Run from Tuolomne Meadows to Agnew Meadow
August 2002


In August, 13 OTHTC members went to Tuolomne Meadows in Yosemite National Park for some hiking and running in the area. Eight of these intrepid adventurers answered the challenge to make the 27-mile run from Tuolomne Meadows in Yosemite to Agnew Meadow in the Mammoth Lakes area. Several of us had been thinking about this run for several years. It was really Tom Rindt's idea, but a few sparks of enthusiasm could be found elsewhere among OTHTC trailrunners.  Deciding this was the year to do it, an informal poll was taken, a planning meeting was held, and the date was set! Some of us had run a loop from Agnew Meadow to Thousand Island Lake a few times, about 16 miles. This longer version begins at Tuolomne Meadows, following the Lyell Fork of the Tuolomne River south.  Passing through beautiful high Sierra country, the trail climbs over Donohue and Island passes, then drops down to Thousand Island Lake. From here, we would be retracing part of our previous loop run, following the San Joaquin River back to Agnew Meadow. The goal of the run was not to try to set any records. We planned on enjoying the country, stopping and checking out the scenery, flora, fauna, and geology. It took us about 11 hours, and we all had a great time.

The gallery below has sampling of pictures from the run. Clicking on the thumbnails below will bring up a larger picture.
The evening before the run, we met at Kajiwara's in June Lake to scarf down some great pasta and work out the final logistics plans. 
We were all smiles at the trailhead in Tuolomne. Left to right are runners Eric& Jo Kajiwara, Mark McKinney, Elaina McMahon, Randy Klassen, Dianne & Tom Rindt, and Chris Rios. 
Carol Jones, Larry Harlan, Betty, Emily &Tom Miller. Tom had been planning to run the whole way, but a sprained ankle earlier in the week forced a change to Plan B. He elected to run the first 9 miles with us, then turn around and meet Betty and Emily for a hike back to Tuolomne. Larry and Carol had a great hike going north to Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp.
We cross the Lyell Fork of the Tuolomne River about a mile into the run. Here we catch the first views of the long open meadow heading towards Donohue Pass. 
Now we just enjoy the scenery and the runable trail. 
Jo, Chris, and Eric are really enjoying this run! 
Soon the flat part ends, and we start to gain altitude heading toward Donohue Pass. 
Time to fill up with water for the push up Donohue Pass, because .......
......the trail gets real steep, and our pace slows noticeably! 
Looking back, we can see the meadow and meandering river that we had just left. 
Eric is obviously feeling strong at this point. Tom's just enjoying the pause.
Part way up to the pass, we get a break from the steep trail.
...but then our trail starts climbing again.
Back down in the meadow, the flower season had passed, but as we gain altitude we encounter some colorful blooms, like this lupine. 
Tom and Dianne check the map to make sure we take the right trail.
Now the surroundings have become even more alpine. We met some backpackers who asked us how we could enjoy the beautiful scenery, but I think we stopped often enough that we didn't miss much. 
Nearing the top of the pass, we found a little stream with some monkey flowers growing in a sheltered nook. 
Working our way up the trail nearing the top of Donohue Pass.
Looking north toward the Lyell Fork canyon, and northern Yosemite Park.
Lunch at the top of the pass. We had a great table with fantastic views.
Dianne relaxing and taking in the panorama.
Finally downhill after the climb up Donohue Pass.
At the junction with the Rush Creek trail. Now the climb to Island Pass.
Randy and Eric pause to enjoy the scenery at Island Pass
Great view of Thousand Island Lake and Banner peak.
Last water stop below Thousand Island Lake before the final leg down the San Joaquin River canyon to Agnew Meadow.
We make our way up "Joe Killer Hill" out of the San Joaquin River canyon. We're nearing Agnew Meadow and only have a little over 1/2 mile to go from here.
After the run we had showers and a barbeque at Tom and Dianne's in Mammoth. Everybody was ready to just kick back and relax.
To finish the weekend off we went out to breakfast at the Good Life restaurant in Mammoth.