Tuolumne Meadows to Sonora Pass provides a rugged yet rewarding stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail, definitely worth experiencing for backpackers who enjoy great scenery and don't mind a fairly committing route.
To shed a few pounds, many travel without tents. Be wary of mosquitoes and thundershowers, though. Bear cans are a necessity, hiking poles are strongly advised and fishing gear will improve meals and morale.
Food, camping and lodging are available in Tuolumne Meadows and Lee Vining near the southern trailhead. Nothing but the road and a parking lot awaits at the northern trailhead. Many finishing trips there meet a driver or hitchhike either west towards Sonora or east towards Bridgeport.
ARTICLE OUTLINE
- Introduction
- Author Interview
- How much weight do you carry when you backpack?
- What are your favorite pieces of gear?
- What is your style of Backpacking?
- What makeĀ YosemiteĀ so unique?
- Chapter 29: Pacific Crest Trail: Tuolumne Meadows to Sonora Pass (pp. 144-155)
- Overview
- Hiking the hike
- Insider tips
- Distances and details
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Yosemite Adventures
I'm going to Yosemite in July from Vogelsang to Lambert Dome.
Previously I've backpacked from White Wolf to Tuolumne Meadows and loved it – except when a big rattlesnake crossed my path along lower Tuolumne Creek. The two black bears on the trail didn't bother me but that snake passed JUST behind me. Probably could have bitten me as I unknowlingly passed it if it had been in a bad mood.
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