Vogelsang Hike

The Vogelsang Hike is a popular backpacking route in Yosemite, but it can also be enjoyed as a long and rewarding day-hike. Explore Yosemite’s high country and revel in the postcard-worthy panoramas of the alpine terrain. Though not necessary, a sturdy pair of footwear and trekking poles will prove useful as you navigate the rocky and, at times steep, trail. Note that much of the path is exposed, so be sure to keep an eye out for afternoon storms, check the forecast, and prepare accordingly! The National Park charges an entrance fee; refer to the NPS website for additional details.

Setting out from the Dog Lake Parking Lot, the Vogelsang Hike tracks south along the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #200 (PCT). Follow this path over Dana Fork and across the Twin Bridge over Lyell Fork. After crossing the creek, you will head east along the John Muir Trail/PCT until you reach an intersection with the Rafferty Creek Trail. Turn right here and hike south along the Rafferty Creek Trail, which hugs the curves of the babbling snowmelt stream. As you wander this meadow-cloaked path, you will be granted amazing views of the surrounding granite peaks.

Eventually, you will reach Tuolumne Pass and revel in the views of the granite oasis, before continuing south to the Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. Near Fletcher Lake, you will be granted amazing views of Vogelsang Peak to the south. To get back to the trailhead, simply backtrack along the same route.