Days 61 to 64 (Miles 903.2 to 948.3)

image

After a zero day in Mammoth, we took the free trolley back to the Horseshoe Lake trailhead. We were a little wiser this time, and took a slightly different route back to the PCT. We went over Mammoth Pass which was actually a maintained trail with significantly less downed trees and slightly less snow.

Carbon dioxide seeps out of the ground near Horseshoe Lake. Apparently it's not too dangerous when there's a breeze, or if you don't lay on the ground.
Carbon dioxide seeps out of the ground near Horseshoe Lake. Apparently it’s not too dangerous when there’s a breeze, or if you don’t lay on the ground.

image

image
Devil’s Postpile

We passed by Red’s Meadow and walked through Devils Postpile National Monument. Both were deserted. We hiked about 15 miles before setting up camp.

Minaret Falls
Minaret Falls

image

image

We spent much of the following day on the snow. We hiked past 1000 Island Lake, up and over Donahue Pass (11,073′) and in to Yosemite National Park. Beautiful and warm weather made for soft snow. It’s a little more difficult to walk in, but I am so happy that it’s not freezing cold and the snow is actually melting instead of accumulating!

Banner Peak
Banner Peak

image

Donahue Pass
Donahue Pass

image

After spending the night in Lyell Canyon, we hiked nine miles to Highway 120 where we bought sandwiches, beers, ice cream and food for the next few days at the Tuolumne Meadows store. We forgot to buy a fuel canister! Hopefully the one we have will last us until Sonora Pass.

Lyell Canyon
Lyell Canyon
image
Lembert Dome and Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120)

After lunch, we hiked another six miles to the Glen Aulin camp. Glen Aulin is a High Sierra Camp (though they are not yet open for the season) and also a backpacker’s camp. It’s a Friday night, so there are actually a few other people camped around here. Kind of nice after several days of complete solitude.

image

image

image
Tuolumne Falls
image
One of the bridges into Glen Aulin.
image
White Cascade
image
We bought wine! 🙂
image
Appetizers!
image
Camped at Glen Aulin.

3 thoughts on “Days 61 to 64 (Miles 903.2 to 948.3)”

  1. Beautiful pictures of your amazing adventure! I remember swimming at Glen Aulin with you guys a few years ago. I’m guessing there was no swimming this time 🙂
    Any idea when will you be in Tahoe?

    1. No swimming this time! I considered it because it was pretty warm, but the water had such a strong current, it looked a little dangerous. I definitely thought of you guys and our trip there. Good times.

Leave a Reply