Backpack to Boothe Lake

Starting at the Tuolomne Meadows Visitor Center you will head south to jump on the John Muir Trail, move east for 2.8 miles on the JMT until the trail intersects with the Vogelsang High Sierra trailhead, you head south when you reach this trail. Once you hit the Vogelsang trail you are 5.5 miles from Boothe Lake. Tuolomne Meadows sits at 8,600' and Boothe Lake is at about 9,800' but luckily the elevation gain is slow and steady. At about 10,000' you will see the sign leading you to Boothe Lake where you will descend for 0.3 miles and then you will take the unmarked fork to the right and walk another 0.3 miles to the lake. This is a strenuous trail so load up on snacks and water, if you need to filter some water you follow Rafferty Creek for about 4.5 miles on the Vogelsang trail.

There are several camping options around the lake, especially on the east and north sides. There is a great beach on the north side, but please follow the Leave No Trace guidelines and set up camp at least 200' from the water. Check the lake level first, but there are nice cliffs to jump off of on the west side of the lake.

If you are camping overnight you will need a Wilderness Permit. Additionally, you can make this an out-and-back trip but I recommend continuing down to the valley to make this a great thru-hike. If you opt for the thru-hike you can take Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest, check out Vernal and Nevada Falls, or try to lock in a permit for hiking Half Dome. If you hike back to Yosemite Valley you can take the shuttle bus back to your vehicle. Make sure to check on the YART's schedule first. Either way you can park your car at the Tuolumne Meadow's Visitor Center or the Dog Lake parking area.