This was probably one of the hardest backpacking trips. Maybe it was because it was my first alpine backpacking experience. I was burdened with a really heavy load, a bit out of shape, and underprepared for the length of the hike.
We left Tuolumne Meadows in the morning and we got to Lower Young Lake by around 4PM going up the western trail. It was a lot of uphill.
But once there, the views and time with the kids was amazing.
My boy caught ~50 fish between the three lakes (although the middle lake was the least productive). The other boy caught ~30. The lower lake was the most productive, espeically in the late afternoon and evening when the fish were grabbing mosquitos at the surface.
Bugs weren't too bad when we went, but others who camped at the uppermost lake said they were eaten alive and had to be in their tent at dusk. We had no issue with them during the day.
For the hike back, we took the eastern fork of the trail by Lembert Dome. But I was too exhausted to make the trek to the top of that dome. Believe it or not, the eastern leg has quite a bit of uphill. And the downhill sections have a lot of steps. So add up a heavy pack and out of shape, and you get sore knees.
But I still dream about this place and going back now that I have lighter equipment and in better shape. I'd love to go from the upper lake over and trek up to Roosevelt Lake, then back down to Tuolumne Meadows.
Don't underestimate this hike. We met a young lady who had dislocated her shoulder when she missed a step. It's 5 long miles no matter how you slice it. Bring the right gear and be ready.