Approach to Mt Lyell

This photo shows the standard approach to Mt Lyell, the highest peak in Yosemite National Park. Mt Lyell is the peak right of center. The standard approach breaks off from the PCT at the tarn at 10,450' (foreground) and follows the inlet stream up to the next plateau. The route then turns right, climbs a series of benches and ultimately traverses below the summit and ascends the right-hand branch of the Lyell Glacier as shown in this photo. It's off-trail but mostly pretty easy hiking except for the terminal moraine below the glacier. Photo taken Sept 9, 2009 from the PCT above the tarn.