Elevation gain/loss: 1,100 ft. After a month of backpacking adventures, I wasn’t quite ready to settle back down into the daily motions of work and life, so I snuck away on one last Sierra backpacking trip. I also invited my colleague Umkant who was eager to experience the wilderness through hiking and backpacking. After our first trip to Thousand Island lake, we haven’t done backpacking together again. +/- 8,400 feet of elevation with a starting elevation of 5,050 feet and a peak elevation of 12,000 feet. Near the top of the climb, it passes a spur trail to Lower Cathedral Lake (0.5 mile to lake). At 11:00am, the time had finally come and we made our way inside the permits office and proudly requested a permit starting from Cathedral Lakes with a permit to climb Half-Dome included. It is not terribly difficult, but consistency mixed with the higher elevation of the Tuolumne area and you will be breathing heavily in no time. Because the Cathedral Lakes Hike trail is the same as the John Muir Trail, there will likely be overnight backpackers and equestrians to watch out for. No, you don’t need a permit to day hike to Big Pine Lakes. The backcountry permit system is for backcountry and marine site use only. For a walk-in permit to Grand Lake, head to the Wilderness Information Center at Olympic National Park Visitor Center. Horses are also able to use this trail. The trail climbs steadily to Upper Cathedral Lakes. We did this 12.6 mile thru hike over 3 days/ 2 nights with plenty of time to take in the scenery, relax, and do some day hike exploring. If I were going to Clouds Rest, I would get a permit to start from the west end of Tenaya Lake. You would save something like 5 miles one way. October 4 – After putting in a full day at the office, Mark and his brother Rick arrived at my home to begin an autumn adventure in Yosemite National Park. High Sierra Trails website makes no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of this map. Highlights include alpine lakes, expansive granite canyon views, and scenic lake-side campsites. Located in the Pasayten Wilderness and surrounded by Amphitheater Mountain and Cathedral Peak, Cathedral Lakes are a great destination for a multi-day backpacking trip. I am still learning how to gauge how much people who aren’t used to backpacking can do comfortably, and this … There was an area with bear boxes for you to store additional supplies while you are backpacking, so we were able to throw our cooler in there. But, what do I know? The trails to Eightmile and Stuart Lake are relatively flat and suited to beginners. Upper Yosemite Falls Hike. Stop at Lower Cathedral Lake and sit on the granite banks enjoying the tranquil waters before heading up the trail to the truly epic view of Upper Cathedral Lake. Please note: To access Dickinson Park, you cross the Wind River Reservation. I'd just put in for a permit now so you don't have to deal with walk-ups. Like the Enchantments, without the permit requirement... yet. On our second night, we camped at Cathedral Lakes and then hiked out the following day. When booking your Yosemite Backpacking Tour, it is best that you contact us at least 6 months in advance due to Yosemite National Park’s permit system. Instructions come with these free permits. Cathedral Lakes Yosemite National Park. No two trips are the same, and each trip will provide you with unique memories and exciting adventures that you can share with your friends and family back home. To avoid the crowds in the Valley, try going to the High Country in Tuolumne or to Wawona. Length of route: 8 miles. Going off trail on any adventure can be exciting for many explorers. Cathedral Lakes Trail is a 8.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Yosemite Valley, California that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Cathedral Park offers hiking, fishing, camping, wilderness camping, and mountaineering. This glorious Provincial Park is chock-full of stunning 360-degree vistas, sapphire glacier lakes, rugged mountain peaks, and untamed wildlife & ecology. Do you need a permit to day hike to Big Pine Lakes? Adventure Review of 3 day backpacking adventure to Nelson, Matthes, Echo and Cathedral Lakes in Yosemite National Park. Permits are only first come first serve, and they are available beginning at 1pm the day before your hike at the Lodgepole Visitor Center (I suggest arriving a little earlier to get in line!). All backpackers must pick up a free Backpacking Permit at kiosks behind North Welcome Station, behind Golden Pond Visitor Center, or parking area across from South Welcome Station. Wilderness Permit Overview Backpacking in Yosemite is very popular, and visitors come from all over the world to hike the famous granite peaks in the park. He joined us with his 14 year old son Vinayak. Lower Cathedral Lake & Cathedral Peak. Master backpacking skills and hone your decision-making to competently travel in a backcountry setting safely. You must carry water and/or bring a filter to use when you find water (lake shore). This initial climb will get your heart rate going. Explore Desolation Wilderness Permit in Eldorado National Forest, California with Recreation.gov. There are so many different forms of travel: backpacking, cruises, long-term travel, etc. Ok so I don’t want to over do it on emotions for this last adventure I took with my son in Yosemite. All permits will be distributed via email. The rest of the equipment, like the base camp tent, was stored in our truck. The Enchantment Permit Area is typified by rugged glaciated peaks and a series of lakes ranging from 4400 feet to 7800 feet in elevation. Cathedral Park is southwest of Keremeos and accessible via Hwy 3. Can be done as a day hike (a long one) if you get an early start. Dinkey Lakes lies immediately west of the John Muir Wilderness (the portion added in 1984) and is separated from the John Muir by the Dusy-Ershim off-highway vehicle route. 16 miles round trip - 3,000 feet of elevation gain, nearly all in the last 4 miles. Cathedral Lakes Lodge is Canada’s highest full service hiking and fishing wilderness lodge. That takes you up to the trail junction west of Sunrise Lakes, but it is only several miles. It was incredible to think that in just five days we’d be walking back to the car. Planning Your There will be no in-park permit pick-up in 2020. TL:DR You don’t have to go very far to see some pristine high sierra lakes and epic sunsets. 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