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[DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE REPORT]

Day 4:  (7700′ Elev)

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Topographic Route Maps: CLICK “My Topo” in top right corner of map

E then SE away from the river in Glen Aulin Valley

Start Map: http://www.mytopo.com/maps.cfm?mtlat=37.9120&mtlon=-119.4304&z=15

Turn S-by-SE at Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp.

Junction map: http://www.mytopo.com/maps.cfm?mtlat=37.9033&mtlon=-119.4087&z=15

Trail turns into the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail as we neared Tuolumne Meadows. Watch signs more carefully as there are many side trails.

Junction map: http://www.mytopo.com/maps.cfm?mtlat=37.8934&mtlon=-119.3933&z=15

End at Soda Springs in Tuolomne Meadows. (8420′ Elev)

End map: http://www.mytopo.com/maps.cfm?mtlat=37.8764&mtlon=-119.3592&z=15

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NOTES: Overall this day was our easiest (at least for me). Each person in our group had figured out his or her best pace. Our loads were at their lightest. Our bodies had recovered from the pounding of Day 1 and Day 2. The early arrival at Day 3 camp helped all of us rest and recover.

Our total 1-day mileage ~9.5 miles. Total trip miles ~35 miles. We also knew that overall elevation gain was only 700-800′ over 9 miles which seemed to buoy our energies.

The entire day was easier and gave us more opportunity to see the views. The other days, in contrast, felt more like heads-down and bore ahead. There were so many memorable views this day. Ones where we saw the grandeur of Tuolumne Falls or the rich green grasses in front of Redwoods framing the snow-capped mountains in the distance and many more.

The sun beat down on us much more than it had on the other days since we had trekked to a high enough elevation to be in the open more often and for longer periods. I would recommend anyone traveling this route to wear head cover and carry plenty of water and sunscreen.

I felt strong enough to do another day (even though my feet were yelling at me for the severe pounding). It was a day to relish in the beauties of Yosemite’s natural wonders.

(photos by Rae Douglass)

Highlights –>

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