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 Reporter |
Summary: The hike down Fletcher creek from Vogelsang to Merced lake was by far the most spectacular of our entire loop through the sierras. The trail traversed many lovely flower filled meadows and a spectacular series of cascades and waterfalls. The route is a relatively moderate downhill trek until just before Merced Lake, where a short but steep boulder strewn section of trail burned us out on the last downhill leg. We did some swimming in the Merced river, as well as fishing for rainbow and brook trout. I really liked the layout of Merced Lake High Sierra Camp, with the tent cabins in a U-shaped configuration, with a fire ring surrounded with benches in the center. It was a very social atmosphere. Trailhead: This hike is part of the High Sierra Loop, a series of 6 camps located between Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite Valley. These camps have facilities for backpackers, but the best way to go is to stay in the tent cabins which includes great meals. Most of the camps can be reached via a day hike from either Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows. This particular hike starts in the back country at Vogelsang High Sierra Camp and drops almost 3000 feet into the camp at Merced Lake. (Lat:37.87584 Lon:-119.3353) Trail Guides for High Sierra Loop - Vogelsang to Merced Lake: California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Yosemite National Park, High Seirra Camp Desk - 559-253-5674 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by PM on 9/19/2005 We just completed a loop from Tuolumne Meadows via Sunrise High Sierra Camp down canyon to Merced Lake Camp then up to Vogelsang High Sierra Camp and back down to Tuolumne. If you like going uphill then follow our route, if it's downhill then reverse directions. I know its all the same but the climb out of Merced Lake to Vogelsang (we actually spent the night on the far side of Emerick Lake where there is some firewood available)was a fun one for sure! We spent the last night upcanyon from Tuolumne Meadows and it WAS COLD aprox 15 F. The water in our Nalgene bottles froze and it was fun breaking the ice off the creek to get water in the morning! We felt bad for the souls spending that night at Vogelsang aprox 10,500 elevation! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Mariposa County Hiking, Mariposa County Trails, Mariposa County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
