Tuolumne Meadows to Donohue Pass

The 9-mile hike up the Lyell Fork Canyon is one of the most relaxing sections of the JMT, with the river meandering through meadows beside the trail and Mt. Lyell and Donohue Pass rising in the distance. Campsites can be crowded around the footbridge at the base of the pass. Pushing up the trail another mile leads to more possibilities for pitching your tent. The actual ascent of the pass is not difficult compared to others farther down the trail.

Donohue Pass to Reds Meadow

Once across Donohue Pass the trail descends through open country and into the trees, passing the Waugh Lake lateral trail before climbing to low Island Pass. Beyond the pass the trail sweeps down to spectacular Thousand Island Lake (shown above). Plan your itinerary so you spend a night there. Check camping restrictions around the mouth of the lake.

Not far beyond Thousand Island Lake, pass Garnet Lake before descending to Shadow Lake. There is no camping at Shadow Lake and some areas upstream from the lake. A stiff climb leads up to little Rosalie Lake with good camping. Then it's downhill to Reds Meadow where you will find a store, showers, supplies, and a busy campground. A summer shuttle bus ($8) connects with Mammoth Lakes.