Young Lakes Backpacking

Yosemite National Park

photo of Young Lakes, Yosemite National Park, California
photo of Young Lakes, Yosemite National Park, California

Young Lakes Backpacking

Yosemite National Park


Backpacking to Young Lakes

Yosemite National Park

Young Lakes north of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park make an ideal weekend trip. The 6.4-mile hike ascends a little more than a thousand feet to the lowest and most popular camping destination of the three lakes. Magnificent views of Tuolumne Meadows and nearby peaks open up after only a mile on the trail.

Young Lakes are a popular destination during peak times. Most backpackers set up their tents at the lower lake among the scattered trees. For those seeking a little more privacy, the middle and upper lakes are better choices. Fishing is good, especially in the middle lake. Views from the upper lake are magnificent.

Lower Young lake, Yosemite National Park, California

Lower Young Lake

Young Lakes - Key Facts


Location: Yosemite National Park
Trailhead: Tuolumne Meadows, elevation 8,584 feet
Highest point on the trail: 9,973 feet
Lower Young Lake elevation: 9,880 feet
Elevation Gain: 1,389 feet
Hiking Distance: 6.4 miles
Best seasons: Summer through fall
Campsites: north side of Lower and Middle Lakes, northwest side of upper lake
Activities: Fishing, photography, cross-country explorations, peak climbing


sign to Young Lakes, 6.4 miles

Wildlife

Yosemite bears are known as the most skilled food poachers in the Sierra. Bear canisters are required; there are no bear boxes at Young Lakes. Expect a friendly visit from the ranger at the lakes to confirm that your food is stored safely. You can rent bear canisters from the Wilderness Center in Tuolumne Meadows. Deer are common around Tuolumne Meadows. Rattlesnakes are rare, but hikers should always be vigilant.

Mosquitoes are heavy in early summer through about mid-August.



Young Lakes trailhead, Yosemite National Park, California

Glen Aulin Trailhead, Leading to Young Lakes






Merrell Hiking Shoes





Trekking Poles





Young Lakes - Key Facts


Location: Yosemite National Park
Trailhead: Tuolumne Meadows, elevation 8,584 feet
Highest point on the trail: 9,973 feet
Lower Young Lake elevation: 9,880 feet
Elevation Gain: 1,389 feet
Hiking Distance: 6.4 miles
Best seasons: Summer through fall
Campsites: north side of Lower and Middle Lakes, northwest side of upper lake
Activities: Fishing, photography, cross-country explorations, peak climbing


sign to Young Lakes, 6.4 miles

Tuolumne Meadows Trailhead

The trailhead for Young Lakes is by Lembert Dome along Tioga Road in Tuolumne Meadows, 1.1 miles east of the Visitor Center. Tuolumne Meadows can be reached by car or, in summer, by either the Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle or the Hikers Bus from Yosemite Valley. Also by YARTS from Yosemite Valley or Lee Vining to the east on Highway 395.
Yosemite Transportation

Tuolumne Meadows has a store, grill, post office, gas station, mountain shop, visitor center, and campground.

Parking

Park at Lembert Dome parking area. Don't leave any food or scented items in your car. Use the nearby bear boxes.






Nearby Camping and Lodging

Regular campgrounds at Tuolumne Meadows are often full, but there is a backpackers' camp where you can spend one night if you have a wilderness permit before setting out on the trail. Campsites are equipped with bear lockers. Arrive early enough (ahead of the late day rush) to ensure you get a campsite. Learn about other nearby camping options at California's Best Camping.

Tuolumne Meadows Lodge has 69 canvas tent cabins. They have no electricity. Showers and restrooms are located in the center of the camp. They serve a family-style breakfast and dinner, reservations required.

More lodging and can be found east of the park along Highway 395 in Lee Vining.