looking at rec.gov, HI-->Illilouette seems to be a high-capacity, low-demand permit which doesn't seem go through areas where it is hard to travel through (e.g. Rim burn-area or Buena Vista Range). Looking at the trailhead, a loop of Ililouette Creek, Red Peak Pass, and Triple Fork Merced seems interesting, though maybe not feasible.
1. RPP is a high place. When usually is there no snow covering the trail. Was thinking of reserving in early Aug but might go later if there's snow.
2. Trail conditions are how? Is there generally route-finding required or is the tread evident? Only experience hiking is in state/regional-parks where trails are well-defined
3. What are the main errors with the USGS Topo at this part which would need to note if want to go here?
4. I'm not familiar with dispersed camping. I'm aware we're supposed to do it on hard rock (or the impossible-to-find compacted soil) at least 100 feet from the trail, and that flat rocks seem more likely in generally flat areas, so am planning to camp somewhere in ilillouette basin, near Lower Ottaway Lake, and near the Triple Fork of the Merced. But just looking at satellite view doesn't give me much info about the structure of specific rocks, especially when there's lots of individual rocks instead of big slabs, so how to state the first-night camping location when hard to find info until after go on trail? Looking at photos, the rocks at triple-fork seem like small, steep domes. Are there any in that area that are good for camping?
5. Is my first time hiking at altitude. How to train for it?