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Mt. Lyell

California > High Sierra > 03 - Lyell Group

Description

This peak is the highest point in Yosemite National Park (YNP) and there is a magnificent view from its summit, including the top section of El Capitan.

The second largest glacier in the High Sierra lies on its north side, and many climbers approach the peak from this glacier.

Getting There

Tuolumne Meadows south along the John Muir Trail via Lyell Canyon and Donahue Pass for the glacier routes (permits here), and June Lake Loop Road up Rush Creek to Marie Lakes for routes on the south side follow Inyo link on main High Sierra page.

Rush Creek Trail
This is a long approach starting at the Rush Creek Trailhead at Silver Lake, past Agnew, Gem, and Waugh Lakes to the John Muir Trail, then north to the Marie Lakes Trail. Allow 7 hours for this hike. On the way out there's some significant up and down past Gem Lake - aaarrrgghhh! Beautiful views of Banner along the JMT and up to Lower Marie Lake. Very few campsites here, but there is one above the north east corner of the lake, by some trees, on the right side, just before the end of the trail which leads down to the lake.

Routes from Left to Right

4th 1 2 I 2 M 1b Mod. Snow
 3
East Arete via South East Ridge
Snow, Alpine
3rd 1- 1 I 1 M 1a Easy Snow
 9
Lyell Glacier
Trad, Snow, Alpine
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
East Arete via South East R…
 3
4th 1 2 I 2 M 1b Mod. Snow Snow, Alpine
Lyell Glacier
 9
3rd 1- 1 I 1 M 1a Easy Snow Trad, Snow, Alpine

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

View north from Lower Marie Lake.
[Hide Photo] View north from Lower Marie Lake.
Parker, Tony and Lluis on the summit of Mount Lyell. Banner Peak on the right.
[Hide Photo] Parker, Tony and Lluis on the summit of Mount Lyell. Banner Peak on the right.
Mount Lyell
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Midst of a thunderstorm
[Hide Photo] Mount Lyell Midst of a thunderstorm
Tony above the dam at Gem Lake.
[Hide Photo] Tony above the dam at Gem Lake.
Lyell (leftmost of the three) as seen from the Marie Lakes approach.
[Hide Photo] Lyell (leftmost of the three) as seen from the Marie Lakes approach.