A basic overview map of the trails
Arranged from least energy output to most, named by the
starting points and trail names of the 4 most obvious access trails. All of these hikes use a portion of the John
Muir trail. Distances are to Merced lake. If running the upper stretch starting at the
Lyell Fork confluence is desired, add about 5 miles to the hike.
The reservation system is not realistic for kayakers,
therefore only information about first come-first serve permits are mentioned
below. Permits are issued at 11am the
day before they are valid at one of the wilderness permit stations in the park. Permit priority for a particular trailhead is given to the closest permit issuing station, though a permit can be procured for any trail at any permit issuing station. Show up willing to use any of the trailheads available, and have a list of options ready. Early arrival is wise. Camping in the backpackers camp the day before a trip is an option for those with a permit.
Glacier Point: A little over 13 miles. This option allows one to camp near Moraine
Dome, where paddlers can ditch their camping gear. This means only about 8 miles of hiking are
required with a full load. The camp is
at the end of the whitewater section.
First come, first
serve permits available: 4
Tenaya/Sunrise Lakes: About 11 miles. Two uphill portions, each a mile or
less. Full gear will need to be carried
to the Lost Valley, Range of Light and down will need to be run with a loaded
boat.
First come, first
serve permits available: 6
Tuolomne/Rafferty: Just over 14 miles. Longest distance to Merced Lake on this list,
dropping into the Merced about a mile above Merced Lake, it is a good option
for boaters running the section above Merced Lake. Merced Lake is a good campsite, everything
below there must be run with a full load.
First come, first
serve permits available: 8
Happy Isles: About 11 ½ miles, be aware the first 3 miles
are brutal. Can camp at Moraine Dome.
First come, first
serve permits available: 12, these are highly sought after by hikers.
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Parking is also more regulated than the average kayaking
run. The bus system is not designed for
kayaking purposes, but can be used for shuttling people (probably not
kayaks). Check out the “Getting Around
Yosemite” section of this link for more info.
Access for kayakers is not completely dialed yet, so more
options for getting into this section may be available to crafty boaters. All trips require a hike out of 4 miles along
the John Muir Trail (the Mist trail is not recommended for kayakers with
backpacks).
