Lyell Fork - Merced River Crossing

[CalMntHkr]

I'm looking at a trip through the Lyell Fork of the Merced River. After a nice visit to the Lyell Fork canyon, I plan to head for Red Devil Lake requiring a crossing the Lyell Fork. In normal years I wouldn't give this a second thought but this is not a normal year. I have crossed this a few decades ago but my memory fails me and my research has not yielded any information. Can anybody describe this crossing?

Thanks for the help,

-K

[kpeter]

Here is my trip report from that area, the year the HST meet up was there.

https://www.highsierratopix.com/communi ... il#p110481

There is a photo of the Triple Peak Creek crossing which was placid. The crossing of the Lyell Fork was swift, stony, and knee deep. It was not particularly dangerous that year, but it was the toughest crossing on our loop. If it had been 6 inches higher it would have been challenging. If it had been a foot higher I would have turned back. However, there probably were other places to cross than the "official" trail crossing that might have been better. Pushing through deeper but less swift water in the meadows, similar to Evolution Valley, might have worked. Lots of folks here are familiar with the area and so you will probably get a lot of good advice.

[CalMntHkr]

Sorry for the extra long delay in responding to your post. No sooner did I post and an east coast friend called requesting a Yosemite guide for himself and his friends from Finland. That’s an opportunity not to be missed. The look on their faces at Inspiration Point was worth all the organizing of the hotels, airport rides and what not. Being good hikers we did the Mist / Vernal / Nevada Falls hike as well as up Yosemite Falls. The sound of Upper Yosemite Falls is unbelievable. My legs are quite worn out. There is still a LOT of snow with the snow line is at about 7500 feet on exposed north and east facing slopes and about 7800 feet on west and south facing. Solid snow under the trees can be as low as 7200 feet. There is still snow on top of Half Dome. Anyway a great tourist trip to Yosemite and what fun to expose good hiking folks to Yosemite. I am sure you understand my delay.

I really appreciate your information on the Lyell Fork Cross and your excellent trip report. The Lyell Fork crossing sounds crossable with normal water levels. It may be late August before this crossing is safely crossed.

I read your trip report. I was unaware of the extent of burn scars through the Merced Canyon. The Red Fire burned a good chunk of the Illilouette Canyon last summer. The Creek Fire burned through Cover Meadow affecting the hike through Fernandez Pass, Post Peak Pass and Isberg Pass. The whole of South Yosemite is ringed with fresh burn scar. I am very familiar with most of this area and need to rethink this trip. Thanks for the heads up.