Donahue Peak

[shan1203]

Hi all,

We are leaving in 2 weeks for a JMT trek from Red's Meadow to Yosemite Valley! Yay!

We would like to summit Donahue Peak on the day we are supposed to cross Donahue Pass and are wondering if camping is allowed/desirable at the lake below the peak. Does anyone have any info about camping there?

Thanks,
Shannon

[jeremy1701]

Hey, that sounds like an awesome trip! Mind if I join you?!

[hikerlinda]

there is camping at both lakes below Donahue. I camped at the bridge crossing Lyle just at the top of the climb out of Lyle canyon and wished I had pushed on one mile more to the first lake it is a beautiful camp spot and there were campers at both lakes actually. I will be leaving for JMT in 2 weeks also. Have fun, the skeeters should be gone with plenty of water left.

[sierranomad]

Coming from the east, I camped at the basin just on the other side of the pass and it was one of the most beautiful camp locations I've ever been at.



This image really doesn't do it justice (the view up Donahue Pk was pretty cool, and is the opposite direction), but at least it gives an idea.

[bill-e-g]

Shannon is asking about the lake/tarn right below Donahue.
Yes, you can camp there.
It's gonna be just like the pass itself. Rocky and, if you're lucky,
you will be able to find a flat spot that someone has move a
bunch of rocks to make.
If you need a bunch of spots it probably won't work.
If you are like me and just need a 6x2ft area to squeeze into...
pretty much any place works.

Have fun

[sierranomad]

Shannon is asking about the lake/tarn right below Donahue.

Yes, I know. But since Shannon hopes to climb Donahue Peak, I though he/she might like to know about another camping option (a glorious one, to boot) adjacent to a route up the peak.

[shan1203]

hikerlinda, good to know. We are feeling like the summit of Donahue is going to happen for us, and that's fabulous!

bill-e-g, thanks for the info on the lake directly below Donahue...we have three tents in our group, so I'm thinking that lake won't work for us. I appreciate knowing this beforehand!

sierranomad, that spot looks perfect! It's also quite a bit less exposed than the lake closer to the peak *and* we can drop our packs a bit sooner than expected!

Thanks all for the info, and yes jeremy1701, I believe there is a slot for you on this trek


shan

[bill-e-g]

Uh... you realize you drop about 500 ft. to get to Jon's spot after
crossing Donahue?
That whole area will be swarming with people if you hit it on
a weekend day.
From the pass (you are coming west...) I'd just go over to that
lake/pond (it's 3/4 mile) and drop your pack there.
You might find some area you like. From there Donahue Pk.
is ... right there.

(i.e. I can see this happening... go over Donahue... drop down..
then decide to hike back up... hit that pond and it's glorious...
and then you're pack is way down yonder)

Anyway, it's all good. Have fun

[sierranomad]

Uh... you realize you drop about 500 ft. to get to Jon's spot after crossing Donahue?

I didn't take you for one that minded a little extra elevation gain Bill

I realize that "swarming with people" means different things to different folk. But I was there Sunday of the 7/4 weekend last year, and there were 5 or 6 other tents. The closest one was about 100' away, the next closest about 300'. The other groups were quite far. As far as I know, the 7/4 weekend is the busiest time of the year for TM.

The area was large enough that those other people really didn't bother me. After supper I hiked over to a lookout in the direction of the image I posted. Had an incredible view into and up the canyon far below, next to a waterfall, enjoying the alpenglow....and had it all to myself.

That said, Shannon, if you've been following this forum for any time at all, you will know how well Bill-e-g knows Yosemite. I've never been to the lake that you are speaking of. If he says that it is a better spot than the basin (which he hasn't yet), then I'd go with the lake.

Happy Trails!

[bill-e-g]

It's all good.

For fun here's from July 5th of this year.

Donahue Peak is on the right.



Have fun

[jeremy1701]

Hi. I'll pipe in a little bit to try and clarify. We're debating between Lake 1 and Lake 2, which you can see on the topo here. Both seem to be along the 'route' to Donohue Peak. The one seems a little smaller, but a little less exposed. As Shannon mentioned, we've got 3 tents we need to set up.

Thanks for all your help!

i.imgur. com/CXWxB.jpg

^ Sorry, I can't post links yet (note space after the .)

[bill-e-g]

Here's another pict. Sorry. I have not been to the pond.
It's not named otherwise I would have..

The arrow looks like sweet camping to me.
Unless the bugs are bad... sleep in the open.



(I can carry water... I can't carry the view)
(number 1 criteria for me is view) (it drives the wife batty sometimes)

[jeremy1701]

That looks like an excellent spot, Bill-e-g! Thanks for the pic... Hopefully, we'll have a little less snow to content with (:fingers crossed:).


We'll let you know how it goes.

[jeremy1701]

I found a terrific site to camp near Donohue Pass and could have easily taken a route over to the peak from there. I also found the use trail below the pass that would have lead to the spot in bill-e-g's picture. Both looked like really excellent sites and had easy access to the peak. Unfortunately (or perhaps not), I was out numbered and our group decided to press on, stopping instead at the first lake below the Pass.

No summit this time, but I guess that leaves something to come back for!!

[bill-e-g]

No worries...

I find that a trip just opens up more ideas in my noggin.
"Need to go back and check this or that out... "

Saving some for next time is always a good idea.