Re: High Sierra Camps

Hello,
Has anyone been up to Vogelsang HSC? I am planning to take my 9 and 12 year old up there this summer and am trying to figure out if one or two nights is best. Are there any really cool hikes or secret spots within a couple hours of the camp? Or does it get kind of boring for the kids up there?
Thanks!

Welcome to the forum!
I assume you're backpacking? It's very difficult to get a reservation at the camps, but once you have your wilderness permit you can request a "meals only" plan at the camp if you're so inclined. It's a bit pricey but you don't have to take so much food or worry about preparation.
Assuming your kids like outdoor stuff, I would recommend at least two nights and probably 3. It'll take you the better part of the day to get there and set up camp unless you have chick-on speed (search this forum for chick-on).
Get a good map if you haven't already done so. I recommend Tom Harrison maps but there are others out there.
Regarding hikes, head out toward Evelyn lake and beyond to the saddle. Spend some time taking in the views.
Head up to Townsley lake, then maybe climb up to basket lake or go cross country to Evelyn
Head up to Vogelsang pass, passing Vogelsang lake, and take in the views. Climb up Vogelsang or Fletcher if you think it's safe for your kids to do so. Remember, boulders do fall down from up high so be careful.
I'm not a fisherman so I can't recommend any of the lakes but maybe some others will chime in. IMO, Vogelsang is one of the prettiest areas in the Sierra.
A quick search turned up this link: http://tedmuller.us/Outdoor/Hiking/2011/110818-VogelsangPass.htm

You could also easily add in a day hike to Emeric Lake, or Boothe Lake. From Toulumne Pass it is pretty easy to climb up the ridge and then over to Reymann Lake, too. It's a lovely area to explore

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Thanks! We actually do have a reservation for the HSC. Now I'm thinking that even two days would be fun. Is it Vogelsang Pass that is tricky/risky or Vogelsang Peak? Thanks for all of the hiking tips.

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apetel
Thanks! We actually do have a reservation for the HSC. Now I'm thinking that even two days would be fun. Is it Vogelsang Pass that is tricky/risky or Vogelsang Peak? Thanks for all of the hiking tips.

I'm not much of a climber, so to me the peak would be tricky/risky. The pass is no problem.

Oh, and make sure you acclimate before you start your hike to Vogelsang. Everybody is different but I've been in the "dining room" at Vogelsang on more than one occasion and have seen people get up and leave because they were nauseated from altitude sickness. We try to spend a couple of days in Tuolumne Meadows before going to Vogelsang. Used to be, if you had Vogelsang reservations, they would let you get reservations for a tent cabin at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge. Call and ask if you haven't already.