Sierra High Route Planning

Sierra High Route
Stage 4

[Overview] [Stage 1] [Stage 2] [Stage 3] [Stage 4] [Stage 5]

I'm looking forward to the traverse of the Ritter Range that we'll hike during this section of the High Route. We'll walk right along the eastern escarpment of the Minarets, truly exquisite and unique country. We'll end up in Tuolumne and probably relax for a day or two in the comforts of semi-civilization.
Stage 4 Overview

Detail Maps

Section 3 - Foerster Peak to Tuolumne Meadows
Section 2 - Ediza Lake to Foerster Peak
Section 1 - Devil's Postpile to Ediza Lake

Logistics and Notes

Starts at Devil's Postpile near Mammoth Lakes.
Ends at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge.

If you leave your car in Mammoth at the start of this stage, there is a bus that can shuttle you from Tuolumne (at the end) back to Mammoth to get your car.

Possible climbs: Pridham Minaret, Banner Pk, Foerster Pk, Vogelsang Pk

Itinerary

Day	Start - End Points	Terrain	Miles	Elevation Gain/Loss
1	Devil's Postpile - Superior Lk	Tr	6	+2300 - 400
2	Superior Lk - Minaret Lk (Climb)	XC	2	+1300 - 1000
3	Minaret Lk - Thousand Island Lk	XC	6	+2300 -2200
4	Thousand Island Lk - Twin Island Lk	XC	4	+1700 -1700
5	Twin Island Lk - Blue Lk (Climb)	XC	3	+1400 - 800
6	Blue Lk - Florence Creek	XC/Tr	11	+2500 - 3800
7	Florence Creek - Vogelsang Lk (Climb?)	Tr	3	+1500 - 400
8	Vogelsang Lk - Tuolumne Meadows	Tr	7	-1700

Mileage this stage: 42 miles

Loop Hikes

A loop hike is a short backpack trip that starts and ends at or near the same trailhead. Here are some possible hikes during this stage that allow hikers to meet John and accompany him for some small segment of the route and and then return to their starting point.

Minarets loop (2-4 days).

Fantastic hike along the Minarets east side.
Meet John at Devil's Postpile and hike to Minaret Lake.
Depart and exit east from Minaret Lk back to Devil's Postpile.
OR
Continue to Thousand Island Lk and exit back to Agnew Meadows. (Take shuttle bus back to Devil's Postpile).

Yosemite Valley - Tuolumne loop (4-5 days).

Hike in from Yosemite Valley up Merced River, join John at Lewis Creek.
With John out to Tuolumne Meadows, take shuttle bus back to Yosemite Valley.

Tuolumne - Vogelsang loop (2-3 days).

Hike in from Tuolumne via one of several trails:
Lyell Canyon, Sunrise HSC, or XC to Nelson Lk, and join John near Vogelsang HSC.
With John out to Tuolumne Mdws.

Section 3

Section 2

Section 1

Sierra High Route Stage 4