Y Meadow Lake Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5.5-8h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
20.9 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
725 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Why hike the Y Meadow Lake Trail? Well, the Y Meadow Lake Trail is an incredible adventure through the Stanislaus National Forest that boasts the ideal ratio between scenery and strenuity. Explore diverse topographies and revel in the area’s natural beauty.

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Route Description for Y Meadow Lake Trail

This hike can either be completed as a challenging day hike or an epic backpacking expedition. Boasting breathtaking scenery, the Y Meadow Lake Trail is not for the faint of heart. Traveling deep into the wilderness along an exposed, undulating path demands some stamina and preparation. Make sure you pack SPF and wear a sunhat. Additionally, this area can be extremely buggy, so bring a bottle of bug spray—better to be safe than sorry! Lastly, as this route travels at high altitudes, we encourage you to check the forecast to mitigate getting caught in extreme conditions!

Setting out from the Gianelli Trailhead, the Y Meadow Lake Trail follows the Gianelli Trail northeast up to the summit of Burst Rock. Marvel in the panoramic views of the granite paradise, then continue trekking east. This path will weave you between sporadic tree shade and exposed meadow up to a saddle which again offers wonderful views. At the next intersection, you will keep left onto the Burst Rock Trail, which will lead you up to the top of another rocky mountain. Shortly after, you will confront a junction, veer right, and you will be diverted onto the Y Meadow Lake Trail.

Follow this path south down to Y Meadow Lake. Revel in the scene of the shimmering alpine lake and the looming granite bluff. Rejuvenate your tired feet in the chilly alpine waters, and when you are ready, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.

Getting to the Y Meadow Lake Trail Trailhead

This hike departs from the Gianelli Trailhead off Forest Route 4N47.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Backcountry Camping, wilderness permit required.

  • When to do

    June-October

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Low

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Y Meadow Lake Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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Y Meadow Lake Trail Reviews

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