For July 4th week we have permits to enter at Wawona. The original plan:
Wawona -> Chlnualna Falls -> Grouse Lk -> Buck Camp -> Merced Pass -> Illilouette Cr -> Mono Meadows -> Wawona
I've not seen any recent TRs for that area (specifically Merced Pass, which I think will be the biggest problem). Realizing it's a very dynamic situation and predictions are difficult - is this even remotely possible (w/out crampons/Katoolahs/etc)?
Alternative #1 (built-in long ago when the snow pack was pretty certain to be big this year):
Wawona -> Chilnualna Falls -> Ostrander/Horse Ridge/Hart Lks -> Illilouette Cr (wander about - haven't seen much of that valley/canyon yet) -> Mt Starr King -> Mono Meadows -> Wawona
And we can adjust along the way depending on what we find in real life. Is this likely to be doable? The reason I ask is that if this entire area of the park is too challenging (snow cover) then we do have a 3rd backup plan at (somewhat) lower elevations in the Hetch Hetchy area:
Smith Meadow/Peak -> Harden Lk -> Pate Valley -> Pleasant Valley (getting higher here...) -> Rancheria Falls -> Wapama Bridge (if open) -> HH
and for another in-flight option:
Smith Mdw/Pk -> Harden Lk -> MF Tuolumne -> Aspen Valley -> Bald Mtn -> HH
Other than passing through Pate Valley (and out at White Wolf) on a GCT trip years ago, and a day hike to Aspen Valley, and the well-trodden O'Shnsy Dam->Rancheria Falls stretch, most of this would be new for us. The high route (passing through Pleasant Valley) seems almost certain to be spectacular (but... high, and snowy...); the lower route along MF Tuolumne looks like it could be nice -- or not so much.
Suggestions? Thanks.