I am a newer hiker who is kind of rebooting his love for outdoor with a few hikes in Yosemite under my belt. Mostly solo like Panorama Trail, Mist Trail, Pohono Trail up to Inspiration Point, Taft Point and Sentinel Dome.. I would like to take a trip in Yosemite's Tuolomne Meadows region to see the beautiful high country that I have seen in pictures and read about here.
I am visiting Yosemite in the weekend of Jun 25-26 and looking to hike up to the Glen Aulin high sierra camp. I am planning for a day hike only and not looking for camping as I was neither able to secure a reservation in high sierra camp nor I find myself ready for solo camping yet. As per NPS website Glen Aulin high sierra camp is approx 6 miles one -way from Tuolomne Meadows visitor center and looking at my past experience, I should be able to out and back in 10 hours.
I also found about an alternative route - entering at Murphy Creek and exiting at Tuolomne Meadows - which is a mile longer than the one from Tuolomne Meadows. Of course, this will need parking at Toulomne Meadows and taking shuttle bus to the trail head.
I would appreciate any thoughts on feasibility of this as a solo day hike, which of the route is more scenic and other suggestions. It seems easy to me, but I don't know what I don't know. Also is there any chance of encountering wildlife (bears or mountain lions) on this trail.Again how much is the probability of encountering wildlife on this route.
Thanks,
Akash