Yosemite has its share of beautiful lakes, and often some lakes are over shadowed by neighboring attractions that keep visitors to a minimum. Boothe Lake fits that description pretty well.
Located just below the Vogelsang high camp and Fletcher peak Boothe lake might be the least celebrated location around the high camp and vogelsang pass region. However on a recent backpacking trip we discovered a blissful wilderness evening alone in yosemite that ranks Boothe lake high on our list for return trips.
Boothe lake is a smaller Mountain lake located at approximately 9845′ feet and provides for fishing, swimming, rock jumping, photography, camping etc.. To the north of Boothe lake is Fletcher and Vogelsang peaks and to the South the Rock named Choo Choo Rock (Not official, more of a hiker term) On the Westside the lake gives way to a horizon that begs to be explored as it heads down the canyon towards Emeric lake. Best to access via the Rafferty Creek trailhead out of Tuolumne meadows but can be located via any route to the Vogelsang High Sierra camp area.
Boothe lake is cold but swimmable and in the morning and evenings we saw fish jumping all around the lake. Evening Reflections of Fletcher Peak on the water can be found on every shore line and the Rocks on the north side of the lake are set for either great photo opps or if your are into rock jumping into deep cold lakes plenty of thrills to be had here.
We were shocked to be the only campers at the lake on our visit, and found multiple site up on the hill with views of the lake. (Later we did discover a random hammock camper on the far side of the lake).
Highly recommend Boothe lake in the area if you you want to camp away from the crowds at high Camp. a short .7 mile hike up to high camp in the morning lead us to the rest of the area adventures on our trip.
Other near by Lakes in this region for day trip hikes:
- Evelyn Lake
- Townsley Lake and Hanging basket Lakes
- Fletcher Lake
- Vogelsang Lake and Views From Vogelsang Pass Yosemite National Park
- Emeric Lake
- Ireland Lake
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