Hi all, I'm a long-time lurker here. Getting ready to leave in a week for a long-planned set of loops into the north and south of Yosemite. I'll be solo. I'm familiar with backpacking in the Sierra, but this route is all new territory for me, so I'd welcome and appreciate any thoughts you have.
Here's an overview of my route and maps:
North Loop (https://caltopo.com/m/6RP1)
departing July 20
Glen Aulin TH --> Cold Canyon --> Matterhorn Canyon --> Peeler Lake --> Kerrick Meadow --> Benson Lk --> Rodgers Lk --> Pate Valley --> GCTR -- Glen Aulin
South Loop (https://caltopo.com/m/JCEG)
departing July 29
Mono Meadows --> Ottoway Lks --> Red Peak Pass --> Red Devil Lk --> High Trail --> Lyell Fork (xc) --> Lewis Canyon --> Merced River --> Little YOSE Valley -- Mono Meadows
Questions:
Since I'll be carrying 8 days of food I'm not sure now far I want to push on day 1. Any advice on camping in Cold Canyon if I don't push through to McCabe Creek?
Can I expect to find water at the south end of Rodgers Meadow in late July?
Any other general opinions for me?
Thanks for any and all comments!