There are two routes to take from Vogelsang to Merced Lake - the Fletcher Creek Trail and the Lewis Creek Trail. Our host checking us in said the Lewis Creek trail had the “five star views” but was longer and harder. We choose the Lewis Creek option and the 500ft elevation climb to Vogelsang Pass.  What a good choice that was, the views of Vogelsang Lake and the surrounding mountain peaks - stunning.  We were at our highest elevation, 10,600ft - so high that the snow had not completely melted yet.