In case anyone would like to snatch it up, I just cancelled a reservation for Friday, September 1st. Room for 4 people.by waninggibbous - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
We are back from an amazing trip from TM to HI. 7/18-21. We ended up revising our original route due to one of us wanting to take things a little slower. So we basically stayed on the JMT all the way down except for the Mist Trail. Skipped Sunrise Lakes and Clouds Rest. (next time). The trail was mostly snow-free with a few patches and hills to go around. Route finding was mostly idiot proof wiby waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Hi Creakyknees, I just saw this review on AllTrails from a guy that was just there. He even has a picture of himself IN the partially frozen lake! I'm feeling better about things after seeing this. Jose Banales hiking17 hours ago Awesome trail with trees, creeks and extraordinary view of the cathedral peak and the granite rocks than surround the lakes. On the way up we encountered the trailby waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
From what I've heard from other forums (JMT Yahoo, Facebook JMT, etc.) and speaking with a ranger yesterday, there is still plenty of snow in the forested areas and navigation is super important. He said definitely be up to speed on map and compass skills, but GPS is a huge help. Being extra cautious, I have downloaded 3 separate apps and made my husband download one in case my phone goes wackyby waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Thanks for the advice! We arrive in 7 days and I'm both excited and nervous with all the reports of difficult conditions especially through Cathedral Pass. Hoping things improve in a week. I will post a TR when we return.by waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
I would imagine this is very much a personal preference topic, but I'd like to know your opinions on waterproof or neoprene socks for snow travel. I don't have WP boots, and I don't think I will purchase them because the majority of my hiking is in the desert and canyons where I don't mind getting my feet wet in a creek crossing because they dry out so quickly. However, I am seeing the reportsby waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
You are the 2nd person to report that, so I am hopeful. We arrive on the 17th! I just spoke to a ranger who didn't have any predictions on when the TM campground would open.by waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
We will be the YARTS, no car people since it doesn't look like the hiker's bus will be running. Since there is only an evening bus, I really hope the rangers see what good, LNT practicing folks we are, and allow us to pitch our tents for the night...otherwise, any suggestions on what to do that night before we hit the trail? I am picturing us standing in front of a gate with a sign posted NO CAMby waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Where did you hear that the hiker's bus would be running on the 17th? The person I spoke with said they won't run the bus until TM facilities open up and it won't be anytime soon.by waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Excellent!!!by waninggibbous - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Lol! Patience is not my forte.by waninggibbous - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Hikerchick - isn't the issue more about the water/power/communications lines being operational? I have no clue what the repairs entail but I'm holding my breath for access to Tuolumne Meadows by my permit date of 7/18 - just 3 weeks from today...by waninggibbous - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Thank you so much for the info! I like the idea of a quiet campground, so I really hope YARTS is running and we can get there. I would imagine since there is only one bus per day, it fills up quickly, especially if there is no hikers shuttle. I'm going to give them a call and try to make reservations or at least get a feel for whether or not they will be running.by waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
I just glanced over the trail head report and saw that there were quite a few with 7/18 open - some where off of Tioga though. If we can't do our original route, I am open to any other suggestions. But you give me hope that the road may be open. The hiker's shuttle would be an issue for us also since we planned to park in the Valley. Don't know if YARTS will be running, but they only have oneby waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Just saw this and not feeling so optimistic now about my July 18 permit reservation out of Tuolumne Meadows. https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/tioga-road-in-yosemite-national-park-remains-closed.htm Anyone have any suggestions for other less popular but scenic trails not off of Tioga Rd that I may be able to obtain reservations for (4 people)? I was surprised to see several trails that haby waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
That's what I do. I find my down puffy jacket fits perfectly inside the GooseFeet case and smooths out any lumps or zippers. I am definitely the "princess and the pea", and I sleep well with this method.by waninggibbous - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Check out Goosefeet Gear. www.goosefeetgear.com He custom makes your pillow with the amount of down stuffing you desire and you can choose a version with a pocket for stuffing in a puffy or fleece, or a blow up pillow if you choose. The outer down layer smooths over whatever you stuff it with and adds the perfect amount of cushion. It weighs just a few ounces depending on the size and amount oby waninggibbous - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Yeah, my back-up would be to stay at the BP Campground in the Valley when we arrive and shuttle up to Tuolumne in the morning. Was hoping to get some acclimating in, but if not we will just have to hope for the best.by waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
I'm stealing this for my trip too! Thanks again Chick-On.by waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Thank you! I checked out that Thermacell device but learned from reviews that it doesn't work above 7K. Seems like it works well otherwise, so if you know differently let me know because I would be willing to try it. Yeah, Echo Valley looks beautiful, but I am worried it may be a swamp now that things are heating up. I guess pretty much all the trails will be wet and muddy, if not flooded. My pby waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Thanks for the advice on the Mist Trail. I'm all for saving knees!by waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Thanks for the bug advice! I just bought a repellent-treated long-sleeved hoodie that covers my hands and plan to wear zip-off pants. I've heard they are attracted to darker colors too. This is all coming together very nicely. Just crossing fingers for Tioga Road and the TM backpackers campground to be open in time. Thanks for all the great tips and advice!!by waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
I looked all over the map to find "Dolly Domes" with no success. Then I read some old strings and finally get it! Now looking at the topo map, your Dolly Domes are quite obvious. I would guess your soggy pictures would apply this year as well. Do you think that will lead to mosquito hell any more than if we take the JMT or Sunrise options? I really don't have much experience with mosqby waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
OK, yeah I think I will go with 2 BV 450s. Either that or get the XL and make my 16 year old son carry it!by waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
OK, that helps. I was looking at the BV450 option as well...getting 2. I found a local place that rents them pretty cheap. Thanks!by waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Thanks for the photos! You seem to have a picture of every spot in every situation. Must have an incredible filing system! This has been really helpful. I probably just need to chill a little and be ready to be flexible given all the unknowns. Quick gear question....we have four in our group and will be out 3 nights. What's the best bear can strategy? 2 small or 1 large? I tried the larger Beaby waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Yeah, the burnt forest doesn't really appeal. OK, so I will keep an eye on the Cloud's Rest situation, but I'm intrigued by Chick-on's alternate route down Echo and Merced. Looking at the map, this is what I might do. 1st night at Cathedral Lakes, cross over to Echo Creek trail and find a campsite around halfway down to the Merced Lake junction (looks like about a 6.5 mile day?) Are there decentby waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Thank you both! I had pretty much written off Cloud's Rest, but now I'm hopeful. The pictures I've seen from the top are unbelievable. I like the Forsythe trail suggestion as I was wondering how much more difficult and maybe dangerous hiking up CL with a heavy pack would be. So given we have 3 nights how would you suggest we break up the hike (where to camp each night) so that it's manageableby waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Like many others I'm sure, I've been eagerly watching the road and snow reports in hopes that our planned trip out of Tuolumne Meadows on July 18th will become a reality. I saw the latest news that CalTrans and Yosemite have met from both ends of Tioga Rd at the gate, so I'm feeling more confident at the moment that everything will be clear and safe in 5 and a half weeks. Tell me if this is jusby waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
That sounds like a good option as well. Crossing my fingers for Tioga Road to be open! If not I have a backup reservation for a loop hike around 1000 Island Lake/Ediza Lake. That looks amazing too, so I'm happy either way!by waninggibbous - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra