Lyell Canyon Trailhead

Lyell Canyon from the John Muir Trail in late summer

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Trailhead

Hike along the Tuolumne River and through lodgepole pine forest, plus enjoy expansive views of meadows, Kuna Crest, and Mount Lyell. This trailhead is part of both the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. A sign reading "John Muir Trail" with various trail distances marks the trailhead south of the Dog Lake parking area.

A short distance from the trailhead, there is a bridged crossing over the Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River, then after another short distance, the trail reaches the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. The two bridges at the Lyell Fork are known as Twin Bridges, a popular scenic destination.

This trailhead is used to reach many popular wilderness travel destinations, such as Donohue Pass, Vogelsang Pass, and many more. Permits are required for all overnight hikes. Visit a wilderness center for more information.

Twin Bridges via the John Muir Trail

Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km) round-trip
Elevation gain: mostly flat
Time estimate: 1-2 hours

Route variation: continue up the John Muir Trail along Lyell Canyon for a longer hike with gradual elevation gain. Turn around at any point and return the same way you came.

Tips & Seasonal Information

In early summer, the trail can be very muddy in places. Stay on trail and go through mud puddles rather than around them to preserve delicate plant life in this sensitive ecosystem.

This trailhead is only reachable by vehicle when Tioga Road is open, typically late May or early June to sometime in October or November.

Tioga Road closes after the first significant snowfall. Overnight parking on this road, including this trailhead, ends October 15. For current road and weather information, please call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1).