by dsrobison » Sat Aug 15, 2009 12:19 am
Just got done with the trip - here's what I decided to do:
Started at Tioga Pass on the trail and then went down to Lower Gaylor Lake. From there we headed west, hugging the higher elevation on our right side. We camped by a stream about a mile east of Delaney Creek. Next day we crossed Delaney Creek where it opens up into a meadow (very beautiful) and then headed WNW towards the pass that leads into where Dingley Creek originates. That pass is stunning by the way, with great views of Ragged Peak to the north and views of the Cathedrals to the south. From there we crossed Dingley Creek and went through the pass just east of Ragged Peak. We camped a little ways away from the western-most Young Lake. Then we went on to Roosevelt and spent a night there. Going from Roosevelt to Young Lakes or vice versa, the best route by far is to contour around to the east instead of descending all the way down into the valley. We did both and the contouring route was much easier and a lot more scenic. To get back, we went back to Young Lakes and picked up the Dog Lake trail and made it back to Tuolumne where we caught the shuttle back to our car at Tioga Pass. It was an awesome first experience in Yosemite and I highly recommend this route!!!