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Ireland and Evelyn Lake Loop

Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 20/100 · Moderateloop#loop#alpine-lakes#fly-fishing#yosemite
Distance
22.2 mi
Total gain
2,150 ft
Net gain
2,150 ft
Net loss
2,150 ft
Days
3–4
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Ireland and Evelyn Lakes form one of Yosemite's finest moderate loops: 22 miles up Lyell Canyon, over Ireland Creek's forested shoulder, and back down Rafferty Creek past a pair of glassy alpine lakes under Mount Lyell.

Highlights

  • Evelyn Lake's reflection of Mount Lyell and Maclure
  • Lyell Canyon's long meadow walk on the way in
  • Rafferty Creek's granite slabs and pools on the return
  • A complete loop with no car shuffle

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Lyell Canyon Trailhead (Tuolumne Meadows) (8,694 ft) · parking: Tuolumne Meadows trailhead parking near the Lyell Fork bridge
  • Water: Ireland Creek, Evelyn Lake, and Rafferty Creek; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Tuolumne Meadows store at the start.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for a loop.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Lyell Canyon or Rafferty Creek entries applies; 60% reservable 24 weeks out, 40% seven days out.
  • Reservation window: Lottery-based advance reservations; remaining quota releases weekly.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Campfires are allowed only in existing rings below 9,600 ft — the higher lakes and passes are stove-only. Check current fire restrictions. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Usually snow-free by early July.

Heat: Cool at these elevations.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in the meadows and at the lakes through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Campsites near the lakes are limited — arrive early
  • Stoves only at the higher camps
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Tuolumne Meadows Backpacking Trails — Ireland and Evelyn Lake. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tuolumne-meadows-backpacking-trails.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). 22.2-mile loop with 2,150 ft gain via Lyell Canyon, Ireland Creek, and Rafferty Creek.
  3. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  4. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.