calipeaks.com

Lyell Canyon

Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 14/100 · Easyout and back#meadows#river#beginner-friendly#jmt
Distance
11.4 mi
Total gain
300 ft
Net gain
300 ft
Net loss
300 ft
Elevation
8,560–8,848 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Lyell Canyon is Yosemite's easiest true backpack: 5.7 miles of nearly flat trail along the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne, through one of the largest meadows in the Sierra on the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trail corridor. Perfect for first-timers, families, and anyone who wants high country without the climb.

Highlights

  • A broad, gentle meadow canyon with the Lyell Fork meandering through it
  • The Kuna Crest's granite wall rising over the meadow
  • Nearly zero elevation gain — the gentlest overnight in the park
  • PCT and JMT hikers making their way south all summer

How hard is Lyell Canyon?

CaliPeaks rates this route 14/100 (Easy). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 300 ft puts this trip at 3% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 11.4 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 8,848 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 2 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Lyell Canyon Trailhead (Tuolumne Meadows) (8,560 ft) · parking: Tuolumne Meadows trailhead parking near the Lyell Fork bridge
  • Water: The Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne the entire way; treat all water.
  • Resupply: Tuolumne Meadows store at the trailhead.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Yosemite National Park (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on nps.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Lyell Canyon entry 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. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 9,600 ft (this route stays below the line) unless fire restrictions are in effect. 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: Gentle high-country temperatures.

Bugs: Mosquitoes are legendary in the canyon's meadows in July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Mosquitoes in July can be intense in the meadows
  • Camp at least four trail miles from Tuolumne Meadows
  • 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. Tuolumne Meadows Backpacking Trails — Lyell Canyon. 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). Distance (11.4 mi round trip) and elevation gain (300 ft); John Muir and Pacific Crest Trail corridor context.
  2. Wilderness Permits. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildpermits.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Permit requirement, quotas, and reservation windows.
  3. Wilderness Regulations. Yosemite National Park (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Campfire rules and bear canister requirement.
  4. SRTM90 elevation data. OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-07. Elevations at trailhead and destination sampled for this record.