Vogelsang H.S.C., Evelyn Lake & Lyell Canyon (Copy)
Hiking Summary
This hike is 19.2 miles loop hike starting at the Dog Lake parking lot near Tuolumne Meadows Lodge up in Tuolumne Meadows. AllTrails suggests going up Lyell Canyon and then back down from Vogelsang High Sierra Camp (H.S.C.), but I prefer to go the opposite direction.
Difficulty: Hard (mostly due to the mileage, not the elevation)
Distance: 19.2 miles (loop)
Elevation: ~2,400 ft
Estimated Time: 8-10 hrs (I recently completed the hike in 8.0 hrs; 2.4 mi/hr pace)
Trailhead start/end: Dog Lake Parking Lot
Hike Map & Elevation Graph
Inspirational Intent
As I reach the trailhead, I think about what my spiritual goals are for the day. It's 7:12am & 28° F. As I try to center myself and focus on my most inner self, I attempt to get as "present moment" as possible. I can feel the car vibrate and focus on each breath. I would like to experience hope again today. Real hope, not false hope that I have experienced while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. I hope to reignite the fire inside to work hard, trust God and help others. I really hope to return to enjoying each day, in the moment, as they present themselves. Ok, here we go......
First View of the High Country
At the 5.7 mile mark, what I consider the first view of the "high country" reveals itself.
To the south, Fletcher & Vogelsang Peaks.
To the north, False White Mountain & Mount Dana.
Vogelsang High Sierra Camp (H.S.C.)
At the 7.1 mile mark, you will reach Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. To the west, you can see one of my favorite landmarks on this hike, Choo Choo Mountain….”choo choo!!!”
Vogelsang H.S.C. with Fletcher Peak in the background.
To the west of Vogelsang HSC, Choo Choo Mountain.
Evelyn Lake
Around the 8.3 mile mark, you will reach an open area with amazing views of Evelyn Lake & Kuna Peak (to the south) and Matterhorn Peak, Mount Conness & False White Mountain (to the north).
Looking SE, Evelyn Lake with Kuna Peak in the far right background.
Evelyn Lake with Parsons Peak in the far background.
To the north, Matterhorn Peak, Mount Conness, False & White Mountain.
High Point of Hike
Around the 10.1 mile mark, you will reach the high point on the hike. From there you will see Fletcher Peak & Choo Choo Mountain (to the southwest), Amelia Earhart Peak, Mount McClure, Simmons Peak & Parsons Peak (to the south), and Kuna Peak, Blacktop Peak & Potter Point (to the southeast)
Looking to the SW, you can see Fletcher Peak & Choo Choo Mountain.
Looking directly south, you will see Amelia Earhart Peak, Mount McClure, Simmons Peak & Parsons Peak.
Looking to the east, you will see Kuna Peak, Blacktop Peak (in the far background) & Potter Point (closer and drops off to the left).
Lyell Canton
Around the 13.2 mile mark, you will reach Lyell Canyon for the last 6 miles of the hike along a very gentle slope back.
View of Lyell Fork with Potter Point in the background.
Looking north with Mammoth Peak in the upper right.
Looking south with Donohue Peak on the left and Potter Point on the right,
Hiking Journal - Enlightenment Summary
The first few hours of this hike involve navigating through mostly wooded areas, up a moderate elevation. Those first few hours are great for allowing the mind to exhaust itself from all the endless chatter of fears, complaining, etc... Now, I can be even more present to enjoy this amazing nature experience. In the present, there are no problems...
At 8am, I feel the warm energy from the sun from the east side of the Sierras envelope my body. It feels SO good. The forecast for today is 50°F & sunny. What a glorious day today will be, especially if I can stay in the present frequently throughout the day.
How am I feeling about my job? Well, I am certainly giving my all along with my actions aligning with my core values. I am frustrated by the lack of effort of others and getting tired of being in "reactive mode" all the time. I need to find the courage to be a better leader and confront others when needed. I am still afraid of confrontation. What I'm not sure of is whether I really am capable of being a leader or if it's simply not my place in this world. However, I do feel this spiritual nudging telling me that if I trust my higher power, I'll get the answer.
How do I feel about relationships? Overall, my relationships are really good. "I" am the one that is over sensitive and often withdraws. As long as I am ok with me, what else should matter?
How do I feel about myself? I don't like how irritable and judgemental I have been lately. Otherwise, I am really proud of myself.
What are my takeaways from today's hike?
I refuse to give up on myself and my sobriety
I have cleaned up almost all my bad habits... that feels good.
It's only by quieting my mind will I be able to listen to my inner spirit and what it's trying to tell me. If I listen to what my inner spirit is telling me, everything is going to be ok.
I need to be patient wth myself. This is likely the first time in my entire life that I am both sober and willing to work on my issues at this deep of a level. Work hard, trust God & help others.
Facing who I really am, sober, may be the biggest challenge of my life. Am I willing?
I really do have a good life, I just need to view my life through the right framing.
When I think about the purpose of life the only conclusion I can come to is to help others. How can I include this idea in my future decisions? I don't know how much time I have left to help others...