Hi everyone -- first poster here.
I'm planning a two-person, one-night backpacking trip to Yosemite this weekend (4/18 - 4/19) to take advantage of the pre-reservation period and make the best out of the dry winter. I've looked at a bunch of maps and done some trip report research, but I figured local knowledge would be the most helpful in narrowing down the itinerary.
We're looking for a ~10-mile (could be more) backcountry camping trip, probably though not necessarily dispersed camping (LNT of course). Although this is the first time in Yosemite for both of us, we've done plenty of long hikes and backcountry camping. That said, we're not bringing gear for heavy snow traversal, so I'm hoping to keep the trip more or less dry. Given that this is our first visit, I'm looking to maximize the classic scenic views as much as possible.
Here are the routes I'm considering so far. I'd love everyone's input on suitability, conditions, and recommendations. Of course, if anyone has other suggestions for routes, I'd love to hear them. Distances below are from the National Parks trailhead brochure:
Yosemite Valley
- Happy Isles -> Little Yosemite Valley Campground (3.8 - 4.7 mi)
- Happy Isles -> Half Dome (7.0 - 8.2 mi)
- Happy Isles -> Clouds Rest (10.5 mi)
- Happy Isles -> Sunrise Lake (13.2 mi)
- Yosemite Falls -> Eagle Peak (6 mi)
- Yosemite Falls -> El Cap (7.9 mi)
Glacier Point
- Glacier Point -> Little Yosemite Valley (5.2 mi)
- Glacier Point -> Merced Pass (12.8 mi)
Bridalveil
- Bridalveil -> Ostrander Lake (6.2 mi)
Mono Meadow
- Mono Meadow -> Buena Vista Lake (12.6 mi)