Young Lakes offers an “easy” escape into the Yosemite backcountry and the high sierra wonderland. Young Lakes is located off of Tiago Road just north of the Tuolumne Meadows. Overnight parking and bear boxes are located on the road near Lembert Dome. Overnight parking is prohibited in the Lembert Dome lot.
Starting elevation: 8,584 feet
Elevation at Young Lakes, lower lake: 9,880 feet
Total elevation gain: 1,460 feet
Total miles: 13.8 miles including Dog Lake spur
The trail climbed steadily through lodgepole pines with views of the white granite of Lembert Dome skirting the edge of the trail to the right. The side trail to Dog Lake is worth the detour.
After climbing more aggressively for another 2.5 miles, just after reaching the highest point of the hike, at just over 10,000 feet, the trail dropped down into a alpine meadow with granite boulders and amazing views of the Cathedral Range. It was a great place to enjoy a snack and soak in the vista.
We were relieved by a mile or so of downhill before beginning the final climb to the lowest of the Young Lakes at 9,880 feet. As we nearerd Young Lakes, the grandness of Ragged Peak came into view.
We setup camp near a handful of other tents on the norther edge of the lake. We tried to avoid the fragile vegetation. We setup camp for 2 nights.
On our second day in the backcountry, we hiked up to the middle and upper Young Lake. This is a great day hike.
The upper lake offers spectacular views of the middle and lower lake below.
On day 3, we hiked out following the same trail until we reached the Soda Springs junction. We followed the Soda Springs tail to the Glen Aulin trailhead. The hike out was much easier, faster, and entirely downhill!
