calipeaks.com

Vogelsang to Cathedral Lakes Loop

Tuolumne · Managed by Yosemite National Park (NPS) · Region: Yosemite National Park
Difficulty 34/100 · Moderateloop#loop#high-sierra-camps#alpine-lakes#yosemite
Distance
33.3 mi
Total gain
4,550 ft
Net gain
4,550 ft
Net loss
4,550 ft
Days
4–5
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

This loop strings together Yosemite's high country greatest hits: Rafferty Creek to Vogelsang, down the Merced to Merced Lake, up past Washburn and Sunrise, and out through the Cathedral Lakes. Thirty-three miles of alpine meadows, lakes, and passes — the classic High Sierra Camps sampler as a backpack.

Highlights

  • Vogelsang's 10,000-foot basin under the peak
  • The Merced River's cascades through Lewis and Washburn canyons
  • Sunrise High Sierra Camp's meadow at sunset
  • Cathedral Lakes at the finish — the most photographed tarns in the park

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Rafferty Creek Trailhead (Tuolumne Meadows) (9,423 ft) · parking: Tuolumne Meadows trailhead parking
  • Water: Rafferty Creek, the Merced River, and the lakes; treat all water.
  • Resupply: Vogelsang and Merced Lake High Sierra Camps offer meals to guests in season.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for a loop.
  • 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 or Cathedral Lakes entries 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. The loop's camps — Vogelsang, Merced Lake's high country, and the Cathedral basins — sit at or above the 9,600-ft fire line in key spots. Cathedral's basins are specifically closed to campfires. Plan on stoves. 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; nearly all of the loop is above 9,000 ft.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in the meadows through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Four to five days of high-altitude travel — plan the food carefully
  • Cathedral's lake basins are closed to campfires
  • 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 — Vogelsang to Cathedral. 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). 33.3-mile loop with 4,550 ft gain linking the Vogelsang, Merced Lake, and Sunrise High Sierra Camps.
  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 prohibitions (including Cathedral Lake basins) and bear canister requirement.