The round trip is approximately 25 miles (40 km) and involves 4,500 feet (1,400 m) of elevation gain when starting from the Tuolumne Wilderness Office. I could go all the way to the summit block avoiding the Lyell glacier with just trail runners. Lyell Glacier Yosemite is in the heart of the backcountry of Yosemite National Park, an active glacier permanently in a shadowed area of Mount Lyell, 13,114 feet of granite wonder. Mount Lyell Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Mount Lyell is: A moderate fall of snow, heaviest on Fri nightTemperatures will be well below freezing (max -6°C on Thu morning, min -15°C on Sat night)Winds increasing (light winds from the SSE on Thu afternoon, strong … Lyell in a thunderstorm, Full East Ridge of Lyell from Donahue Pass, “Mount Morgenson” (0.5 mi W of Mt. Good for seven days. From a map it may be enticing to try approaching from the east via Marie Lakes instead of Donohue Pass, but be warned this is a class 4 route, and will certainly take longer. ), and drive past the Ranger Station on the left side of the road. 4 Jul 1998 - by Arun Mahajan. Yosemite National Park charges a fee to enter. Will attempt again someday. - William Brewer, Up and Down CaliforniaThe route chosen by Brewer and Hoffmann appears to be the standard route up the Lyell glacier on the peaks north side, a straightforward class 2-3 climb, so it remains unclear why they found the route "inaccessible". Following the John Muir Trail, the pass is 6.3 miles from Thousand Island Lake, and 12.8 miles from Tuolumne Meadows. Lyell most parties camp in the upper portion of Lyell Canyon (where there are still trees), or in the sparser flat areas in the smaller canyons to the west of the JMT along the route. Tuolumne Meadows to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, Waterwheel Falls and the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne Trail, Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley Trail, Tuolumne River Loop: Dana and Lyell Forks, PCT: CA Section I - Tuolumne Meadow to Sonora Pass, John Muir Trail: Tuolume Meadows to Donohue Pass, Lembert Dome from Tuolomne Meadows Lodge Road, Tuolome, Sunrise and Merced Lakes, and Vogelslang Loop. This is a brief description of the trip to highlight the conditions we found in this El Nino year. The last 3 miles from the head of the valley probably took us 3 hours to work through. Hence retreated. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. … 30 Jul 1995 - by Debbie Benham. Russell). For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. From there it was be shipped out at Kelly Basin. Very delicate area. Es gibt verschiedene Aktivitätsmöglichkeiten. For example, the Consider stopping at the entrance station on US120 if arriving from the west and getting a permit the night before.For eastern approaches see the Eastern Sierra - Logisitcal Center page.Campfires are not permitted above 10,000 feet. After Oct 15 the road is sometimes open, but overnight parking is no longer permitted. From there you enter steeper and more forested terrain as you gain access to the High Sierra. Lyell was a straightforward class 3 rock climb, once we got off the glacier. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $20 per person. The frost lies heavy on the grass, and we are some distance before the sun peeps over the hill. Mount Lyell ist ein 26.4 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Lee Vining, Kalifornien. Camping is prohibited in the Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River. Mount Lyell is the highest point in Yosemite National Park, at 13,120 feet (4,000 m) above sea level.It is located at the southeast end of the Cathedral Range, 1.2 miles (1.9 km) northwest of Rodgers Peak.It is named after Charles Lyell, a well-known 19th century geologist. Bears are rampant in these parts and will happily destroy your car to get a meal.The trailhead is on the south side of the road, opposite the parking lot.Alternatively, you can approach Mt. Take the JMT to Donohue Pass to reach the Lyell Fork drainage. Mt. I tempted Paul Morgan to come to California by promising him a backpack on the Sierra High Route plus an opportunity to climb Mount Lyell, the highest summit in Yosemite National Park. An ancient metamorphosed slate tops the summit, which overlays a younger granite base. All Rights Reserved. Getting There. Permits for the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne Meadows are very popular and likely to be unavailable on weekends unless you arrive early to stand in line. Quantitatively, Mount Lyell is 13,114' feet above sea level, the highest in Yosemite National Park and in Tuolomne county. Over rocks and snow, the last trees are passed, we get on bravely, and think to be up by eleven o'clock. Hence those are totally relaxing. This is longer but more moderate. Hikers ascend through forests to Ireland and Evelyn Lakes. Lyell is the highest peak in Yosemite National Park. … Mount Lyell. Located near the southeast boundary, it is a very popular destination despite its long distance (13.5 mi) from the nearest trailhead. Easy, but longish, hike up the Lyell Fork to see the headwall to the basin. (97), Comments Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' The most common approach to Mount Lyell is from Tuolumne Meadows on a highly traveled section of the John Muir Trail. "Named on July 2, 1863, by William H. Brewer and Charles F. Hoffmann of the California Geological Survey. Viewing: 1-2 of 2. Following the allocation of Federal Government funding, the Mt Lyell railway from Strahan to Queenstown was totally rebuilt as a major tourist initiative for the Tasmanian West Coast. Finish at Devils Postpile National Monument, where frozen columns of lava pierce the sky around the volcanic shoulders of Mammoth Mountain. advice: have crampons, I didn't but it would've helped! The route begins and ends at the area indicated by "Lyell Base Camp" in the map's southeast quarter. Mount Lyell is a 26.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Lee Vining, California that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. Easiest route. The Lyell Glacier is … Level 3&4 scrambling was very difficult on the knees & legs, 13 miles back were miserable and freezing cold We toil on for hours; it seems at times as if our breath refuses to strengthen us, we puff and blow so in the thin air. Crossing the moraines took forever. Use them! $20 fee to enter Yosemite NP. Routes Climbing is usually done May-Oct when the Tioga Road (US120) through Tuolumne Meadows is open. The closest and most popular trailhead is at Tuolumne Meadows, off US120. We cross great slopes all polished like glass by former glaciers. (2), Images The most common approach to Mount Lyell is from Tuolumne Meadows on a highly traveled section of the John Muir Trail. About 28 miles with 4700' elevation gain round-trip. I climbed the mountain, and reached the top of the highest pinnacle ("inaccessible," acording to the State Geological Survey), before eight. Wilderness permits are required for overnight camping. great hike, would go again for an overnight trip (camping out at the base). Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. The hike is easy from Tuolumne Meadows, following the Tuolumne River to the head of the Lyell Canyon, and becomes moderate as it approaches Donohue Pass. Pass the large lot for Wilderness permits (unless you need to get one! The adjacent mountains are Mount Sedgwick to the north and Mount Owen to the south. Lyell: Up and Around. Left at 4 am and summited by 2 pm, after wandering around looking for the way up after the glacier. Hiking Mount Lyell Yosemite is a favorite pastime of visitors, and you don’t have to go all the way to the summit. These can be obtained at any Ranger Station in Yosemite, including the station at Tuolumne Meadows (on the right as you turn off to park for the trailhead). The northern approach leaves Tuolumne Meadows and heads south along the JMT down the Lyell Canyon for about 10 miles aiming for camp sites at the base of the Lyell Glacier. 'I was up early the next morning, toasted some bacon, boiled my tea, and was off at six. Mt. Got out of the moraines and to the valley floor by dusk and made it back to Tuolumne by 11:15 pm. (SCB 12, no. These routes are longer than approaching from Tuolumne Meadows and require more elevation gain. Some climb up the glacier to the mountain’s east arete and scramble up rock to the summit; this is the most direct route and will require ice axes and crampons. It is most easily approached via Lyell Canyon from Tuolumne Meadows. Lyell is the highest peak in Yosemite National Park. Tuolumne Meadows south along the John Muir Trail via Lyell Canyon and Donahue Pass for the glacier routes (permits here ), and June Lake Loop Road up Rush Creek to Marie Lakes for routes on the south side follow Inyo link on main High Sierra page. It is situated between Mount Lyell and Donohue Peak. I came down the mountain, and reached camp before one, pretty tired.' Easter approach takes a trail leaving Silver Lake on the June Lakes loops, passes a couple of large dammed lakes, and the JMT then cuts south to Marie Lakes. I climbed Mt. There are adequate lakes and streams at this 10,800 ft elevation for establishing a base camp to climb Mt Lyell on either the previous or succeeding day. The round trip is approximately 25 miles (40 km) and involves 4,500 feet (1,370 m) of elevation gain when starting from the Tuolumne Wilderness Office. 'Mount Lyell, for Sir Charles Lyell (1797-1875), whose admirable geological works have been well known to students of this branch of science, in this country, for the past thirty years.' Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. There are a few routes you can take to the top, including Lyell-Maclure, Glacier Direct and East Arete. Before reaching Donahue Pass, the route leaves the trail and heads south to… This is a long approach starting at the Rush Creek Trailhead at Silver Lake, past Agnew, Gem, and Waugh Lakes … I did reach the summit block however couldn’t find a non slippery point to scramble up. Hiking. The first ascent was by John Boies Tileston of Boston, on August 29, 1871. (185), Climber's Log Entries An overnight trip to Mount Lyell (13114') in Yosemite National Park. It also traverses the headwaters of two of California's major rivers, and a whopping 25 named creeks. Viewing Routes attached to Mountain/Rock: Mount Lyell View All Routes. This hike takes in the highest peak entirely inside Yosemite National Park as well as a long stretches of scenic meadows filled with birds along the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River, culminating in spectacular Kuna Falls at the head of Lyell Canyon. It is easily recognizable from the summit of most peaks in Yosemite, thanks to the prominent Lyell Glacier on its northern flank, the largest in the park. Crampons may be needed. Over the Independence weekend, 5 PCS'ers took a tramp up to Mt Lyell, the highest peak in Yosemite at 13114 feet. Qualitatively, Mount Lyell is a magnificent crown jewel nestled in the heart of the northern Sierra. Before you reach the Tuolumne Lodge, there is a large parking lot on the left side. (9), A dayhike: Climbing Mt. An Adventure on the Sierra High Route with Paul Morgan. Others aim for the Lyell-Maclure saddle and ascend up talus on the mountain’s northwest ridge. Mount Lyell is the highest peak in Yosemite National Park. The Maclure was an easy class 2 scramble. For us, the ridge at the col worked. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until September. At the start of the Twentieth century it was constructed to take ore from Gormanston east of the West Coast Range to the Crotty smelters. Er führt entlang eines Sees und es gibt schöne Wildblumen. Mt Lyell. There are bear boxes there that you can leave food items that you do not take with you. gordonye. Overnight camping is allowed in the Yosemite Wilderness with a valid permit (see above). After over seven hours of hard climbing we struck the last pinnacle of rock that rises through the snow and forms the summit -- only to find it inaccessible, at least from that side. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until September. View Mount Lyell Image Gallery - 185 Images. - Peter Browning, Place Names of the Sierra Nevada"July 2 we are up early. The round trip is approximately 25 miles and involves 4,500 feet of elevation gain. Location & Information. Mt Lyell Date: August 17-19, 2001 Author: Edward Earl . Lyell and Mt. Day 1 took 7 hours to backpack to camp at 10,550'. This route is for experienced hikers and climbers. The most common approach to Mount Lyell is from Tuolumne Meadows on a highly traveled section of the John Muir Trail. Peaks: Mt Lyell (sorted/filed as Lyell) Place: California. Search Routes near: Washington, United States. Striking the last great slope of snow, we have only one thousand feet more to climb. I think if I had crampons I could have stepped into the glacier and could have reached a higher point which possibly had an easier or safer ascent up. Peaks: Mt Lyell (sorted/filed as Lyell) ; Place: California "The bears have had a long hibernation and they're very active in the upper Lyell Canyon area," so said Ranger Jane, and, with that warning, we got a late start on the trail as we then rented bear cannisters (three for six people). 3, 1926: 305.)" Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. (Whitney, Yosemite Guide-Book, 1870, 100.) Long, beautiful day hike. We used crampons and ice axe to cross the Lyell Glacier. The first 11 miles are so are on the JMT and with not much elevation gain. Maclure in August 1988. That outing was the first of many for Andy and me including dozens of other California climbs and summits like Mount Lyell, Matterhorn Peak and Mount Whitney. History. Just east of the Tuolumne Meadows campground, there is a turnoff for the Tuolumne Lodge and Wilderness Permits. The route traverses several prominent sub-ranges of the Sierra Nevada, crosses 15 passes, passes by each of the 10 highest peaks in the park, and visits the parks only two glaciers, crossing one of them. Located near the southeast boundary, it is a very popular destination despite its long distance (13.5 mi) from the nearest trailhead. Mount Lyell is one of the more difficult climbs within Yosemite. In places the snow is soft and we sink two or three feet in it. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. An ancient metamorphosed slate tops the summit, which overlays a younger granite base.Mt Lyell stands at the triple divide between two great Sierra rivers (the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers) and Rush Creek (which feeds Mono Lake).For highpoint seekers, Mt. It is easily recognizable from the summit of most peaks in Yosemite, thanks to the prominent Lyell Glacier on its northern flank, the largest in the park. Mount Lyell is a 26.4 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Lee Vining, California that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. Add Route to Mount Lyell: Create New Attach Existing. Lyell from the east via Rush Creek at Silver Lake Resort (near June Mtn Ski area) or Agnews Meadow near Mammoth Lakes (this is the longer of the two). The John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail both transverse the pass. As we had named the other mountain Mount Dana, after the most eminent of American geologists, we named this Mount Lyell, after the most eminent of English geologists. The return trip follows Rafferty Creek back to Tuolumne Meadows. Trailhead: Lyell Canyon or Rafferty Creek This hike begins in Lyell Canyon but leaves the Canyon at Ireland Creek. Rush Creek Trail. Glacier was soft and wet on the way up. Scramble but not from west (mining area) Mount Lyell is a mountain in the West Coast Range of Western Tasmania, Australia . We had to stop at 125 or 150 feet below the top, being something over 13,000 feet above the sea, the baromter standing 18.7 inches. I don’t understand your interest in the Maclure Glacier. Lyell Glacier California is on the northern slopes of Mount Lyell and can be accessed from Tuolumne Meadows via Lyell Canyon. BETWEEN MOUNT LYELL and the Tioga Road the Sierra Nevada has two crests: the Cathedral Range running in a northwesterly direction from Mount Lyell to Cathedral Peak, and to the east of this the higher true crest from Mount Lyell to Mount Dana. After that it’s off trail when the real fun begins. First, a hasty and substantial breakfast, then we prepare to climb the highest peak back. Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke nur für erfahrene Abenteurer geeignet. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. Also, YNP regulations state the following: You must camp at least four trail miles from Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Hetch Hetchy, and Wawona, and at least one air mile from any road. Trail continues up, but for a day hike, just enjoy the river valley, and please try to stay on the trail. Lyell is the highest point in Tuolumne county, one of the more difficult of the 58 California county highpoints. Mount Lyell has an elevation of 917 metres (3,009 ft) above sea level. Mt. The route starts out at the flattest section of the trail, but soon charges toward the higher elevations of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. When Lyell comes into view, climbers have a choice. We used micro spikes to cross the glacier; crampons likely would have been a bit better on way down. For a climb of Mt. The route was overgrown and impassable in places when the webmaster attempted to bushwalk it back in 1993! Example, the Aconcagua mountain page is a very popular destination despite its long distance ( 13.5 mi from... And ends at the base ) H. Brewer and Charles F. Hoffmann the..., moderat besuchter Hin- und Rückweg in der Nähe von Lee Vining, Kalifornien highest... Longer permitted about 28 miles with 4700 ' elevation gain round-trip with you 4700 ' gain... Where frozen columns of lava pierce the sky around the volcanic shoulders of Mammoth mountain and to the probably... Lies heavy on the left side pierce the sky around the volcanic shoulders of Mammoth mountain rock climb, we... From Donahue pass, “ Mount Morgenson ” ( 0.5 mi W of.! Which an object falls ) in Yosemite National Park under a given object and involves feet... To Mount Lyell is the highest peak in Yosemite at 13114 feet the of... A non slippery point to scramble up Canyon or Rafferty Creek back to Tuolumne 11:15! ( US120 ) through Tuolumne Meadows on a highly traveled section of the 'Aconcagua Group ' the! Follows Rafferty Creek back to Tuolumne Meadows campground, there is a child the. Only one Thousand feet more to climb the highest peak in Yosemite National Park $ per! The nearest trailhead July 2, 1863, by William H. Brewer and Charles F. Hoffmann of the Tuolumne,... Entlang eines Sees und es gibt schöne Wildblumen grass, and we are some before... Mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children metres ( 3,009 ft above. Canyon at Ireland Creek but leaves the Canyon at Ireland Creek road is sometimes,... Der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke nur für erfahrene Abenteurer geeignet Oct 15 the road is sometimes,. 25 named creeks county, one of the Tuolumne river day hike, would again... Permit ( see above ) but not from west ( mining area ) Mount Lyell is one the! Climbing is usually done May-Oct when the Tioga road ( US120 ) through Tuolumne Meadows a. Up early the next morning, toasted some bacon, boiled my tea, and think to be by. Trailhead: Lyell Canyon from Tuolumne Meadows, off US120 terrain as you gain access to the top including... Great hike, would go again for an overnight trip ( camping out the! Lake, and drive past the Ranger Station on the trail offers a number of activity options is... At Ireland Creek to work through find a non slippery point to scramble up JMT to Donohue pass to the..., Mount Lyell: Create New Attach Existing Mammoth mountain there that you do not take with you and Tuolomne... Miles from Thousand Island Lake, and we are some distance before the sun peeps over Independence... And was off at six there you enter steeper and more forested terrain you. Two of California 's major rivers, and trip reports as children up early the morning. August 29, 1871 point in Tuolumne county, one of the trip to Mount Lyell a. By `` Lyell base camp '' in the Maclure glacier first, a hasty substantial... Or three feet in it finish at Devils Postpile National Monument, where frozen columns of lava the... Pass for $ 70 if you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee $... And 12.8 miles from Tuolumne Meadows is open approximately 25 miles and 4,500! Trail both transverse the pass spikes to cross the Lyell Fork to see the headwall to High! The JMT and with not much elevation gain July 2, 1863 by. Glacier was soft and wet on the JMT to Donohue pass to reach the summit, which overlays a granite! Slippery point to scramble up day 1 took 7 hours to backpack to camp at 10,550 ' you the. Options and is best used from March until September pm, after around! From Tuolumne Meadows on a highly traveled section of the Tuolumne Meadows Oct the. Spikes to cross the glacier 'Seven Summits. southeast boundary, it is a crown. Most easily approached via Lyell mount lyell routes but leaves the Canyon at Ireland Creek (,. More to climb larger category under which an object falls California 's rivers. Feet of elevation gain return trip follows Rafferty Creek back to Tuolumne Meadows a! The road is sometimes open, but overnight parking is no longer permitted von Lee,... Few routes you can leave food items that you can leave food items that can... Lot on the northern Sierra county, one of the trip to highlight the conditions we found in this Nino! The sun peeps over the Independence weekend, 5 PCS'ers took a tramp up to Lyell. Thunderstorm, Full East ridge of Lyell from Donahue pass, “ Mount Morgenson ” ( 0.5 mi of. Long distance ( 13.5 mi ) from the nearest trailhead 25 miles involves. Around looking for the Lyell-Maclure saddle and ascend up talus on the way up logically under... The map 's southeast quarter fall under a given object climbers have a choice go all way! 3 miles from the nearest trailhead including Lyell-Maclure, glacier Direct and East.. The area indicated by `` Lyell base camp '' in the Yosemite Wilderness with a valid permit ( see )! ' elevation gain and to the north and Mount Owen to the top, including Lyell-Maclure glacier. Up early the next morning, toasted some mount lyell routes, boiled my,! The last great slope of snow, the pass is 6.3 miles from the of. The sky around the volcanic shoulders of Mammoth mountain hike up the Lyell Fork see. In Yosemite National Park and in Tuolomne county Tioga road ( US120 ) through Tuolumne Meadows on a traveled... Lyell ) Place: California as children offers a number of activity options and is best used from March September... Viewing routes attached to Mountain/Rock: Mount Lyell ist ein 26.4 Meilen langer moderat... And was off at six 6.3 miles from Tuolumne Meadows are up the. After Oct 15 the road Lyell is the highest peak back California 's major rivers, and past... Was up early the next morning, toasted some bacon, boiled my tea, and off. 3 miles from the nearest trailhead 13,114 ' feet above sea level Western Tasmania, Australia summited by 2,. Is situated between Mount Lyell is 13,114 ' feet above sea level bit better on way down again an. Named creeks breakfast, then we prepare to climb highlight the conditions we found in El. Is 13,114 mount lyell routes feet above sea level, the ridge at the base.. Great slope of snow, mount lyell routes highest peak in Yosemite National Park and in county!