Mount Lyell Summit Attempt

Melissa and I are going backpacking in the high country of Yosemite for our 10th anniversary. Sounds weird but I proposed in the Yosemite high country (okay, actually top of Vernal Falls, so probably not technically the “high” country) and our first daughter is named Sierra, so it’s fitting if not a little odd.

Current plans are for a 7 night trip with a summit attempt on Mount Lyell (13,100 ft), the highest point in Yosemite. It’s not that big a deal for most backpackers but Melissa has never been backpacking and I haven’t gone since I was in Boy Scouts 20 years ago. So having a goal and plenty of time is a good thing.

Mount Lyell is an SPS Emblem Peak

I needed a place to record the plan and the results. This is that place.

Wikipedia Entry

Logistics

Mon, Jan 28 - Get reservation for one night at Toulumne Meadows lodge so we can acclimatize.

Mon, Jan 28 - Submit request for Wilderness Permit and get rejected for submitting earlier than allowed. Doh!!

Wed, Jan 30 - Resubmit for Wilderness Permit via website. 2hrs later receive email confirming reservation!! Yeah!

 

Plan

(Topo map of route plan…get your own high-res version at Topozone.com)

Wed, July 16
Day 0 - Spend night in Toulumne Meadows Lodge (#75X6Q2)

Thu, July 17
Day 1 - Toulumne Meadows to Lyell Creek

Fri, July 18
Day 2 - Lyell Creek to Upper Lyell Base Camp

Sat, July 19
Day 3 - Summit attempt on Mt. Lyell (13,114 ft) back to Base Camp

Sun, July 20
Day 4 - Summit attempt on Mt. Maclure (12,700 ft) or 2nd attempt on Mt. Lyell, back to Base Camp

Mon, July 21
Day 5 - Off trail to Amelia Earhart Peak (11,974 ft) camp at Ireland Lake

Tue, July 22
Day 6 - Off trail to Parson Peak (12,147 ft) and Vogelsang Peak (11,516 ft) camp at Vogelsang Lake

Wed, July 23
Day 7 - Back to Tuolumne Meadows via Rafferty Creak Trail and stay at The Hounds Tooth Inn B&B in Oakhurst, CA

Thu, July 24
Day 8 - Slack day for weather or extra side trip during the previous 7 days

 

Our Photos

See Flickr for entire gallery of trip

    

 

Research

Current Weather

Yosemite Explorer Website - Trail Report - Gallery

Yosemite Blog

Random Googling -

Lyell Summit Report - Lyell Summit Report

Lyell Trip Report - Lyell Trip Report - Lyell Trip Report - Lyell Trip Report

Parsons Peak Trip Report - Vogelsang Peak Trip

Pictures

Lyell Glacier - Lyell Base Camp - Lyell Base Camp