Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows - Day and Section Hikes - page 39

call [phone] or make reservations online at www.yosemitepark.com . Just
before you reach the tent cabins, there are a number of backpacker sites that share
the fabulous views of the snowcapped peaks of the Clark Range and the namesake
sunrises that cast their morning light over the meadow. Backpackers have to forgo
hot showers, but composting toilets and bear boxes are located here.
From Sunrise High Sierra Camp, walk along the flat meadow until you reach a
junction with the Merced Lake Trail. Begin a gradual ascent up the eastern side of
Tresidder Peak, climbing for 30 to 45 minutes to your first view of Echo and Mat-
thes peaks. Another 15 minutes brings you to a stop-worthy panoramic viewing
point (9,940 feet) with sun-soaked granite slabs that beckon for a sit and snack. Soak
in the splendid grandeur of the Clark Range and the peaks of Tresidder, Cathedral,
and Echo.
Drop down to Cathedral Pass (9,700 feet) after rounding the base of Columbia
Finger, and then continue your descent through a series of meadows and lakes. In
spring, the wildflower display is unbelievable. Upper Cathedral Lake (9,585 feet) is
the first in a series of lakes lying in the shadow of their grand namesake. There are
some campsites here, but the area is an extremely popular weekend backpacker des-
tination from Tuolumne and can be quite crowded.
Leave the lake and keep descending for 0.75 miles until you pass a sign for
Cathedral Lake (Lower Cathedral Lake; 9,288 feet). For a short side trip, follow this
spur trail for half a mile through pine woods and along the river to another lovely
water jewel in the meadows, perfect for swimming on a blistering day. There are
plenty of little bathing nooks along the river as you approach. No camping is al-
lowed at this lower lake.
From the juncture (9,430 feet) with Lower Cathedral Lake, continue downhill
on the sandy path to Tuolumne's visitor center (8,630 feet). While it's easy to feel
like a horse returning to the barn at this point (or to a cold drink or hot shower), try
to savor the granite views and gentle meadows of your descent into Tuolumne. It's a
stunning plunge with a few rollers through meadows colored with iris, mountain
hemlock, and lodgepole pine woodland. Expect crowded trails, though, packed with
day hikers making their way to the lakes.
Arrive at a confusing junction near CA 120. To reach the visitor center, the
backpacker's camp, or the continuation of the JMT, turn right and follow signs to the
Tuolumne Meadows High Sierra Camp and Glen Aulin. Cross Budd Creek on a
footbridge, and at the next juncture either head northward (left) to approach the visit-
or center or southward (right) to follow signs to the campground.
P ERMIT INFORMATION : To reserve an overnight permit originating in Yosemite, call
the Yosemite Wilderness Center at [phone] (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday