Upper Young Lake Trail

Overview

If you’re chasing that big, airy High Sierra feel without brutal mileage, this one delivers. The route climbs from Tuolumne Meadows through lodgepole forest onto open granite and meadows, with long views toward craggy summits and a string of three glacial cirque lakes—Lower, Middle, and the prize: Upper Young Lake. Expect reflective water, stark granite, and a back-of-beyond vibe that’s quieter than many Tuolumne favorites.

Plan on roughly 13.5–14.8 miles total as an out-and-back to Upper Young Lake, depending on which branch you take from Tuolumne Meadows (via Dog Lake is shorter; via Glen Aulin adds mileage). Reported elevation gain ranges from about 1,550 to 2,260 feet—moderate overall, with a short, steep, rocky finish between the lower lakes and the upper basin.

What You’ll See

Early miles move through subalpine forest before the trail opens after around 2.5 miles to wide, classic Yosemite panoramas. The path often keeps company with a creek—great for quick filter-and-go refills. Lower Young Lake sits in a serene bowl with Ragged Peak’s serrated profile stealing the show; continue higher and the landscape opens up to “on-top-of-the-world” vistas from Upper Young Lake. On calm days, expect mirror-glass reflections; at day’s ends, the basin often serves up dramatic light.

Route Notes

The maintained trail is straightforward to Lower Young Lake. From there to Middle and Upper, it turns into a use path with some route-finding. One common line follows a stream to a short waterfall step that some parties scramble carefully (packs may snag on branches). If that sounds spicy, a gentler line exists farther north—scout for the easiest gradient and cairns. Trekking poles help on the rocky, steeper bits.

Difficulty, Conditions, and Crowd Factor

Overall difficulty is moderate: steady altitude gain, uneven/rocky footing in places, and a brief scrambly section near the top. Expect minor creek crossings; early season can mean wet feet. Mosquitoes love the basin early summer—bring repellent. Despite the high payoff, you’ll often find healthier solitude here than on other Tuolumne headliners.

Permits, Camping, and Regulations

Day hikers don’t need a wilderness permit. For overnights, you do—allocated by entry trailhead quota (commonly via Dog Lake or via Glen Aulin). A bear-resistant canister is required for all food and scented items. Dispersed camping is allowed with standard backcountry setbacks: at least 4 miles from the trailhead and 100 feet from trail and water, using durable surfaces. Fire rules change with elevation and seasonal bans—follow current regulations and consider skipping fires altogether in this sensitive high-country basin.

Getting There and Parking

Trail access is from the Tuolumne Meadows area off Tioga Road. Parking is quirky and limited. For overnight trips, you can’t leave a car at the immediate trailhead—use the overnight parking near the ranger station, which adds about a mile of walking to/from the signed start.

Best Time to Hike

Go when Tioga Road is open—typically late spring through fall. Early season (June) can bring higher creek flows and prime mosquito swarms; snow patches can linger into summer at elevation. Summer afternoons often produce fast-building thunderstorms, so start early and be off exposed terrain by midafternoon. Late summer into early fall offers steadier weather, fewer bugs, and gorgeous golden light.

Tips

• Start early—for weather and mileage.
• Bring a reliable water filter; streams and lake outlets are frequent.
• Poles make the steep, rocky use-trail to Upper more manageable.
• Not into the scramble? Camp at Lower Young Lake and day-hike to scout a gentler line.
• For a loop feel, some hikers approach on the eastern branch and return on the less undulating western branch.