9/1/09
Off to Vogelsang HSC
Vogelsang is the highest of the High Sierra Camps at 10,300 feet. There are basically two routes that can be taken to reach the camp. The shortest is via Flecther Creek at just 7.6 miles and the longest is via Lewis Creek at 8.4 miles. We had from the very beginning planned to take the shortest route, but past visitors and camp staff urged us to take the mile longer and higher route due to the views afforded by the elevation. The higher route would allow us view Bernice Lake, Gallison Lake Meadow, Gallison Lake, Vogelsang Pass and lastly all the 12,000 foot peaks to the northeast. We didn't actually make the decision to take the high route until leaving camp and speaking with one of the mule team drivers as we left. Her last bit of encouragement was all it took and we had our plan.
We had already been the first .8 of a mile yesterday on our 6 mile round trip to Washburn Lake, so that was familiar territory. When we reached the junction that separates the two routes it was clear that the high route was named appropriately. It immediately headed steeply up the mountain and continued on for some time. Within the first couple of switchbacks I spotted deer just above and ahead of Ann. This was the second time I had spotted deer on the trip. I imagine deer had spotted us many times before, but had failed to tell us. This ascent finally topped out affording an outstanding view of Merced Lake. Now we headed directly into Lewis Creek canyon. The canyon was deep carved granite, heavily forested in areas, and the grade was manageable. We stopped near the summit where the meadow that feeds Lewis Creek opens up to a wide open view of the surrounding mountains and of course Vogelsang Pass. We ate our sack lunches while contemplating the climb over Vogelsang.
Lunch was good, we felt great, and had plenty of water. Water had never become a concern on this trip due to the abundant streams we had encountered. Even in August there is adequate water in the High Sierra's. We crossed the meadow leading to the trail up to the pass. We scurried across a couple moderate water crossings and hit the mountainside at our usual pace. Yes it was steep, never dangerous and the views were out of this world. We stopped a couple times, once to listen to a small babble of fresh water pouring from the rock just feet from the trail on this steep mountainside. The trail is deceptive; it starts below a peak that is much higher then the actual pass. If you approach under the premise that the trail continues to the peak you will quickly be defeated. Once you have gained an elevation equal to that of the actual pass you traverse south west for a long distance and emerge at the much welcome opening known as Vogelsang Pass to a beautiful meadow on the northwest side of the summit. It was here that we met Rick and James. We found them sitting at the summit, taking in the view. We learned that they were Cal Poly grads and spoke with them for some time before they headed off to the camp, which was on the far side of the lake in the distance. It was all down hill from this point forward and as a matter of fact for the bulk of the remaining trip.
Off to Vogelsang HSC
Vogelsang is the highest of the High Sierra Camps at 10,300 feet. There are basically two routes that can be taken to reach the camp. The shortest is via Flecther Creek at just 7.6 miles and the longest is via Lewis Creek at 8.4 miles. We had from the very beginning planned to take the shortest route, but past visitors and camp staff urged us to take the mile longer and higher route due to the views afforded by the elevation. The higher route would allow us view Bernice Lake, Gallison Lake Meadow, Gallison Lake, Vogelsang Pass and lastly all the 12,000 foot peaks to the northeast. We didn't actually make the decision to take the high route until leaving camp and speaking with one of the mule team drivers as we left. Her last bit of encouragement was all it took and we had our plan.
We had already been the first .8 of a mile yesterday on our 6 mile round trip to Washburn Lake, so that was familiar territory. When we reached the junction that separates the two routes it was clear that the high route was named appropriately. It immediately headed steeply up the mountain and continued on for some time. Within the first couple of switchbacks I spotted deer just above and ahead of Ann. This was the second time I had spotted deer on the trip. I imagine deer had spotted us many times before, but had failed to tell us. This ascent finally topped out affording an outstanding view of Merced Lake. Now we headed directly into Lewis Creek canyon. The canyon was deep carved granite, heavily forested in areas, and the grade was manageable. We stopped near the summit where the meadow that feeds Lewis Creek opens up to a wide open view of the surrounding mountains and of course Vogelsang Pass. We ate our sack lunches while contemplating the climb over Vogelsang.
Lunch was good, we felt great, and had plenty of water. Water had never become a concern on this trip due to the abundant streams we had encountered. Even in August there is adequate water in the High Sierra's. We crossed the meadow leading to the trail up to the pass. We scurried across a couple moderate water crossings and hit the mountainside at our usual pace. Yes it was steep, never dangerous and the views were out of this world. We stopped a couple times, once to listen to a small babble of fresh water pouring from the rock just feet from the trail on this steep mountainside. The trail is deceptive; it starts below a peak that is much higher then the actual pass. If you approach under the premise that the trail continues to the peak you will quickly be defeated. Once you have gained an elevation equal to that of the actual pass you traverse south west for a long distance and emerge at the much welcome opening known as Vogelsang Pass to a beautiful meadow on the northwest side of the summit. It was here that we met Rick and James. We found them sitting at the summit, taking in the view. We learned that they were Cal Poly grads and spoke with them for some time before they headed off to the camp, which was on the far side of the lake in the distance. It was all down hill from this point forward and as a matter of fact for the bulk of the remaining trip.
Leaving Merced Lake. These guys are a great way to travel, you watch the sights, they watch the trail, maybe someday we'll try it.
We have already gained enough elevation to view Merced Lake in the distance.
The cross roads. Today we take the high road. Vogelsang Pass here we come.
Check the sign just to be sure.
Ann with a deer proceeding her up the switchbacks.
I can only call this a sheet falls, nearing the meadow where the real climbing starts.
Nice place for lunch, to bad we had already eaten, we crossed the two logs on the lower right.
That is where we are headed. Must go through the pass to reach the camp.
Last of the comfortable meadow hiking.
We start our ascent of Vogelsang Pass.
Ann making her way upward.
We are near the top now. Can you see the small lake in the meadow off in the distance?
A victory photo from Vogelsang Pass.
A victory photo from Vogelsang Pass.
As you crest the pass, the other side opens to a beautiful meadow.
Ann was right. Had I been right we would still be climbing.
Arriving at Vogelsang HSC
We followed the well-defined trail along the high meadow skirting Vogelsang Lake. The lake was amazingly clear and the bottom was clearly visible in many locations. The lake held a small rock island that just called for a high mountain swim. This was a swim that I may regret not taking, but I didn't want to test my shock tolerance at 10,300 feet. We entered the camp around 3 pm. It was beautiful and nestled right at the foot of 11,407 foot Fletcher Peak. There were just a few tent cabins and a stream went within 8 feet of our cabin #2. This camp, like all the camps except Merced Lake had little wood stoves in each cabin. At this elevation I checked the wood supply and Ann checked the blankets. It was a three-blanket camp, three wool blankets and a comforter on each bunk; it would be cool this evening. We immediately explored the area taking pictures until my last battery called it quits. The call for hot drinks soon came and all guests filtered in, dressed a little more warmly then they had in the past. The smell of dinner permeated the mountain air. Tonight would be a choice of ravioli stuffed with beef or mushroom. The evening was delightful as we ate well and shared our experiences of the day. Virtually all of those in camp tonight were leaving the next day. We wished our friends well and prepared for a chilly night and an early departure to Tuolumne Meadows in the morning.
The meadow trail leads to Vogelsang Lake, the camp is on the far side.
If you enlarge this photo, you should be able to see some tent cabins on the far shore.
Ann crosses her last water hazard!
The Vogelsang High Sierra Camp and the last of my camera battery!
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