The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Falls

From left to right, Unicorn Peak, Echo Peaks and Catherdral Peak. Parsons Lodge can be seen on the right. The mucky red soil and wood box marks Soda Springs. Tuolumne Meadows lies beyond the Tuolumne River

Lambert Dome

The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne and Falls, June 2004

Last leg of the trip, and the last page of this story.

The trail does some rollercoasting after Dingley Creek, sometimes in semi-thick forest, actually gaining and losing more than 200 feet over more than a mile before coming to the Delaney Creek log crossing. Along the way the junction of the Dingley Creek/Young Lakes trail is passed.

Once over Delaney Creek, another junction is reached. To the right is the much more scenic Parsons Lodge route. This trip I went left because I had not done that trail, which turned out to be thickly wooded and mostly viewless. The way to the right I did on a previous trip.

Going the right way takes you to the Parsons Lodge Memorial, the site of many Sierra Clubs outings led by John Muir. This spot is also featured in John Muir's book "My First Summer in the Sierra", a must read for any Sierra lover, and an easy recommended read for those who have never read John Muir.

Lambert Dome and the end of the trail.

Beyond the lodge one of the most famous Yosemite landmarks thrusts it granite head above Tuolumne Meadows, Lambert Dome. The maps may not show it, but there is a good easy trail all the way to the top of Lambert Dome for another classic Yosemite view over Tuolumne Meadows.

Lambert Dome also marks the end of the trail and the trailhead parking area. I certainly enjoyed the trip, and for sure I can finally spell Tuolumne correctly for the first time in my life. Again, for the beginning-intermediate backpacker, this is an ideal hike, as long as your knees and conditioning are up to the task.

Happy Trails!