Lyell Canyon - Day and Section Hikes - page 16

4 Lyell Canyon

S CENERY :
T RAIL CONDITION :
C HILDREN : (shorter distance would be appropriate for children)

D IFFICULTY : (mileage is flexible, as this is an out-and-back hike)

S OLITUDE :

D ISTANCE : 5-11 miles out and back
H IKING TIME : 3-5 hours
O UTSTANDING FEATURES : Stunning meadows, views of Kuna Crest, trout fishing

This out-and-back is an easy Sunday stroll and a perfect spot for beginning hikers,
families, or anyone desiring a lazy amble in an amazingly beautiful setting. If we had
to introduce skeptical friends to the joys of lacing up hiking boots, this would be the
trail to pick. The trail is mostly flat, but boasts picture-perfect meadows framed by
granite monoliths, as gorgeous as any you may find in at Yosemite National Park.
Usually you have to really work to afford a view like this.

DIRECTIONS: The Lyell Canyon trailhead is in the Tuolumne Meadows area of
Yosemite National Park off Tioga Road (CA 120). For parking, follow signs to the
Tuolumne Lodge and Wilderness Permit office. There is a parking lot on the left sign-
posted for Dog Lake and the John Muir Trail, or you may find additional parking in
the Wilderness Permit lot and then follow the signs to the John Muir Trail. The park
runs a free shuttle-bus service from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. along Tioga Road from
Tuolumne Lodge to Olmsted Point from July 4 through Labor Day; the Lyell Canyon
trailhead can be found at Shuttle Stop #2. Additionally, YARTS bus service offers a
shuttle from Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center back to the Yosemite Village Visitor
Center at 9:10 a.m. during the summer months. Rates are $15 one-way. Contact
YARTS by phone at (888) 89- YARTS or visit www.yarts.com ) for current rates and
schedules.

GPS coordinates Lyell Canyon
UTM zone (WGS84) 11S
Easting 0294479
Northing 4194386