Hi everyone,
my girlfriend and I are coming to Yosemite soon for the first time. We requested a wilderness permit some time ago for the "Laurel Lake-Lake Vernon-Rancheria Falls"-loop departing from Hetch Hetchy on 05/18/2017. Honestly, at that time we were not fully aware of the circumstances resulting from the high precipitation of this winter and relied on some trail reports and pictures from years with a significantly lower snowpack. Therefore, as the date approaches, we would like to ask if anyone has been to the area recently or can provide any useful information on current trail conditions based on his/her general experience of the park. We are no complete novices with regard to backpacking (but have neither bin to North America nor the Sierra before) and possess decent equipment. But our main priority is a safe and enjoyable trip and not any kind of extreme challenge or near-death-experience.
So we would be very grateful for any useful information on:
1.) Snowpack: According to NPS recent wilderness condition report the snow line lies currently around 7000 ft. So I guess there will be bigger patches of snow left in shady or north-oriented places. But can I assume that the trail in general (highest point is around 6900 ft, if I am right...) will be visible and possible to follow in regular hiking boots? Is ist realistic to find snow-free camp sites around the Lakes at approx. 6500 ft?
2.) Stream crossings: That is by far our most important concern, as we are not very experienced in this aspect and do not want to put our lives at risk. If we can not cross Frog Creek and have to skip Laurel Lake, that would be ok for us. But having to turn around at Falls Creek, Tiltill Creek or even at the Wapama Falls bridge just a few miles away from the parking lot would be really bothersome.
3.) I read that parts of the trail may be under water, especially the meadows around Beehive and Tiltill valley. What exactly do I have to expect there? How deep will the water be approx. and for what kind of distances do you have to wade through it?
Thank you very much!
Jonas