Tuolumne Meadows: Soda Springs and Parsons Lodge (easy)

1.5 miles (2.4 km) round-trip; 1 hour

Begin at Lembert Dome parking area

Walk northwest along the gravel road and continue straight, past the locked gate (signed "Glen Aulin and Soda Springs"). Soda Springs, where naturally carbonated water bubbles up from the ground, is found inside a wooden enclosure. Although many people drink this water, health officials advise against it due to possible surface contamination. Ahead, historic Parons Lodge offers exhibits (limited hours; see Yosemite Today for schedule). A path winds to the bridge below and continues on to the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center.

Lyell Canyon via the John Muir Trail (easy)

8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip; four hours

Begin across the road from the Dog Lake parking area (Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle Stop #2)

This nearly flat trail wanders through Lyell Canyon, mostly alongside the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne river. It is a route well traveled by those hiking the 211-mile John Muir Trail. Unless you're hiking to Mount Whitney (190 miles away), this hike really has no destination.

The trail may be muddy early in the season. You will travel over several creeks, including Rafferty Creek (bridged) and Ireland Creek (unbridged). Spectacular Kuna Creek cascades down the side of the east canyon wall near the eight-mile mark.

Elizabeth Lake (moderate)

4.8 miles (7.7 km) round-trip; 4 to 5 hours

Begin at Tuolumne Meadows Campground near group camp

The trail climbs steadily (about 900 feet/275 m) to the glacier-carved lake at the base of Unicorn Peak.

Gaylor Lakes (moderate)

2 miles (3.2 km) round-trip; 2 hours. 500 feet elevation gain

Begin at Tioga Pass Entrance Station. (Free shuttle service is available twice per day.)

From the trailhead, climb steadily to a ridge with rewarding views of Mount Dana and Dana Meadows behind you and numerous peaks in front of you. From the ridge crest, the trail drops 200 feet (60 m) to Lower Gaylor Lake. If you have the time and energy, explore the other lakes and the remnants of the Great Sierra Mine.

Upper Cathedral Lake (moderate)

7 miles (11.3 km round-trip); 4 to 6 hours. 1,000 feet (305 m) elevation gain.

Begin at Cathedral Lakes trailhead, 1/2 mile west of the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle Stop #7

Parking is limited, so you are encouraged to use the free shuttle bus. The trail climbs steadily to Upper Cathedral Lake. Near the top, it passes a spur trail to Lower Cathedral Lake.

Mono Pass (moderate)

8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip; 4 to 6 hours. 1,000 feet (305 m) elevation gain

Begin at Mono Pass trailhead, on the Tioga Road six miles east of Tuolumne Meadows

This historic trans-sierra route has been used for hundreds--maybe even thousands--of years. The trail climbs gently at first from the trailhead through wet meadows and rushing creeks. At the Spillway Lake junction, the trail climbs steadily and more steeply to Mono Pass. Don't miss the spectacular view of Mono Lake and Bloody Canyon (from the pass, hike an additional 0.75 miles to Upper Sardine Lake).

Glen Aulin (moderate)

11 miles (17.7 km) round-trip; 6-8 hours

Begin at Soda Springs and follow the trail along Tuolumne River as it drops to Glen Aulin, passing beautiful cascades. Tuolumne Fall and White Cascade are four miles (6.4 km) from the trailhead. Beyond Glen Aulin are California Falls (15 miles round-trip) and Waterwheel Falls (17 miles round-trip).

Dog Lake and Lembert Dome (strenuous)

Dog Lake: 2.8 miles (4.8 km) round-trip; 3 hours. 600 feet (183 m) of elevation gain
Lembert Dome: 2.8 miles (4.8 km) round-trip; 3 hours. 650 feet (200 m) of elevation gain

Dog Lake and Lembert Dome: 4 miles (6.4 km) round-trip; 4 hours

Begin at Dog Lake parking area (Tuolumne Meadows shuttle stop #2). The trail begins 200 yards along the road to the east and rises steeply for 3/4 mile to a signed junction. Bear left to reach the top of the dome for a spectacular view of the Tuolumne Meadows area. If your destination is Dog Lake, go straight ahead beyond the junction.

Note: Never climb domes during a thunderstorm.

Vogelsang High Sierra Camp (strenuous)

15.8 miles (25.3 km) round-trip; 8 hours. 1,400 feet (425 m) elevation gain.

Begin across the road from the Dog Lake parking area (Tuolumne Meadows Shuttle Stop #2)

The first two miles of the John Muir Trail are relatively flat, following the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. Follow the Rafferty Creek trail as it splits from the John Muir Trail to begin the 1,200-foot (365 m) ascent to Tuolumne Pass. Follow the signs to Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. You can continue beyond the camp to Vogelsang Lake and Vogelsang Pass.