Lyell Canyon
Wawona, California
| Address: | Yosemite National Park, California, USA |
| GPS: |
37°51'50.7"N 119°18'6.4"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
| Trail Length: | 8.00 miles |
| Trail Type: | Out & Back |
| Hike Difficulty: | Beginner |
| Elevation Gain: | 200 feet |
| Trails/Routes: | 3.6 mi |
Rivers Waterfalls Streams Trails Wildflowers National Park
Hike
Lyell Canyon is a breezy, 8 mile hike through the Tuloumne Meadows of Yosemite. While it is a little bit of a longer hike, the total elevation gain is about 200 feet, making it pretty flat and straightforward.
Starting at Dog Lake, the hike takes you through the Tuloumne forest, as well as the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. There are several creek crossings, and the canyon itself offers views of the Kuna Creek cascades.
Lyell Canyon was named after Charles Lyell, a famous English geologist. The hike is another one of Yosemite's lesser known gems in the backcountry, away from the more popular and crowded areas of the surrounding Yosemite Valley. Travel through the forest to get some peace and quiet and see the parts of Yosemite people don't talk about.
If you're planning on taking this hike, be sure to pick up a permit for the Tuloumne Meadows. This is done to regulate the amount of people in the backcountry.
Because there are so many berries and streams along this hike, it wouldn't be too uncommon to happen across a bear during your journey. Be sure to exercise caution when planning this trip and do not hike alone.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Wawona, California
- Head south on Chowchilla Mountain Rd toward Wawona RdToll road(377 ft)
- Turn right onto Wawona RdToll road(21.6 mi)
- Slight right onto Southside DrPartial toll road(1.4 mi)
- Turn left onto El Capitan DrToll road(0.4 mi)
- Merge onto Northside DrToll road(2.0 mi)
- Continue onto El Portal RdToll road(0.9 mi)
- Turn right onto Big Oak Flat Road (signs for CA-120/Tioga Rd/Manteca)Toll road(9.5 mi)
- Continue onto Old Yosemite Coulterville RdToll road(344 ft)
- Turn right onto CA-120 EToll roadMay be closed at certain times or days(42.7 mi)
The parking lot at the trailhead is reserved for those staying at the Tuloumne Meadows Lodge. Open parking is available west of the trailhead.
Trails
Distance ?
3.6 milesElevation Gain ?
168 feetReal Ascent ?
253 feetReal Descent ?
85 feetAvg Grade (1°)
1%Grade (-7° to 3°)
-12% to 4%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
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