Tuolumne Meadows to Devils Postpile Trail and Map

On the John Muir Trail

Banner Peak, Yosemite National Park, California
Banner Peak, Yosemite National Park, California

Tuolumne Meadows to Devils Postpile Trail and Map

On the John Muir Trail


Following the John Muir Trail from Tuolumne Meadows to Devils Postpile

Map

Thirty-one miles on the John Muir Trail starting Tuolumne Meadows takes hikers down beautiful and over Donohue Pass. Beyond Donohue Pass the trail drops and then climbs over Island Pass before arriving at the highlight of the trip, spectacular Thousand Island Lake and Banner Peak (shown above). Ups and downs follow before the long final descent to Devils Postpile.

Shop Amazon for: Hiking Poles


Tuolumne Meadows to Upper Lyell Canyon,

9.3 miles

From Tuolumne Meadows take the trail leading up gentle, scenic Lyell Canyon. Many hikers camp around the bridge at the foot of the pass, but there are other sites a little farther up the trail.

Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River, Yosemite National Park, California

Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River

Upper Lyell Canyon to Thousand Island Lake,

8.7 miles

Pause often on the pass to enjoy the view. Once over the summit, drop quickly and pass the Waugh Lake trail junction. Then climb 600' to the top of Island Pass. Views of Banner Peak and Thousand Island Lake soon unfold. No camping is permitted around the mouth of the lake, but good sites can be found along the north shore.


Donohue Pass, Yosemite National Park, California

Donohue Pass

Thousand Island Lake to Rosalie Lake,

6.5 miles

Make the quick hop over to beautiful Garnet Lake, also with good camping. Then a short climb takes you over a ridge and down several miles to Shadow Lake. No camping is allowed at the lake. Circle the head of the lake and begin the 700' climb to Rosalie Lake, a nice camping spot.

Shadow Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness, California

Shadow Lake

Rosalie Lake to Devils Postpile,

6.2 miles

After a short climb, begin a 2000-foot descent to Devils Postpile. The trail passes the Emerald Lakes and finally marshy Johnston Lake. Continue downstream, soon reaching the maze of trails around Devils Postpile. Cross the bridge and turn upstream to the trailhead.

Editors' 2 Cents

Keeping a light pack while still enjoying comfort on the trail and in camp is always a balancing act.

Backpacks

A lightweight backpack can knock a pound or two off your overall load. Ultralight backpacks such as those offered by Gossamer Gear can weigh as little as 2 pounds. Most ultralights have fewer external pockets and more fragile fabric than traditional packs.

Slightly heavier packs such as Granite Gear Crown 3 60 offer sturdier fabric and a few other extras. 2.4 pounds.

Sleeping Pads

Find a sleeping pad that allows you to have a comfortable night's sleep, whether its a foam pad, an air mattress, or a hybrid. Therm a Rest Sleeping Pads is a popular brand for comfortable, lightweight pads.

Tents

You can save weight by purchasing a 1-person tent for yourself, we suggest that the added room in a 2-person tent (used by 1 person) is worth the slight increase in weight and cost. Big Agnes is a leading brand in lightweight tents, but be aware that their tents should be used with care. Put a ground cloth underneath and don't over-tighten lines. Their Big Agnes Copper Spur Tents comes in 1 - 5 person versions. The 2-person version weighs 2 pounds, 12 ounces.

Editors' 2 Cents

Keeping a light pack while still enjoying comfort on the trail and in camp is always a balancing act.

Backpacks

A lightweight backpack can knock a pound or two off your overall load. Ultralight backpacks such as those offered by Gossamer Gear can weigh as little as 2 pounds. Most ultralights have fewer external pockets and more fragile fabric than traditional packs.

Slightly heavier packs such as Granite Gear Crown 3 60 offer sturdier fabric and a few other extras. 2.4 pounds.

Sleeping Pads

Find a sleeping pad that allows you to have a comfortable night's sleep, whether its a foam pad, an air mattress, or a hybrid. Therm a Rest Sleeping Pads is a popular brand for comfortable, lightweight pads.

Tents

You can save weight by purchasing a 1-person tent for yourself, we suggest that the added room in a 2-person tent (used by 1 person) is worth the slight increase in weight and cost. Big Agnes is a leading brand in lightweight tents, but be aware that their tents should be used with care. Put a ground cloth underneath and don't over-tighten lines. Their Big Agnes Copper Spur Tents comes in 1 - 5 person versions. The 2-person version weighs 2 pounds, 12 ounces.



map of John Muir Trail from Tuolumne Meadows Devils Postpile, Yosemite National Park and Ansel Adams Wilderness, California

TOP