High Sierra Topix

On 9-12 a friend and I set out for Yosemite with a Rafferty Creek permit. We got burritos from a place in Oakdale (Taqueria La Agave) that turned out to be quite delicious and hit the trail early afternoon. Vogelsang looked great.
The next day we headed towards the Lyell Fork of the Merced based in part on what we'd read from the past HST meetup there. I was struggling with a cold but we made it up in time for some afternoon rain.
The storm only dropped a few droplets but then produced some fantastic alpenglow.
The next morning we hiked up to a hike point above Lake 10951 (I think! I have our high point as 37.71751, -119.27723).
This Yosemite place is pretty nice! We headed down from there and I found the lake at the meetup location all the more impressive from the foresty nook at the north end.
We started to head back. After a night at Lake Merced HSC (spent around a fire with an HST-acquainted gentleman from Susanville, Mike, who taught us about wildfires after a career in the USFS; Mike, if you're reading it was a true pleasure to meet you!) we hiked back to Vogelsang. On the way back, we really enjoyed the views of the Clark Range.
A question: can one get up there from the Merced side? There seemed to be a few drainages that might allow access past the shield wall but it was hard to know. From there, we had a truly epic afternoon in the Fletcher Creek canyon.
We got back to Vogelsang just before a small storm but then had a wonderful afternoon exploring the higher lakes. Upper Fletcher is a gem.

From Upper Fletcher we went to Hanging Basket. See the rim up there?
We scrambled up and got some spectacular views of the lake and then the high country to the north (I'm assuming Mt Conness and environs thereof?).
After waking up with a sleeping bag stiff with frozen condensation, we returned home the next morning after a stop at the brewery above the Priest Grade. It was a trip I'll long remember with mostly ok weather, perfect views, and better company.

What do you mean "can you get up there from Merced side"? Where is "there"?

I have dropped down the creek that drains the Lyell Fork all the way to the trail from Merced Lake. Did it in the late fall- basically walked down slabs that would be covered by waterfalls earlier. Steep slabs and some bushwhacking. Not sure if that is what you are asking?

Sorry for the confusion. I meant from the Merced up towards Quartzite/Clark/Grey Peaks. From our vantage point on the north side of the Merced it wasn't clear if you could hike up any of those drainages. Looking at some maps now I am guessing you can go up Red Peak Fork but I don't think we had a view quite that far.

https://www.highsierratopix.com/communi ... 37#p168937

Day 3 may answer your question.

Great photos, thanks for the report!

The Lyell Fork is special and it must be special for me to say that given that it doesn't have any fish! That is a magical place.

giantbrookie wrote: ↑Mon Sep 25, 2023 8:20 pm The Lyell Fork is special and it must be special for me to say that given that it doesn't have any fish! That is a magical place.

Hi GB,

Is this true that there are no fish in the Lyell Fork? Just curious. Thanks.

Texan

texan wrote: ↑Tue Sep 26, 2023 5:51 pm

giantbrookie wrote: ↑Mon Sep 25, 2023 8:20 pm The Lyell Fork is special and it must be special for me to say that given that it doesn't have any fish! That is a magical place.

Hi GB,

Is this true that there are no fish in the Lyell Fork? Just curious. Thanks.

Texan

Sad but true. I think Beck mentions this in his book (ie that Lyell Fork is fishless) and I took a good look in those lakes (included taking a bunch of blank casts) and connecting streams back in 1994 and saw no reason to dispute Beck's assessment. It is a gorgeous trailless place to wander in, though.

giantbrookie wrote: ↑Tue Sep 26, 2023 10:47 pm

texan wrote: ↑Tue Sep 26, 2023 5:51 pm

giantbrookie wrote: ↑Mon Sep 25, 2023 8:20 pm The Lyell Fork is special and it must be special for me to say that given that it doesn't have any fish! That is a magical place.

Hi GB,

Is this true that there are no fish in the Lyell Fork? Just curious. Thanks.

Texan

Sad but true. I think Beck mentions this in his book (ie that Lyell Fork is fishless) and I took a good look in those lakes (included taking a bunch of blank casts) and connecting streams back in 1994 and saw no reason to dispute Beck's assessment. It is a gorgeous trailless place to wander in, though.

Thanks GB for letting me know. Been by that area a long time ago when I did the Muir Trail as a teen and it was beautiful but my goal now is to fish as much as possible. No fish, no visit.

Texan(Mike)