Hi folks!
I'm sure experienced JMT and Yosemite backpackers on this forum have seen a question like mine many times before. I'm new here. Have hiked a lot in the Sierras over the last 2 decades, but only some in Yosemite, since I tend to prefer avoiding crowds.
I'm planning to hike the JMT this summer, and was intending to start on the Four-Mile day hike trail, head up to Glacier Point, then spend the first night in Little Yosemite Valley. I miss-calculated the date to call in for a permit, and ended up being a few days late. No surprise, the permits are already taken for my intended date.
I'd still really like to do this start, having never had views from Glacier Pt or Panorama Pt. But now I'm looking for an alternate trailhead start that will essentially still allow me to end up here a day or two later so I can still do this section before continuing onto Tuolomne and all points further south.
I'm looking at Porcupine Ck, Yosemite Ck, Olmstead Pt, Tamarack Flat at the moment. Time constraints allow me to add a max of 2 days to my current itinerary.
Another option (not desirable) is to eliminate the Valley section, and begin somewhere in the vicinity of Tuolomne.
Urgently seeking recommendations. I probably better get SOMETHING permitted ASAP! Thanks a bunch!