Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
2,662.00 ft (811.38 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
18.50 mi (29.77 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Tuolumne Meadows to Vogelsang Camp is an 18.5 mile round trip trek in Yosemite National Park. This adventure features alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and a trip to the highest of the High Sierra camps. The route follows a well maintained singletrack trail and is accessible for hikers, trail runners, and backpackers. 

Tuolumne Meadows is a fantastic base camp for adventurers and first time visitors of Yosemite National Park. Several trails lead in and out of this area including the Pacific Crest Trail and John Muir Trail. 

Vogelsang Camp is about 7 miles from Tuolumne Meadows, where the adventure begins. Upon arriving in Vogelsang, you'll find an idyllic camp with jagged peaks, flowing streams, and alpine lakes.  Vogelsang is one of several High Sierra camps in Yosemite National Park, and it's the highest at over 10,000 feet! The camp provides access to a number of alpine lakes, including Booth Lake, Townsley Lake, Emeric Lake, and Vogelsang Lake. This trek can be broken up into sections. Spend the night at Vogelsang Camp and enjoy the 4.9-mile loop around the camp without the burden of a heavy backpack. 

DIRECTIONS
Start from the Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and head south on the Pacific Crest Trail. In 1.5 miles turn right on Rafferty Creek Trail. Vogelsang Camp is just past Tuolumne Pass. If you would like to shorten this out and back, you can turn around from the camp. Otherwise continue along the mini loop past the camp and enjoy some alpine lakes and beautiful Yosemite scenery. 

VOGELSANG CAMP
The actual camp includes 12 cabins and 42 beds. For more information about reservations and opening/closing dates please visit https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/high-sierra-camps/#vogelsang

WEATHER
Always check the current conditions before heading out on any hike. For information about Yosemite weather please visit https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/weathermap.htm.

SEASONAL CLOSURES

Yosemite National Park is located off of Tioga Pass Road which usually remains open June-November. Information about Tioga Pass Road can be found here https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tiogaopen.htm

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

National Park Pass

Open Year-round

No

Open from

May 01 to November 01

Days

2

Pros

Alpine Lakes. Jagged Peaks. Tent Cabins.

Cons

Reservations required for camping at Vogelsang.

Trailhead Elevation

8,725.00 ft (2,659.38 m)

Highest point

10,149.00 ft (3,093.42 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Shelters
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

Yes

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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