John Muir Trail from Tuolomne Meadows to Sunrise HSC

[Lesbert]

Does anyone have experience hiking this section of the John Muir Trail. We are staying at the Sunrise HSC a first night and ending our loop at Tuolomne Meadows so would like to park and return to that area. It looks like the JM trail has a nice 7.5 hike from Tuolomne meadows to Sunrise and I am looking for local knowledge from anyone who has hiked this segment. Particularly -- is it well marked and any other thoughts or advice. Many Thanks!

[dan]

I've done it a few times. It's in sparse forest and meadow over rolling terrain. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. It starts east of the Visitor Center at a small road turnout. No great elevation changes--slightly uphill.

I haven't stayed at Sunrise HSC camp itself (I backpacked), but I do remember the morning scene at the meadow east of the HSC. It was one of the most beautiful memories I have.

[Ray Rippel]

Good day,

This is a fabulous hike with some really terrific views. I would suggest lunch, here: http://binged.it/T7aLMt.

It will be mostly uphill going and you will go over Cathedral Pass, but it is definitely doable in a day. There isn't much at Sunrise Camp if you don't have a reservation there, so no big deal if you turn around early.

If you want a neat side trip, consider the Lower Cathedral Lake.

Good hiking, Ray

Ray Rippel
Author, Planning Your Thru-Hike of the John Muir Trail
http://jmtbook.com/
Follow me at: www.twitter.com/JMTBook

[Lesbert]

Thanks for the replies. Happy Hiking!

[Lesbert]

Ray - thanks for the lunch spot local! Dan - we are definitely getting up for Sunrise in the meadow - thanks for the thoughts.