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**This trip is not available from 2022-2025 due to campground closures in Tuolumne. Please contact us for other great options!** Perched at over 8,000 in elevation, the Tuolumne Region of Yosemite is the perfect place to spend time during the summer months of July-Sept. We’ll spend our days hiking through spectacular areas of Yosemite's “John Muir Trail country”, including the wildflower-strewn meadows, pristine lakes, and glaciated valleys that the area is renowned for. This area of Yosemite is in the Northern part of Park, with wonderful swimming lakes, high-mountain photographic opportunities, and even time for some evening fly fishing in the Tuolumne River if you choose.
Meet at the Tuolumne Campground (8580’) at 5pm for orientation and gear check. Please arrive no earlier than 4:30pm. Site numbers are issued upon check-in and your guide(s) will post a sign with your name and site number on the entrance kiosk booth. After a short trip orientation, your guides will prepare a delicious dinner and campfire.
After a hearty campground breakfast we will set off on a wonderful hike up the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. We will cross the impressive Tuolumne River on the famous John Muir Trail (don't worry there are bridges!) before heading up the flower-filled canyon for views of the mighty Mt Lyell (13,114') and its ancient glaciers. There will be time to swim and enjoy the Tuolumne River’s smooth granite-lined swimming holes while your guide prepares a tasty lunch. Throughout the day the guides will be sharing their knowledge about the local history, flora and fauna. In the evening we return to the camp where dinner and campfire end the day's activities. Expect an 6-8 mile day on easy terrain.
Today, we'll turn our sights to high country alpine hiking. Our planned route will be hiking up the John Muir Trail to the famous Cathedral Lake. Our 7-mile round trip hike has us climbing approximately 1200' in elevation to one of the most scenic lakes in the entire National Park system: Cathedral Lake. We’ll take lunch and an optional swim at the lake, below the awe-inspiring and iconic Cathedral Peak (~11,000'). Bring your camera!
After a final gourmet breakfast prepared by your guide(s) we’ll pack up camp and set off on another hike. There are several options for today and the guide will cater the exact destination to the interests and abilities of the group. Some options are Dog Lake, May Lake, or the top of Lembert Dome to name a few choices. We’ll finish around 2pm on Sunday in time for you to travel to your next destination.
Your trip begins and ends at Tuolumne Meadows Camgpround in Yosemite National Park. 30 days before the trip we will confirm the exact site number as part of your pre-trip email communication. Arrive by 5pm so you can meet your guides and group for your trip orientation. Plan for extra time to get to your destination, as traffic can be heavy in Yosemite Valley during the peak months of summer. Personal transportation is required for this trip. The last day of your trip will end at 2 pm.
Campgrounds cannot be confirmed until 60 days in advance. Thus, we cannot guarantee departures nor specific campgrounds until these reservations are in-hand and we highly recommend holding off on booking flights, etc until the campgrounds are confirmed.
