Agnew Meadows to Tuolumne

[potatopants88]

Starting to formulate a plan for my first backpacking trip. Considering hiking from Agnew Meadows to Tuolumne. Can anyone comment on these two options in terms of scenery and difficulty?

River Trail to Thousand Island Lakes to JMT vs. Shadow Creek Trail to JMT

The Shadow Creek route interests me because we can go to Ediza Lake.

Also, how many nights would you recommend for this?

My next question would be how does Agnew/Tuolumne compare to the Vogelsvang loop?

Thanks!

[dan]

The JMT via Ediza Lake is much more scenic than the PCT along the river. Although the PCT is slightly faster. You should be able to get to Thousand Island Lakes in one full day. You may want to lay over at Ediza Lake or Thousand Island Lake or both (I highly recommend the latter).

You could head up the JMT via Ediza Lake, and head back on the PCT along the river.

The Vogelsang loop is more difficult because it's farther and slightly higher (from Tuolumne).

Thousand Island Lake is more scenice than Vogelsang, but I think the route to Vogelsang is prettier (along Lyell Canyon).

[potatopants88]

Thanks, Dan. Do you know how many miles is it from Agnew Meadows to Thousand Island Lakes via JMT?

If we did the Shadow Creek Trail to Ediza and then up to Thousand Island Lakes, and then continued on via Lyell Canyon to Tuolumne, would that be the best of both worlds?

[dan]

Thanks, Dan. Do you know how many miles is it from Agnew Meadows to Thousand Island Lakes via JMT?

If we did the Shadow Creek Trail to Ediza and then up to Thousand Island Lakes, and then continued on via Lyell Canyon to Tuolumne, would that be the best of both worlds?

Don't have the JMT mileage handy. The PCT route (along the San Joaquin River) is 8 miles. Going the JMT via Shadow and Garnet Lakes is longer (but a lot more scenic and shaded), although the PCT route has great views. Add extra miles for Ediza Lake.

Yeah, both would be the best of both worlds. I did it nordic skiing in winter once (with backpacks), and in summer the reverse direction (Tuolumne to Agnew Meadows). Terrific scenery.

[potatopants88]

Great, thanks!

[balzaccom]

WE just posted a trip report on this section of the JMT--you might check that out. WE started at Rush Creek and hiked to Ediza and other lakes.

On your first day, you might also consider stopping at Ruby or Emerald Lakes before you get to Thousand Island