Camp
Vogelsang High Sierra Camp – 14.7mi / 23.6km
This hike takes you to an amazing, alpine landscape at Yosemite’s highest High Sierra Camp with many opportunities to explore. Take the spur trail south to the John Muir Trail and make a left to follow the Dana Fork upstream. The trail crosses over the Dana Fork before going up and over a small, wooded rise to Lyell Fork and the wonderful twin bridges.
Enjoy the river and the meadow here before continuing on through the trees. Follow the signs for Vogelsang High Sierra Camp at the trail junction at Rafferty Creek. Views become limited as you begin the steep climb out of Lyell Canyon. Rafferty Creek isn’t that far from the trail, but remains mostly out of site until the trail eases its steep ascent to a steady, moderate grade.
Great granite formations on Johnson Peak pop up to the west. As the trail makes its final approach to Tuolumne Pass, it opens up into a large, wonderful meadow backdropped by Fletcher Peak. After a deceptively long walk through the meadow, you reach the pass. At the trail junction just beyond the pass, take a left to head up to the camp. You’ll traverse, with views of Boothe Lake backdropped by Rafferty Peak, then turn up towards the camp.
Numerous buildings of the camp dot this wonderful perch full of lovely vistas and the chattering creek. Short, wonderful side trips to Fletcher Lake, Boothe Lake, and Vogelsang Lake are highly recommended. Vogelsang Pass, above Vogelsang Lake, offers extraordinary vistas for the extra effort. (For a huge 19.4mi/31.2km loop, continue northeast from Vogelsang High Sierra Camp past Fletcher Lake and Evelyn Lake, and down to Lyell Canyon.)
Trailhead: Turn off the Tioga Road onto the signed road for Tuolumne Lodge. Follow the paved road towards the lodge until you reach the signed parking for the Dog Lake / John Muir Trail. Look for the John Muir Trail to the south.
Elevation Gain: 1,600ft / 480m – Elevation Loss: 1,600ft / 480m
