Fire Changes Plans - Need Advice

[monk191]

We are in need of advice as to a new route to take.

We were originally going to Take the Lyell Fork From Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley, Passing Vogelsang Peak, but fires have closed down 120, so we would have no way of getting back to our car afterwards.

So we are looking for an interesting trail to take, hopefully something that passes Vogelsang Peak (We wanted to day hike to the summit), and returns to Tuolumne Meadows. Something within the 30 Mile Range.

Any ideas would be very helpful.
Thanks,
Brandon

[AlmostThere]

Hike from Happy Isles to Happy Isles? In and out from the valley. Or from Glacier Point to Vogelsang to Happy Isles. Depends on how much you like the Mist Trail going uphill.

[centurycyclist]

If you leave from Tuolumne, go out the Lyell Fork of the TR as planned up to Vogelsang, that is about 12 1/2 miles---with a decent elevation gain. Then go down towards Merced Lake----if you want to camp near Emeric Lake (pretty) take the Fletcher Creek trail. If you want something more remote, go over Vogelsang Pass, and find spot along Lewis Creek. There are also a couple of lakes---short trail off the main trail. From Merced Lake area, hike up towards either Clouds Rest or Sunrise Mountain/ HSC. (via John Muir trail---more challenging, but worth the effort. Then hike out via Sunrise Lakes trail. This will be just under 30 miles, but a challenging stretch. Hope this helps.