Goal: Get beyond my first night’s camp from last year.

A sunrise over the mountains to the east of Lee Vining greeted me as I ate my microwaved breakfast and had some donuts before driving to Tuolumne Meadows. I had some additional donuts that I packed into my backpack for a day 1 treat.

I drove the to Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center and found an open spot near the end of the parking lot and buttoned up my Jeep for a long term stay. I made sure to take a picture of my Jeep and myself so I could see how much dirtier we were at the end of the trek.

I stepped onto the PCT where it passed by the Wilderness Center and headed north. Crossing over Tioga Road I hiked through the meadows that gave this area it’s name and took the time to take in the mountains and domes surrounding me.

The terrain eventually changed from a meadow to a rocky canyon that the Tuolumne River had carved down to Glen Aulin. As I neared the intersection with the Cold Canyon Trail, I passed Tuolumne Falls and then took a lunch break near White Cascade. There was a birds nest behind the water and I could see a mother bird flying in and out to feed her chicks.

I took a moment to appreciate the power of the river pouring down towards the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. What has a gentle stream in the Meadows, was a roaring river pushing through the narrow canyon walls.

I headed north into Cold Canyon, noting how early I reached my campsite from last year. I wanted to make sure to get further than that this year, if only to encourage me to continue the trip as a whole. This start to the day was much easier than last year’s start from the Murray Creek Trailhead.

There were two spots along Cold Canyon that I had identified as possible campsites that should have good access to water, were close to the trail, and have great views. I reached the first area and did some exploring and found a great rock outcropping that had a great view of the Canyon and the area down around Glen Aulin. Similar to last year’s view, but higher up.

As I setup my tent, I realized the spot I had pinpointed during my planning for this trek was actually a small dome a little to my south. Wasn’t quite sure how I’d have gotten to to top of it, but it was alright since the outcropping I was on had a great panoramic view.

After dinner, I enjoyed the colors of the sunset splashing against all the ridges, domes, and mountains within my view. Not too soon after, I slipped into my sleeping bag and got my first night’s sleep on the trail.

Goal achieved!!

7.5 miles
6.75 hours on trail