The High Sierra Loop – Merced Lake to Vogelsang

 

 

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.

– John Muir

 

This post is part of a series about my hike on Yosemite’s High Sierra Loop.

 

Merced Lake to Vogelsang via Fletcher Creek
Starting Elevation: 7150 ft. (2179 m)
Ending Elevation: 10100 ft. (3078 m)
Approximate Mileage: 7.8 miles (12.5 km)

 

When you’re at the bottom, there’s no place to go but up!

Our rest and recovery day behind us, the group was ready for the climb to Vogelsang.  The ascent is nearly 3,000 feet over 7 miles.  But altitude adds an extra degree of difficulty.  Vogelsang is the highest of the High Sierra Camps at 10,100’.  It has a distinct alpine feel with thin air to match.

Many hikers prefer traveling uphill to down.   They dislike the added stress placed on their knees by a long downhill hike.  I am not choosy.  I enjoy coasting downhill, especially with a heavy pack.  But I also enjoy the challenge of a steep uphill hike with its promise of a panoramic vista.

 

Climb to the Sky

We were under no illusions about the difficult climb ahead.  But many of us were raring to go.  We hiked away from Merced Lake through cool forest.  But soon the trail begins a long series of switchbacks as it ascends the walls of the Merced River valley.

We huffed up canyons with steep walls of polished granite.  Despite being conditioned from 5 days of hiking, we labored up the unrelenting grade.  I’m sure you have been in similar situations.  Heart palpitating, you can hear the blood pounding in your ears as you struggle for breath.

The scenery was tremendous, and kept us spellbound as we trudged uphill.  Here are some photographs from the climb:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keeping your cool

We reached a gorgeous stream cascading down the granite hillside.  It was a timely opportunity to cool down and take a break from the climb.  Panting heavily, we enjoyed the stream while the remainder of the group joined us at its bank.

 

 

 

 

An Alpine Meadow

The arduous climb continued until we reached an amazing mountain meadow.  The trail parallels a creek that leads directly down its center.  It is an oasis of green surrounded by stark granite domes and high mountain peaks.

 

 

 

 

 

Climb to Vogelsang

As the trail leaves the valley, the woodland assumes a noticeably alpine feel.  We passed a small secluded waterfall before reaching camp.

 

Vogelsang Camp

Finally we arrived at Vogelsang High Sierra Camp.  Fletcher Peak (11,408’) towers over the camp.  It gives the illusion that one could casually stroll up its sides to claim its eye-popping view.  But the immensity of its scale is deceiving.

 

 

Steve’s Whale

The name “Vogelsang” is derived from German words meaning, “birdsong.”  The name captures a fierce alpine beauty that greatly affects many visitors.  Adjacent to the camp is a large lake, and I ambled over with my camera to take a look.

Trevor, one of my fellow travelers, was at the lake fly fishing for trout.  He encouraged me to give fishing a try and showed me the proper technique for false-casting.  Amazingly, I caught a small brook trout!  I had a blast and came away with a lasting appreciation of fly fishing.

 

 

 

Trevor told me a story about a person he was teaching to fish.  When a fish took the bait, he became very excited and gave a mighty jerk to set the hook.  The fish came flying out of the water and landed in the branches of a tree above the fishermen.  I wonder if there is an old adage, The hardest part about fly fishing is getting the fish out of the tree.   🙂

 

The Trail Home

The following day we hiked back to Tuolumne Meadows and concluded our trip.  It was an amazing experience that I encourage you to try.  For those hesitant to backpack, the High Sierra Loop gives you a true backcountry experience with the advantage of a warm place to sleep and jolly human company.

I should mention that Ranger James is an accomplished painter and photographer.  If you are interested in seeing his work, it can be found at his website.

Here are two photos from the end of our trip.  I want to thank Ranger James and my fellow hikers for making it one of my most fun outdoor experiences, ever.

 

 

The High Sierra Loop – Introduction

Day 0:  The High Sierra Loop – Arrival Day

Day 1:  The High Sierra Loop – Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin

Day 2:  The High Sierra Loop – Glen Aulin to May Lake

Day 3:  The High Sierra Loop – May Lake to Sunrise Camp

Day 4-5:  The High Sierra Loop – Sunrise Camp to Merced Lake

 

I hope you liked this post.  If so, you may be interested in others in the trips section.