Hello all - longtime lurker, new member. I've learned a lot about conditions, trails and park events from this forum and I am very grateful for all of your advice and solutions.
I ask your advice on best camping destinations and snow conditions as an experienced backpacker with moderate cross-country skills.
Day 1 - June 15
Leave Los Angeles, arrive Tuolumne Ranger Station before 11am. Begin Lyell Canyon Trailhead. Hike to unamed lake east of Evelyn and north of Ireland Lake or if feeling strong and well acclimated to altitude continue over Tuolumne Pass to Fletcher Lake.
Day 2 - June 16
Follow Fletcher Creek to Washburn Lake.
Day 3 - June 17
Head Southeast from Washburn and here is where I am looking for advice. My original route was to continue over towards the Red Peak Pass and camp at Red Devil Lake before heading through to Ottoway the next day. However, even though its a a light snow year, its still pretty early in the season for RPP and I'd rather avoid the north facing snow covered ascent if possible. So having never been to any of these areas before my question is two fold. 1) Is it fair to assume that Post Peak Pass will have less snow than RPP during these dates this year (~June 18-19)? And 2) Is it still worth it to head over to Red Devil Lake and camp there on Night 3 only to backtrack towards the Post Peak Pass? I've heard its beautiful in this area.
Day 4 - June 18
Head over Post Peak Pass - looking for advice on which on the many lakes in this area to check out before Fernandez Pass? Something with little snow coverage and possibly some fish to keep me busy?
Day 5 - June 19
Head west over Fernandez Pass towards Merced pass and down Illiouette creek. Does anyone know of a particularly good spot to camp along this route? I'm sure I'll find plenty depending on stamina.
Day 6 - June 20
Hike West on the Panorama Trail to Glacier Point and down the 4 mile trail or Vernal Falls. Stay at backpacker's camp and share conditions.
Day 7 - June 21
Catch 8AM shuttle back to Tuolumne and car, drive south home to LA.
What do you guys who have been out there think? Not scared of snow, but certainly not trying to seek it out either. I recognize its still very early in the season in a sporadic yet light snow year. Open to any suggestions especially for Night 3 and Day 4 onward. Perhaps I can work in a larger loop than just straight from PPP to Fernandez? Or maybe thats all I will want to do based on elevation changes? Any particularly bad water crossings anyone can think of? - Extra caution for Triple Peak based on what I've heard and possibly Illiouette as well?
Good to have options and I'd love to hear personal anecdotes from your experiences about your favorites places. Pictures tell a thousand words.
And I promise to take and post well labeled pictures of all trail conditions encountered for those of you interested heading into similar territory after I return.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/10/2013 02:17AM by Backpackin-Life.