Merced Lake was the first of the High Sierra Camps at Yosemite. It was established in 1916 and is the most remote of the High Camps. Located near Merced Lake, hikers tend to stay awhile and enjoy swimming, fishing, and restful days along its shore. It is at a relatively low elevation (7,150 feet) which makes it warmer and accessible earlier and later in the season than the other High Sierra Camps.
Approximately 14 miles (23 km) of steep hiking will get you to Merced Lake from Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows. Because of this, nearly all visitors stop along the way at Vogelsang or Sunrise before continuing on to Merced Lake the next day.
Photo by Len Hardy
