The High Trail is probably my favorite trail in Yosemite. Its probably one of the least hiked trails in the south part of the park. It goes from Lewis Creek to the trail junction with the Isberg Pass trail.I've been on this trail twice, and only seen 3 people. I wish I still lived in the area, as this is one of the trails I'd most like to go back to. I'm really curious about exploring the Lyell and Hutchings Creeks to the southwest of Mt Lyell. This trail also offers great views of the Clark Range. It's also where I first found out what wild onions looked, or smelled like. I needed some water so I went down to the creek to filter some. While I was doing that I smelled the distinctive smell of onions. Now I can't miss them. My second trip to this area was on a 4th of July weekend. It snowed on me. A friend was riding the Markleeville Death Ride at the same time. They closed the course just after he finished since they were worried about hypothermia.

From the junction with Triple Creek Fork its about 6 miles to the last small lake on the east side of Red Peak Pass. I've camped there twice, and its rained or snowed on me each time, which has made for some great pictures. The last time I was there you were still able to hang food. I'd hung it from a tree on a flat spot above my camp. When I woke in the morning I looked up at the tree and nothing was there. I panicked a bit since it was about a 3 days hike to Yosemite Valley. Luckily I found my food laying on the ground benigth the tree. When hanging a food bag one ties the rope around a rock. Often the rock lands on other rocks when you toss it over a branch, putting a nick in the rope. My rope broke at one of these nicks, which is why I have plenty of rope for hanging food on a long hike, since it keeps getting shorter.

Near the top of Red Peak Pass on the North side you'll get some great views toward Mt Lyell and further south, the Minarets in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. To the south you'll get a good look at Merced Peak and its small glacier. This is the glacier where John Muir first discovered that glaciers still existed in the park. There is a noticeable change in terrain when you cross over Red Peak Pass. The peaks are lower, and its more forested.

Ostrander Lake is a popular winter destination as it has a cabin. Another popular winter ski trip is from the Badger Pass Ski area to Glacier Point. Its about 11 miles each way. I believe you can stay in the visitors center in winter.