Vogelsang Peak via Toulumne, Yosemite

hike - wilderness camp - mountain lakes - high sierra peak

Vogelsang High Sierra Camp - Yosemite national park

the journey from la

Directions: Park and collect your permit at the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center. Start walking at the Lyell Canyon Trailhead just up the road.

When to go: Late spring and early summer are ideal. Late summer and fall are also decent although sometimes hot and dry. Winter and early spring are often snow-covered and very cold with regular road closures. Always keep an eye on fire warnings and closures via the Yosemite Fire News website.

Time from LA to trailhead: 6 hours

Total adventure time: 3 days (2 nights camping) or reduce/extend as you wish

Along the way: Surprisingly few (if any) healthy food spots en route. Recommend stocking up in LA pre-departure.

what to pack

Accommodation:

Hiking backpack
Lightweight tent
Roll mat
Sleeping bag
Camping towel
Head torch + spare batteries

Clothing:

Hiking shoes
Hiking socks + spare
Hiking shorts
Lightweight t-shirt + spare for evening
Sun hat
Trousers (evening)
Fleece (evening)
Beanie (evening)

Food, drink, sanitation:

Water filter
Water bottle and/or camel pack: 2-3 ltrs per person
Thermal mug for coffee
Food:
- Lunch on the trail: pre-made sandwiches, nuts, cheese, apples, nut butter, dates, biltong, Larabar
- Dinner x2 - freeze-dried - meal-in-a-bag
- Breakfast x2 - freeze-dried meal-in-a-bag
- Instant coffee
Sanitation:
- Sun lotion
- Toothbrush + paste
- Loo roll + trowel
- Smell-proof bag for used loo paper (carry out)

Entertainment:

A good book

The Trail

Vogelsang High Sierra Camp via Tuolumne

Length: 7+ miles from Tuolumne to the campsite

Elevation Gain: 1,669 ft

Many optional route extensions/ad ons possible in the area. Best to discuss your target route with the Park Ranger when you pick up your permit.

WILDERNESS INFO

Permits: Permits are required year-round for any overnight stay in the Yosemite Wilderness. A permit is not required for day hikes (unless hiking to Half Dome). All permit info is found at nps.gov and booked via recreation.gov.

Collect pre-booked permit on the day of departure from the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center which is very close to the Lyell Canyon Trailhead where you start your walk.

Pooping: Dig a 6-inch deep (minimum) hole at least 100 yards from any water or any trail. Squat. Poop. Place paper in smell proof bag and carry out. Cover the hole with displaced dirt. Walk away as if nothing happened…

Fires: Check restrictions when you pick up your permit. Typically fires are not permitted throughout Summer and Fall.

Litter: Take a bin bag and pack everything out. Never burn litter in case it contains plastic