Upper McCabe Lake

trail details

Type of Trip: Backpacking Loop

Where: Yosemite National Park

Permits Required: Yes

Miles: 28

Net Elevation Change: 5,129 ft

Trailhead: Glen Aulin (Pass-Thru)

Description: Loop hike to the Upper McCabe Lake that includes off-trail travel.

logistics & itinerary

Wilderness Area : Yosemite National Park

When to apply? Sixty percent of wilderness permit reservations become available by lottery 24 weeks in advance. Of these, any remaining reservations after each week's lottery become available on a first-come, first-served basis the Friday after the lottery application period closes and are available up to three days in advance. The remaining 40% of reservations become available seven days in advance (up to three days in advance).

Permit Style: Lottery then First Come First Serve

Permit Application: recreation.gov

When did we do this hike? August 2022

Transportation: Drove into Yosemite and parked at the Tuolumne Wilderness Center

Itinerary:

Day

Miles

Camp

7.0

10.0

5.0

6.0

Cold Water Canyon

Upper McCabe Lake

Middle Young Lake

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Water: Camp in Cold Water Canyon was dry at this time of year. McCabe and Return Creeks still running.

Leave-No-Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles. Camp on previously impacted sites at least 100 feet from any water source or trail. All human waste must be buried at least 6 inches deep at at least 100 feet from water sources, camp areas, and trails. Do all washing at least 100 feet from water. Do not put any soup in water (even biodegradable and natural soup pollutes). Carry out all trash. Do not burn or bury toilet paper or trash.

Flora Considerations: None

Fauna Considerations: Approved Bear canisters are required on this trail. Black bears, deer, various rodents, and birds all frequent the areas you camp and walk through.

Trail Specific Considerations: This trail does broach the 10,000ft elevation mark. Past the treeline has full sun exposure. Be aware of weather and potential lightning storms. Like any wilderness trip, you accept a certain amount of risk when going on your hike. You are responsible for assessing how comfortable you feel with that risk and understanding your own physical abilities.

#California #Yosemite #Sierra