Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center (8,630 feet), meander east on a
level, dusty trail, passing signs for the backpacker's campground and a trailhead for
Elizabeth Lake. After 0.5 miles of walking, cross a bridge over the Dana Fork of the
Tuolumne River. Shortly thereafter a second bridge takes you over the Lyell Fork.
After about 2.5 easy miles, traverse rushing Rafferty Creek on a handsome foot-
bridge (8,720 feet) and begin a beautiful stroll in and out of forest thickets and along
the grassy expanse of Lyell Canyon as the trail parallels the Lyell Fork of the
Tuolumne River. The area is named for Charles Lyell, a 19th-century lawyer turned
geologist and good friend of Charles Darwin.
Up until the mid-1800s and the explosion of silver prospectors and explorers,
only Native Americans enjoyed the beauty of this region. Miwok and Mono Indians
stopped in the area to trade during the summer en route east. These days, though,
visitors from around the world come to marvel at the landscape. Rainbow trout lure
anglers to this stretch of Yosemite from late April through mid-November.
The trail's proximity to busy Tuolumne Meadows, as well as its level grade,
nearly guarantees that you will have company in this part of the wilderness. The
presence of hikers careless with their food, combined with shallow waters teeming
with fish, also means that this is popular bear and deer country. Be sure to keep your
snacks and food secure at all times. Camping is prohibited within the first 4 miles
from Tuolumne Meadows. Bear canisters are essential here, and there is no question
that you will lose your food if you don't have one.
After crossing Rafferty Creek, reach the next trail junction in a little more than 4
miles at the turnoff (8,900 feet) for Ireland Lake, savoring views of the Unicorn and
Mammoth peaks along the way. Shortly after passing this trail juncture, encounter
Potter Point and numerous campsites. Ahead, glimpse Mount Lyell, the park's
highest peak at 13,114 feet, and Donahue Pass beckoning in the distance.
About 8 miles from the visitor center, the trail turns away from the river and be-
gins the initial climb toward Donahue Pass, passing a well-used camping area.
Dubbed Lyell Fork Base Camp (9,040 feet), this area is popular with local backpack-
ers and sees quite a bit of use in the summer months. Initially the climb is in a
shaded pine bench, and then it evolves into steeper exposed switchbacks with fant-
astic views back toward the valley. After 1.5 miles, the trail flattens for a bit and
reaches a bridge over the Lyell Fork (9,650 feet). There are camping sites on either
side of this sturdy footbridge. After crossing the river, begin climbing again, some-
times quite steeply, up a rocky set of switchbacks. Your prize is a stunning mountain
tarn (10,200 feet) surrounded by meadows and nestled in a cirque at the base of Do-
nahue Pass. There are a few camping spots here scattered amid the whitebark pines
