Young Lakes Trail and Map

Following the Trail to Young Lakes

Two trails lead from Tuolumne Meadows up to Young Lakes - the Glen Aulin Trail and the Dog Lake Trail. The Glen Aulin Trail, which we describe here, is slightly shorter and easier. The Dog Lake Trail involves about 500 feet more climbing before descending to join the Glen Aulin Trail 1.6 miles from the lower lakes. If you can't get a permit for one of the trails, try the other.

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Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin Trail Junction,

1.6 miles

Following the Glen Aulin trail from the Lembert Dome trailhead, hikers enjoy meadow views along easy terrain for the first 1¾ miles of the hike. This section of the trail is part of the Pacific Crest Trail. A sign then marks the turnoff to Young Lakes.

Glen Aulin Junction to Dog Lake Trail Junction,

3.2 miles

After a short traverse the trails turns uphill, climbing steadily in the direction of Ragged Peak and offering great vistas of Tuolumne Meadows and the Cathedral Range. After 2 miles of climbing, the grade eases and a mile father the trail meets the Dog Lake Trail.

Dome in Tuolumne Meadows

Dog Lake Trail Junction to Lower Young Lake,

1.6 miles

Several hundred more feet of climbing along a trail that gradually lessens in severity leads to a ridge only a quarter mile from the lake. A gentle descent soon reveals Lower Young Lake. The trail hugs the northern shore. Many backpackers swing up into the scattered trees here to find campsites.

Since campfires are not allowed, campsites are wherever you find an appealing spot back from the water's edge. Middle Young Lake is another half mile of hiking. Upper Young Lake requires the ascent of a steep, primitive trail.

Cathedral Range and Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park, California

Tuolumne Meadows and Cathedral Range

High Sierra Camps

Yosemite National Park maintains 5 High Sierra Camps spread through the wilderness. Each camp has tent cabins, restrooms, and a central meal facility staffed by park personnel. Meals are provided. Visitors need only bring their own personal gear.

The camps range from 1.2 miles from the nearest trailhead for the May Lake Camp to 15.6 miles for Merced Lake. Most who visit Merced Lake are coming a shorter distance from a nearby camp. Being packed in by mules is an option for those who do wish to walk. Two of the camps are near Tuolumne Meadows.

Glen Aulin

The scenic Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp is located next to a waterfall and pool on the Tuolumne River. The 5-mile hike to the camp follows the river downstream from Tuolumne Meadows, descending about 700 feet. The camp features 8 cabins. Guests enjoy wonderful sunsets and views of Mt. Conness.

Vogelsang

Vogelsang High Sierra Camp is south of Tuolumne Meadows, high in the Cathedral Range of peaks. To reach the camp, hikers trace Rafferty Creek for 7 miles in a mostly gradual ascent of about 1,400 feet. The camp is situated at 10,120 feet. It serves as an excellent base camp for exploring nearby lakes. The camp features 12 cabins with space for 42 guests.

Other Camps

The other High Sierra Camps are May Lake, Sunrise, and Merced. Sunrise is along the trail between Cathedral Lakes and Yosemite Valley. Reservations for the camps are through a lottery.
High Sierra Camps