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Vogelsang High Sierra Camp

Mariposa · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 23/100 · Moderateout and back#high-country#alpine-lakes#high-sierra-camps#granite
Distance
14.4 mi
Total gain
1,600 ft
Net gain
1,600 ft
Net loss
1,600 ft
Elevation
8,560–10,154 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

Vogelsang is Yosemite's highest corner of the high country: a 7.2-mile climb up Rafferty Creek to a camp at 10,154 feet beneath Vogelsang Peak and the Cathedral Range crest. The route is a straightforward granite staircase into a basin of lakes, meadows, and 360-degree views.

Highlights

  • A genuine 10,000-foot alpine camp in Yosemite
  • The Vogelsang basin's chain of lakes and its meadows
  • Sunrise over the Cathedral Range from above the camp
  • Day-hike routes toward Fletcher Peak and the Vogelsang ridge

How hard is Vogelsang High Sierra Camp?

CaliPeaks rates this route 23/100 (Moderate). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 1,600 ft puts this trip at 13% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 14.4 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 10,154 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 3 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Rafferty Creek Trailhead (Tuolumne Meadows) (8,560 ft) · parking: Tuolumne Meadows trailhead parking
  • Water: Rafferty Creek and the lakes around Vogelsang; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Tuolumne Meadows store at the trailhead.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

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

Campfires & stove regulations

Stoves only. Vogelsang sits above 9,600 ft, where campfires are prohibited in Yosemite. Stoves only. 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; Vogelsang sits high and holds snow longer.

Heat: Cool at 10,000 feet.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in the meadows through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Camping is restricted within a mile of the High Sierra Camp — plan your site
  • Stoves only above 9,600 feet
  • Thunderstorms build by afternoon; start early

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 — Vogelsang. 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 (14.4 mi round trip) and elevation gain (1,600 ft) from the Rafferty Creek trailhead.
  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). Campfires prohibited above 9,600 ft; 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.