2025 Yosemite
High Loop
Another 2025 hike that was changed in so many ways before we set out. Originally it was to be Alexandra’s hike in Northern Yosemite, but then Alexandra went and got a minor ankle fracture on a hike with Pat. Pat was going to come, but she had a medical issue and had to bail. So it was down to Marc and Jerry. At the last minute Pat noticed that many permits were available at popular trailheads, so Jerry took the leap and grabbed one for Yosemite Tuolumne and created a new route!!
This adventure took the dynamic duo on a wide loop that included much of the Yosemite High Country. Longer hiking, harder. Unfortunately Jerry wasn’t thinking and gave blood a week before the trip. Note to self: don’t give blood before a high altitude strenuous hike in the Sierras. It took a while to re-gain hiking legs.
Jerry and Marc
The weather was spectacular! Warm days – around 70-80 and only down to 35-40 at night.
Marc flew in from Seattle on Friday night (late) and we got up for departure at 5am on Saturday morning. Now this was early (even for us) so I left a bag of dinner/lunch stuff in the refrigerator. Panic and we stopped at a Safeway to fill in the gaps for first meal. Risotto with chicken was pretty good!!
The first part of the hike is on the JMT/PCT to Donohue Pass. We planned to get to the junction to Ireland Lake, but there were reports of Bear activities there, so we went a bit farther.
We quickly learned that at any good camping spot on the JMT (John Muir Trail) we would have company. There were at least 7-10 other campers at this spot.
An official “Alexandra” selfie to start the hike. Permit in hand, ready to head up Lyell Canyon.
Day 2 was on trail up to Donohue Pass.
Soon after leaving camp we saw a deer family. Mom and at least 2 little ones. Still spotted!
The pass is to the left of the snow fields up the hill. Way left.
There are lots of camping spots on the way up to the pass.
Looking back down Lyell Canyon
Our arrival into Thousand Island Lakes was off trail. We left the trail past the high point and just headed to the west end of the lake. LOTS of other campers – including a group that came by horse. (The horses were scattered during the night past our spot.)
Sunrise
Lake Catherine at the pass. Solid rock hopping to get around it.
We could look back as we left Thousand Island Lake – it’s got the name for a reason. This was our departure route – off trail and on a part of the Sierra High Route
Our destination of Twin Island Lake is visible from the pass. Lots of navigation and rock hopping to get there. We found a few use trails, but mostly missed them.
In the middle of this descent there is an old mine. I have no clue how they got the heavy equipment up to do the work.
Our campsite at Twin Island Lakes. OK – why this name? There are two lakes here. Two lakes, each with one island. We stayed at the upper lake but each of them have a single island in the middle, hence Twin Lakes…
Day 4 starts at Twin Island Lake and goes off-trail to Blue Lake. A much shorter distance and easier navigation (not EASY, but easier).
This looks up the valley we will follow. The pass about 2/3 across the right is Blue Lake Pass and we will go over that tomorrow. The key was to make it down to the bottom.
Just another Tarn along the way. We got water here.
We had our first (and only) thunder storm in the afternoon at Blue Lake. We got in early and saw three other groups pass by.
This was the night of the Perseids meteor shower. Tonight was supposed to be the peak, just before moon rise. And it was a bust for us!! We sat for a good hour and only saw a few. This picture is about 30 minutes of looking at the sky. Airplanes – yes, meteors – no. Maybe there is one in the lower left corner…
As we departed to the pass we could see the two lakes. Blue lake is the lower (left) one in this picture.
Over Blue Lake Pass – our last off-trail pass for this trip. At the pass there was a motion capture camera for wildlife (and humans). We talked to a Ranger and they said they were looking for Red Fox… and we saw this little guy dash past. Not the greatest picture, but he was MOVING!!
At the corner was this totally out of place quartz outcrop.
Blue Lake Pass looking from the Ansel Adams Wilderness into Yosemite wilderness. In the distance is Harriet Lake. We needed to hold a high line which was a lot of rock and loose rock hopping.
We found a good line to Forester Lake and then crossed the trail to head straight down to the trail at the bottom of the valley. We were not certain of the path, but we had good luck to the bottom on the way to Washburn Lake.
How do trees grow out of the rocks? Nature is funny that way.
Something new (for me). Bringing popcorn!! We used the hot coals and two pots create a wonderful snack!!
Back to “Civilization.” Marc slept under the stars and we could have a campfire!! Right next to the lake for cleaning up.
On trail, headed to the JMT again and on the way to Clouds Rest. We camp near the “junction,” but take a site a mile or so away. Good thing, the junction was full of people – including someone that set up their tent ON THE TRAIL!
We passed by the Merced High Sierra Camp. It is still closed and I don’t know if they will re-open. The backpack camp is heavily used – most people stay with lots of other people.
We pass through the burned out section of the valley and get all scratched up!! The new growth is sharp weeds and it would have been much better with long pants. Shorts were a bad choice. We did get our first views of the backside of Half Dome. We could see the cables with people going up to the top.
Again we could build a fire AND AGAIN we could make popcorn. Half Dome in the background!
Click on this picture and see the “ants on a line” going up/down to the top of Half Dome.
Lake Merced
Day 6 we head to Clouds Rest and get a different view of Half Dome. We can see the valley below!
Note to self: Maybe wash the shirt before pictures? 6 days in the dirt does that.
We were not alone at the top of Clouds Rest (we counted about 15 while were were there and another 5-10 on the way up).
Marc has a thing for lizards… Just ask him! 🙂
They know how to beg.
A long day 7 past Sunrise Sierra Camp. It is dry this year, but that didn’t stop many on the JMT to stop there for the night. Why? Having to carry in 4-6 liters of water? Silly when there are so many lakes nearby.
Looking back to Clouds Rest on the way to Sunrise lakes and our camp for the night – Cathedral Lakes.
Cathedral Lake is one of the closest to the trailhead, so LOTS of campers make this their destination. SO MANY CAMPERS!! Good thing there are lots of spots as well. It is a pretty lake.
Some dudes wished us well as we left on the last morning. An early departure (7am-ish) and off to the car for the ride home.
And a last Alexandra style selfie at the car. My pack was down to 29 pounds at the car (starting at 37 pounds).
More pictures are posted to: https://www.jerrypierce.org/photos