As now experienced high camp hikers, we set out for Merced Lake the next day. After a short climb to start the hike, the rest of the 10 mile trip was mostly downhill. Great views of large boulders, flowers and a meandering creek followed us the whole way. When we were almost out of energy, the Merced River appeared with its cascading waterfalls that you can walk right up to. The last mile and a half seemed to take forever, but soon Merced Lake appeared and the hike was almost over. The Merced Lake camp was at the other end of the lake, but the lemonade was waiting for us again.

The Merced River has incredible pools next to the camp which were great to just sit with your feet in the cool water and enjoy the mountain setting. The camp had more tents than Sunrise, and was generally a spot for most to relax a day or two or more before hiking out. Dinner was more crowded but with Steak Saturday waiting for us, it didn't change the excellent meal.

views from the trail from sunrise to merced lake

almost there! merced river before arriving at merced lake

arrival at merced lake

looking back at merced lake high sierra camp

on the trail to merced lake from sunrise