Merced Lake High Sierra Camp

Nestled deep within the breathtaking wilderness of Yosemite National Park, the Merced Lake High Sierra Camp offers a truly unique and immersive experience for those seeking to connect with California's stunning natural beauty. Far from the bustling valley floor, this camp provides a rare opportunity to explore the High Sierra backcountry with a level of comfort not typically found in traditional backpacking. It’s a cherished destination for hikers, nature photographers, and anyone looking to unplug and rejuvenate amidst majestic mountains and pristine alpine lakes.

Merced Lake High Sierra Camp is part of Yosemite’s renowned High Sierra Camps system, which provides rustic yet comfortable lodging along a loop trail through the park's high country. Established in 1916, it holds the distinction of being the first camp in this historic system and is known for its relatively lower elevation, which often allows for earlier and later season accessibility compared to some of the other camps. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to extend their high-country adventures.

The atmosphere at Merced Lake High Sierra Camp is one of camaraderie and shared appreciation for the wild. Guests, often fellow hikers from various parts of the High Sierra Loop, gather to share stories of their day's treks and enjoy hearty meals in a communal setting. It's a place where the simplicity of nature takes center stage, and the sounds of the wilderness replace the distractions of everyday life. Whether you're an experienced backpacker or someone looking for a supported foray into the backcountry, Merced Lake offers an unforgettable escape into the heart of Yosemite.

Merced Lake High Sierra Camp is situated in the remote, southeast region of Yosemite National Park, beneath the impressive 10,440-foot Quartzite Peak. It rests on the eastern side of Merced Lake, near where the Merced River cascades down a rocky chute into a wide, inviting pool often used for swimming in the summer months.

Reaching Merced Lake High Sierra Camp is an adventure in itself, as it is accessible only by foot or by saddle (mule). It is directly upstream from Yosemite Valley and is considered the most accessible of the High Sierra Camps from the Valley by hiking, at a distance of approximately 13.0 miles (20.9 km). Several primary hiking routes lead to the camp:

• Yosemite Valley: Approximately 12.3 miles with a 4,080-foot elevation gain. This route often involves climbing the Mist Trail past Vernal and Nevada Falls and following the Merced River to Echo Valley before ascending to Merced Lake.
• Cathedral Lakes: Roughly 15.3 miles with a 2,140-foot elevation gain, starting from west Tuolumne Meadows and heading south on the John Muir Trail over Cathedral Pass.
• Vogelsang: About 14.3 miles with a 1,720-foot elevation gain, beginning in east Tuolumne Meadows and ascending Rafferty Creek south over Tuolumne Pass.

Due to its remote nature, traditional vehicle access is not available to the camp itself. Guests typically park at designated trailheads within Yosemite National Park, such as those near Tuolumne Meadows Lodge or Yosemite Valley, and embark on their hike from there. It's essential to plan your route and allow ample time for the trek, as the journey is an integral part of the experience.

The address for logistical purposes, often associated with the general area of the High Sierra Camps, is: Tuolumne County High Sierra Camp, Yosemite National Park, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389, USA. However, it is crucial to remember that this address is for the general vicinity and not direct vehicle access to the camp.

Merced Lake High Sierra Camp provides a unique set of services designed to enhance the backcountry experience while minimizing the need for heavy backpacking gear. These services contribute to the camp's reputation as a comfortable and convenient wilderness escape.

• Tent Cabin Accommodations: The camp features 18 canvas tent cabins that can accommodate up to 60 guests. These rustic yet comfortable cabins are equipped with bunk beds and mattresses, offering a welcome respite after a day of hiking. While pillows and woolen blankets or comforters are often provided, guests are typically required to bring their own linens or sleeping bags for sanitary reasons.
• Family-Style Meals: A highlight of the High Sierra Camps is the delicious and substantial family-style breakfasts and dinners served in a main dining tent. Guests gather to enjoy a hearty meal, often featuring a rotating menu that can include dishes like flat iron steak, pork loin, or salmon, alongside vegetarian options. This communal dining experience fosters a sense of community among hikers. Lunch orders can also be placed the night before for pick-up at breakfast, allowing hikers to lighten their backpack load.
• Flush Toilets: A true luxury in the backcountry, Merced Lake High Sierra Camp offers flush toilet facilities. This amenity significantly enhances comfort for campers and contributes to a more sustainable wilderness experience.
• Showers: Guests can enjoy the rare convenience of showers, providing a refreshing opportunity to clean up after a day on the trails. (Availability of showers is subject to water supply.)
• Laundry Basins: For longer stays or multi-day treks, laundry basins are available, allowing guests to wash essential clothing items.
• Purified Drinking Water: Potable water is provided at the camp, eliminating the need for guests to filter their own water, which is a significant convenience for backpackers.

Merced Lake High Sierra Camp offers a variety of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Californians seeking a unique outdoor experience.

• Stunning Natural Beauty: The camp is set amidst a picturesque landscape of mountainous terrain and forested areas, with Merced Lake as its centerpiece. The surrounding granite peaks, clear waters, and lush vegetation provide a stunning backdrop for any outdoor adventure.
• Warm Swimming Hole: One of the most appealing features, especially during warmer months, is the wide pool at the base of a rocky chute where the Merced River tumbles. This natural swimming hole is popularly used for a refreshing dip after a long hike.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Merced Lake and nearby Washburn and Babcock lakes offer great opportunities for fishing. Anglers with a valid California fishing license can enjoy casting a line in these pristine waters.
• Historical Significance: As the oldest and largest of Yosemite's High Sierra Camps, established in 1916, Merced Lake carries a rich history. It was originally a US Cavalry patrol outpost and later served as a boys' sports camp before evolving into the hiker's haven it is today.
• Strategic Location for Loop Hikers: Merced Lake is a crucial stop on the iconic 49-mile High Sierra Camp loop trail. Its location makes it a popular spot for rest days, allowing hikers to relax by the lake or embark on shorter day hikes to explore the vicinity.
• Backpacker's Camp: For those with a valid wilderness permit, an adjacent "backpacker's camp" offers additional camping options with bear boxes, running water, and porcelain toilets, providing a more traditional backcountry camping experience with some added conveniences.
• Lower Elevation Benefits: Being the lowest in elevation among the High Sierra Camps (7,150 feet), Merced Lake typically experiences warmer temperatures and is generally accessible earlier and later in the hiking season, extending the window for visits.

For inquiries and reservations related to Merced Lake High Sierra Camp and the High Sierra Camps system, it is important to contact Yosemite National Park lodging reservations directly, as the camps operate on a lottery basis due to high demand.

Address: Tuolumne County High Sierra Camp, Yosemite National Park, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389, USA (Note: This is a general park area address, not a direct access point for vehicles to the camp.)

Phone: For reservations and general inquiries regarding the High Sierra Camps, visitors typically contact the Yosemite Hospitality reservation line. Specific contact numbers and reservation procedures can be found on the official Travel Yosemite website, which manages the High Sierra Camps lottery. While specific phone numbers for the camp itself are not publicly listed due to its remote nature, the central reservation system handles all bookings.

It is highly recommended to check the official Yosemite National Park and Travel Yosemite websites for the most up-to-date information on operating seasons, lottery application periods, and any potential closures or changes to services, as these can vary year to year due to weather and operational considerations.

For California residents, Merced Lake High Sierra Camp represents an unparalleled opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Yosemite's High Sierra backcountry without the arduous burden of a fully self-supported backpacking trip. It offers a unique blend of wilderness immersion and comfortable amenities, making it suitable for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.

Locals who cherish the natural wonders of California will find Merced Lake to be an ideal escape. The convenience of having meals provided and sleeping in tent cabins allows for a more relaxed and enjoyable multi-day hiking experience, perfect for those who want to focus on the stunning scenery, photography, fishing, or simply unwinding in nature. The ability to hike from camp to camp along the High Sierra Loop provides a progressive journey through diverse landscapes, each day bringing new vistas and challenges.

For families or individuals new to extended wilderness trips, the High Sierra Camp system, and Merced Lake in particular, offers a fantastic introduction to backpacking with a supportive infrastructure. The sense of community among fellow hikers, the delicious food, and the sheer beauty of the surroundings create lasting memories. It allows Californians to truly disconnect from urban life and reconnect with the wild heart of their state, all while enjoying the rare luxuries of flush toilets and showers in the remote wilderness. Booking a spot through the lottery system is highly competitive, but for those fortunate enough to secure a reservation, Merced Lake High Sierra Camp promises an unforgettable and deeply rewarding California adventure.

Merced Lake High Sierra Camp

Tuolumne County High Sierra Camp, Yosemite National Park, TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, CA 95389, USA