Mount Lyell (California)

The Tallest Mountain in Yosemite

Mount Lyell is the highest point in Yosemite National Park. It stands very tall, reaching up to 13,114 feet above the ground! It is found at the southeast end of the Cathedral Range, close to Rodgers Peak.

Named for a Famous Scientist

This mountain, and the nearby Lyell Canyon, were named for Charles Lyell, a well-known scientist who studied rocks and earth a long time ago.

Cold and Snowy

Mount Lyell has special weather because it is so tall. It is often very cold there, and snow falls many times during the year. Long ago, there was even a small glacier called the Lyell Glacier, but now it is more like a permanent ice field. The mountain helps shape the land around it, separating the Tuolumne River to the north and the Merced River to the west.

A Challenge for Hikers

Many people like to hike to the top of Mount Lyell. The most common path starts at Tuolumne Meadows and follows the John Muir Trail. It is a long walk of about 25 miles and gets a little harder near Donohue Pass. Hikers choose different routes depending on the season and conditions.