Fall hike to Big McGee Lake...

Gorgeous hike in October during PEAK fall colors. Very gradual trail for first 5 miles with the final two miles gaining most of the overall elevation. Lots of water and beautiful meadows along the way.

September 3, 2011 Agnew Meadows to Agnew Meadows
Begin this scenic 27 mile loop from Agnew Meadows via the High Trail (towards but not to 1000 Island Lake) and go right at the Clark Lake sign. Hike up and over Agnew Pass toward Waugh Lake and then catch the John Muir Trail back to Island Pass and Thousand Island Lake. Complete this beautiful loop with a visit to Emerald, Ruby, Garnet and Shadow Lakes before connecting back to the River Trail to Agnew Meadows.

Sunrise over the Minarets from the High Trail

Agnew Pass - Summit Lake

 Waugh Lake

Banner Peak before Island Pass


 Island Pass

 1000 Island Lake

 Garnet Lake

 Outlet of Shadow Lake

 Aster...the flowers were amazing...is it really September?

 Arnica

 Gentian

 Goldenrod

 Tiger Lilies
This hike has 2800 feet of elevation gain and loss...so as far as Sierra Nevada hikes, its moderate but lengthy. Plan on 10-13 hours if your hiking and taking pictures. 

Beautiful Day in Tuolomne Meadows - Yosemite

Chris had a relaxing day in Tuolomne Meadows this week and hiked on the Glen Aulin Trail along the Tuolomne River.

Trailhead parking for Glen Aulin Trail is located at the Lembert Dome turnoff. The trail is 13 miles round trip to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, with an elevation change of only 600'. The trail follows the beautiful Tuolomne River and gives way to spectacular views of granite domes. 

The Tuolomne River is exceptionally clear with lots of perfect dipping pools (in the latter part of summer after the spring run-off has gone down) and picnic spots.

Perfect spot to take a dip on a warm summer day!

Fantastic Granite Views!

And Granite Trails...

Beautiful meadows with Queen Annes Lace...

and Lupin...

Ahhh...a relaxing day!

Time to soak in the cool river!

Bishop Pass Trailhead
Beautiful Day Hike...
Located in Bishop Creek, the Bishop Pass Trailhead is accessed via Highway 168, turn left at the sign for  South Lake and drive to the end of the road. You will go past the small community of Habeggers, Bishop Creek Lodge and Parchers Resort.

The trail parallels South Lake for the first 1/2 mile then gently winds into the forest past the turn off for Mary Louise Lakes and Bull Lake, Ruwau Lake, Long Lake, Bishop Lake and other unamed lakes up to Bishop Pass (6 miles to the pass, moderate to strenuous). The wildflowers are peaking on this trail with Sierra Shooting Stars, Columbine, Penstemon, Wallflowers and more! There are many opportunities to picnic, fish and jump in lakes along the way. The trail is currently snow free up to 10,500 and then patchy snow to the pass.

This photo was taken Saturday (7/16) about 1.25 miles below the pass. The tall peak in the background is Mt. Agazzi.