The last big effort of the 2021 season. Seems like May is already a distant memory now that the crowds, heat and bugs have arrived in the high country. On my long but scenic approach via Rush Creek / Spookey Canyon I lost count of the huge numbers of PCT thru hikers - some doing sections, others going for the full enchilada. One thing I did not see this entire season is another climber. Kind of odd. Anyway, the std route on Lyell is a real classic. As usual it seems at odds with the Secor description of the route rated at class 2-3. While the summit ridge is indeed class two, the fine solid rock found on the face just left of the upper col is not class 3. If it is, it's 3+ no fall climbing. Steep, solid and gifted with holds in all the right places. Most likely there are other ways to go, but the intuitive way was even marked by several small cairns. Down-climbing the route is definitely the crux. The view from the top is not to be missed.
View Trip Map for loop details and campsite locations
FINALLY A FULL VIEW OF THE NORTHWEST SIDE OF MT LYELL
AT THE LOW COL BETWEEN LYELL AND MACLURE
A GOOD VIEW OF THE NATURE OF THE ROUTE ON THE NW RIDGE OF MT LYELL
THE NW RIDGE OF MT LYELL FROM THE DIVIDE
THE LONG SW RIDGE O MACLURE, YOSEMITE NP
LOOKING INTO HUTCHINGS BASIN AND THE DISTANT CLARK RANGE, YOSEMITE NP
ANOTHER VIEW OF MACLURE FROM NEAR THE BASE OF THE NW RIDGE ON LYELL
ANOTHER VIEW OF MACLURE FROM THE BASE OF THE NW RIDGE ON LYELL
ALPINE SELFIE FROM THE BASE OF THE NW RIDGE ON LYELL, YOSEMITE NP
ANOTHER ALPINE SELFIE FROM THE BASE OF THE NW RIDGE ON LYELL, YOSEMITE NP
LOOKING UP THE START OF THE DIFFICULTIES ON THE NW RIDGE OF MT LYELL, YOSEMITE NP
LOOKING DOWN THE LYELL GLACIER FROM THE START OF THE NW RIDGE OF MT LYELL
ANOTHER VIEW LOOKING DOWN THE LYELL GLACIER FROM THE START OF THE NW RIDGE OF MT LYELL
PLENTY OF REST SPOTS TO GRAB A QUICK PIC OF THE ROUTE
THE REALLY SWEET CLIMBING ON THIS ROUTE ENDS TOO SOON. HERE THE TERRAIN CHANGES AND THE REMAINDER IS A SHORT WALK IN THE SKY
ABOVE THE FINAL SLABS, THE ANGLE KICKS BACK AND A SHORT SCRAMBLE LEADS TO THE SUMMIT RIDGE
LOOKING DOWN INTO HUTCHINGS BASIN FROM THE NW RIDGE OF LYELL
NOTHING BUT A SHORT BOULDERFIELD REMAINS BEFORE REACHING THE SUMMIT OF MT LYELL AT 13,114 FT, YOSEMITE
FLORENCE AND MACLURE FROM NEAR THE TOP OF MT LYELL, YOSEMITE NP
MY WELL TRAVELLED KAYLAND BOOTS AT THE TOP OF MT LYELL, 13114 FT, YOSEMITE NP
DAVIS, BANNER, RITTER AND ROGERS PEAKS FROM THE TOP OF MT LYELL, YOSEMITE NP
ANOTHER VIEW OF THE UPPER BASIN OF THE LYELL FORK OF THE MERCED RIVER FROM THE TOP OF MT LYELL
MACLURE FROM THE TOP OF MT LYELL, YOSEMITE NP
LOOKING DOWN ABOUT 2600 FT TO THE SMALL LAKE AND SNOWFIELD WHERE MY CAMPSITE IS - YOSEMITE NP
LOOKING DOWN THE STEEP SECTION OF THE NW RIDGE ON THE DESCENT.
ANOTHER VIEW LOOKING DOWN THE STEEP SECTION OF THE NW RIDGE ON THE DESCENT.
OFF THE SNOW AND MAKING MY WAY BACK TO CAMP NOT FAR FROM THE JMT IN YOSEMITE NP
SLIGHTLY NICER CONDITIONS ON THE RETURN VISIT, ANSEL ADAMS WILDERNESS
EVENING VIEW OF MT DAVIS, ANSEL ADAMS WILDERNESS
EVENING VIEW OF BANNER, RITTER AND DAVIS PEAKS, ANSEL ADAMS WILDERNESS
SUNRISE DAY 5, ANSEL ADAMS WILDERNESS
JETBOIL IS THE ONE AND ONLY STOVE
A MORNING WITHOUT WIND, JOHN MUIR TRAIL, ANSEL ADAMS WILDERNESS
ROCK ART ALONG THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL, ANSEL ADAMS WILDERNESS
THE ANCIENT WAUGH LAKE DAM AND ITS MOSTLY EMPTY RESERVOIR, RUSH CREEK