Ireland and Evelyn Lakes Loop

This is a 22.2-mile loop from Tuolumne Meadows through Lyell Canyon, Ireland Creek, Ireland Lake and Evelyn Lake, returning by Rafferty Creek. The official distance includes the roughly 3-mile out-and-back spur to Ireland Lake; leaving that spur out makes a shorter trip but skips one of the two named lakes. The route gains about 2,150 feet and reaches around 10,800 feet. Allow about 12 hours of hiking if you try it in one day; most people will enjoy it more as an overnight backpack. Yosemite requires a wilderness permit for overnight trips, year-round. Day hikes do not need one.

Start at Lyell Canyon and follow the John Muir and Pacific Crest trails south through open subalpine meadows beside the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. There are several water crossings, with sturdy bridges at the better-known crossing about a mile in. After roughly seven miles, leave the canyon at Ireland Creek. The route climbs through pine forest toward a high ridge; this is the hard part, and the altitude makes the steady ascent feel bigger than the elevation gain suggests.

Ireland Lake is a side trip from the main traverse: go out to the lake, then return to the junction before continuing west. The spur adds about three miles. From there the path crosses high, open country toward Evelyn Lake, passing a smaller lake south of the trail before the meadow opens onto Evelyn’s basin. Wind can sweep across the exposed shore. The water is cold and clear, but treat water collected from creeks or lakes before drinking it.

Continue west past the Vogelsang backpacker camp area, then turn north on Rafferty Creek Trail. The climb to Tuolumne Pass is followed by a long descent past several small lakes toward the meadows. A short walk across Tuolumne Meadows closes the circuit at Lyell Canyon. The loop uses both Lyell Canyon and Rafferty Creek access points, so keep following the connecting path through the meadow rather than stopping when you reach the road.

The trailhead is at Tuolumne Meadows off Tioga Road, which is usually open only from late spring or early summer into fall. Bring food for the full route and a way to treat natural water. Pets are prohibited on Yosemite trails and in wilderness areas. At Evelyn Lake, look across the water toward Fletcher Peak; the open shoreline gives you a clean lake-and-granite view without adding a detour.