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- Vogelsang Peak
11,513 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Vogelsang Peak
Vogelsang Peak is an 11,513 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Ridge via Vogelsang Pass: 18 mi, 4,195 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Paxson Woelber, CC BY-SA 4.0
Vogelsang Peak at a glance
- Elevation11,513 ft3,509 m
- RouteSoutheast Ridge via Vogelsang PassClass 2
- Distance18 mi4,195 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Ridge via Vogelsang Pass
In Yosemite, take Tioga Road (CA 120) to Tuolumne Meadows and turn onto the lodge road to the John Muir Trail parking. Hike the JMT south into Lyell Canyon, turn onto the Rafferty Creek Trail to Tuolumne Pass and the Vogelsang High Sierra Camp, then continue toward Vogelsang Pass. Just below the pass, head west up a wide gully to the southeast ridge and follow Class 2 talus and sand to the top, with a few easy hand moves at the end. The gully holds snow into July. Many do it in a long day. Camping needs a Yosemite wilderness permit, awarded by lottery 24 weeks out.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Insects
Quests with Vogelsang Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Vogelsang Peak?
Vogelsang Peak is 11,513 feet (3,509 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Vogelsang Peak?
The Southeast Ridge via Vogelsang Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 18 miles with 4,195 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Vogelsang Peak?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Southeast Ridge via Vogelsang Pass, covering 18 miles with 4,195 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Vogelsang Peak?
The Southeast Ridge via Vogelsang Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 18 miles with 4,195 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
What time should you start hiking Vogelsang Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Vogelsang Peak?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Vogelsang Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list