Hello, I am planning a trip in late Sept. to go from Red’s Meadow to Yosemite Valley. Has anyone detoured to Vogelsang from the junction with the JMT near lyle canyon then on to little yosemite valley? I have never done that side and was curious how much different it is instead of heading to tulomne. Thanks.
Hebby
I did something like that when I did the PCT in 1996. The Mdws PO wasn’t open when I dropped off my box in April, so they kept it at the Valley PO and I took the route you are asking about. From Vogelsang Camp I went down the east(?) side of the drainage towards Half Dome. Camped on the shoulder of Half Dome(had the entire place to myself), went up top for the sunrise, then hiked down into the valley to pick up my food box. There is a free BPers camp in the valley and I hitched to get to the Mdws(easy to do).
This is a beautiful hike and once you get away from the camp you may see few others on the trail. Be sure to have plenty of time to check out the waterfalls along the river.
Different Socks
I would highly recommend this route to Little Yosemite Valley from Tuolumne and JMT. The climb is very gradual up to Tuolumne Pass and the High Camp.
The hike up from the Camp to Vogelsang Pass is a series of long easy switch backs passed the Lake all the way up to the pass, all above tree line. Great views from the pass down into the valley below and you will be going down hill all the way to Yosemite valley with some great options for camping along the way.
1 Gallison Lake (seen from the pass) no trail to it. 2 Bernice Lake. Beautiful. The trail sign says 1 mile, but I am certain it is less than a mile to the Lake. Mostly uphill, but not bad. Well worth the effort. The highest peak across the Valley is the back side of Lyell Peak. 3 Before you reach the trail to Bernice Lake, you will pass through a meadow/valley with water running through it and excellent places to camp. 4 Merced High Camp. Great water, lake and falls, swimming holes. Tenting area for backpackers. 5 Bernice Lake all the way to the valley would be a reasonable all day hike, but if you stay at the tenting area about 4 miles out from the valley,just before the jct. with the JMT, you will be at a great take-off area for including a hike of Half Dome, if you have time. You will not have to climb the long four miles up out of the valley as you would have to do, if you headed out to climb half Dome from there.
Be sure to take the Mist Trail down, too. It is very steep until below Nevada Falls, but you are going down. Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls are well worth it. The JMT might be an easier grade, but it is dusty and a long slog. Both are popular trails up from the valley, so expect company those last 4 miles or so. September should be less crowded.
PS I hiked it just a few weeks ago ( c. August 10) and camped alone at Bernice Lake! Keep an eye out for osprey. Again, one you reach V. Pass it is all downhill to the L. Y. Valley.
rambler
Thanks for the info. I hiked up Half Dome in June and would like to take my friends up there for sunrise so camping at the shoulder should be our last night. We have 7 days to get from Red’s Meadow to the Valley so we won’t have to push it too hard. I think we will shoot for Bernice lake as I hear the fishing is great there. Hopefully the weather will cooperate and I’ll be on the trail in 2 weeks. I can’t wait.
Hebby