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Emerick Lake, Yosemite

Posted on September 15, 2008 by: Traveler

  • From this trail junction (part of the High Sierra Loop trail) it is only 0.4 miles to Emerick Lake.
  • The trail gains just a little more from the trail sign in the previous picture and then the panorama of Emerick Lake opens up... and the trail drops.
  • You will soon come to this junction. A rock shelf for camping is on the left and open sites to set up camp lie to the right.
  • Just down from the junction looking back up the small rise.
  • This tent is set up in the open area that lies to the right of the trail split.
  • Closer shot of the tent with the open meadow area beyond. There is a waterfall and small creek that feed into Emerick Lake to the right.
  • At the bottom trail junction turn left and you will see the rock shelf where numerous campsites are.
  • Here is an REI Half Dome tent set up on the rock shelf.
  • A small trail skirts the shoreline of Emerick Lake just below the rock shelf.
  • Trail skirting along the shore of Emerick Lake.
  • Pretty soon the trees thin out and the cliff begins to slope steeply down into the water.
  • A hiker surveys his next move up the granite slope.
  • With no morning winds to stir the water Emerick Lake becomes a reflection of the surrounding terrain, This has occurred both times I have camped here.
  • Morning reflection of Emerick Lake through shoreline trees.
  • This cluster of tree is on the opposite shore from the shelf. Crossing over the small creek feeding into Emerick Lake appears to be the quickest route to here.
  • Looking north you will see this high peak.
  • This is the meadow area to the north side of Emerick Lake. The ground has ripples.
  • Following the ridgeline down to the right is where a small waterfall and the creek feeding into Emerick Lake begin.
  • Looking back to Emerick while standing along the creek.
  • The creek is winding. Here it heads straight for the opposing western wall of mountains surrounding Emerick.
  • You can hear the waterfall long before getting this close. It is in the upper right of this picture.
  • Not the mightiest or the swiftest flowing, but a nice walk nonetheless.
  • Looking back toward the meadow from near the waterfall.
  • Inlet creek of Emerick Lake.

Best Time To Visit: Summer and Fall
Closest City: Lee Vining
State: 7
Country: 209

DIRECTIONS: From California 395 near the city of Lee Vining, take Highway 120 up to Tioga Pass and into Yosemite National Park. Park at the Tuolumne Ranger Station. Backcountry permits can also be picked up a this location, but they are on a first-come basis (departing trailhead and ending destination play the biggest factor) to limit trail use. 

From Yosemite Valley, connect to Highway 120 (right fork leading up) at the western side of the valley. NOTE: If driving up Highway 140 from the city of Merced (southwest entrance), at the junction with Highway 120 you would be making a left turn at the fork. At the next junction of the 120, take the east route (right) heading toward Tuolumne Meadow. Park at the Tuolumne Ranger Station.

From the Western (Highway 120) entrance into Yosemite, continue all the way east to Tuolumne Meadow and park at the Ranger Station.

Parkiing is also available near Lembert Dome along the road leading to the horse stables. This will lengthen the walk by less than a half mile.

DESCRIPTION: Coming Soon!

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Tags

Yosemite National Park, Emerick Lake, Tuolumne Meadow, High Sierra Loop, Lembert Dome, Tuolumne River, Rafferty Creek, waterfall, backpacking, hiking, camping

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Location Notes:

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    Traveler Said...
    There is only one word to describe the mosquito population in early summer; MADDENING!!! Camping along the shelf area on a June 08' trip is the first time I have ever felt the need to wear a goofy headnet.

     

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