Hi Bob, I've done the "meals only" thing quite a few times and it is really enjoyable! Be sure to check the website on Feb 3rd to see what kind of availability there will be for meals. It is a popular option and may be difficult to get. I always check the list in February to see if there are any dates that I can make work! http://www.yosemitepark.com/high-sierra-camps-availabilby Jayabrams - Backpacking and Hiking Yosemite and the Sierra
Happy Birthday OD, from another board (not bored) lurker! I can't wait to see pictures from your next adventure!by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Had a wonderful trip in the Eastern Sierra. I got over to 395 via highways 88 and 89 and then down to the Mammoth Area in about 6 hours. On the way home 120 had reopened and I made the strange journey through an empty Tuolumne Meadows. I stopped a few times for pictures and even went for a small walk around Olmstead Pt. A Park Ranger came bay after about 30 minutes and cleared out all theby Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Well it's not looking good for tonight's drive. 120 is closed, and I don't have any hope for help there. I'd bet they are happy it's closed so they don't have to patrol it. 108 is closed for the season. As of right now, Highway 4 is closed at Alpine Lake due to snow. This may reopen, but I think highway 88 past Kirkwood is going to be the winner. It's going to add about an hour or moreby Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Thanks for the advice! I'll head through the park if I can. I'll be watching the storm and the changing road conditions. Now...If I happen to be passing Olmstead Point around sunset and I develop a leg cramp that requires me to stop and stretch, would that be bad?by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Oh...and I promise not to recreate and keep my eyes on the road while passing through the park.by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
I'm driving from the Bay Area over Tioga Pass on 120 on Thursday after I get off work. I'm wondering if anyone has done this since the shutdown? What's the scene at the entrance gate? Will I be stuck behind a line of irate foreigners trying to figure out what to do? I assume they are not collecting the entrance fees? Is it worth it to go through the park or should I go north and crosby Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Absolutely beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing.by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
On your way into the park on Hwy 120, about 2 miles after passing through Buck Meadows (and maybe 15 miles before the Entry Kiosk , you'll come to a turn off with a small sign for Rainbow Pools. It is a great spot to cool off on the way into or out of the park. It is a favorite swimming hole among the locals and will be quite crowded. But it sure is fun. There are some videos of the spot onby Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Three cheers for taking your kids to the back country! Anywhere outdoors is great, but taking them out into the wilderness is just plain awesome and so rewarding!by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Here's some more references and tips for you. 1) You can get a permit for any trailhead from any Yosemite permit office. Go to the one right near the entrance of the park you come in. Ask at the entry Kiosk where the closest one is. 2) The line for 11am permits begins forming at sunrise or before on busy days, but you never know. 3) Check out this site for trail info, I've found it useby Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Search through the forum here and the NPS website. You could even give them a call for some advice. Here's what I wrote to another inquiry similar to yours. From a few days ago. (Edited to relate to your trip) I hope you're familiar with the permit process. If not, get yourself to the permit office first thing as you enter the park. FCFS permits are available 1 day prior to your departureby Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Just to add to the discussion... You can get permits for any trailhead at any permit station. Increase your chances and get to the first one you come across on your way into the park. Don't wait until you get to the valley. If you come up via 395, you'll want to stop at the Tuolumne Meadows permit station. I always hit the one at the Hwy 140 entrance to the park on my way in. I'm sureby Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Hi JK, Yours is a familiar question for people who are unfamiliar with the park. However, there is sooo much to do and so many different variables it's nearly impossible to offer much accurate advice. With that being said, I highly suggest reading through the trail descriptions on this site: http://www.yosemitehikes.com/. It will help you narrow your search by what your fitness level isby Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
It sounds like you are going to have a blast no matter what, so just relax and go with the flow. I hope you're familiar with the permit process. If not, get yourself to the permit office first thing as you enter the park. FCFS permits are available 1 day prior to your departure date at 10am at any permit office within the park. That being said, I don't like your chances of getting the Happyby Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
I've never stayed at WW, but I've had a couple of good nights at the TM backpackers CG. I would imagine that for a quick nights rest either would be OK but, I'm going to state the obvious here...The TM campground is walking distance to your shuttle stop. The other one is a 45 minute drive away! That would make up my mind...by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
I second the vote for Hot Creek, my kids loved that! Great swimming hole!by Jayabrams - General Discussion
So much to do...so little time. There is alot of GREAT advice here from some very experienced locals. You won't go wrong following any of these suggestions. But ultimately, it's on you. Here's my 2 cents worth. Looking at your itinerary, fitness level, and mountain experience, I would suggest a combo of whats been suggested above. IMHO all first time visitors MUST visit the valley and doby Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Thanks Steve! Living vicariously through others' adventures is what makes this site so wonderful! Everything's so greeeeen!by Jayabrams - General Discussion
Who needs that Walenda guy anyway!by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
I was just up in Tuolumne Meadows over the weekend and the weather was beautiful. This latest storm should pass through and next week should be nice. The mosquitos are out and active, but not as bad as I've seen in years past. Nothing to get too worked up about. I saturated my clothing with Permethrin about 4 days prior and hung them out to dry. I was not bothered and have only one obviousby Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
I love a happy ending!by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
No worries, Shaun. We've all read your helpful posts. My TROLL radar is going off too!by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Thanks from me too! I just booked the weekend of the 21st! Just when I thought I wasn't going to get to Yosemite this year. Serendipity is a beautiful thing! Now I get to figure out where I want to go. Yay!by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
I've done this trip with my little ones and some boy scouts in the past. The hike between Glen Aulin and May Lakes is nothing terribly spectacular (compared to other places in the park) but it is still a beautiful walk. Either way you choose to do your hike would be fine and your young hiker can handle it. I am always surprised at what my kids can handle. They're tougher than we think. I hby Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
My back country trips are usually 2-3 nighters that include kids. That being said, my pack weights have slowly been going down as my kids get bigger and can carry their own gear. My 14 year old son is now 6' tall, 145 lbs, and can carry like a mule. God I love that kid! Anyway, this last weekend we spent two nights, 3 days hiking (and playing in the ocean) along the Pt Reyes shoreline starby Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Those are the first two places I brought my kids when they started joining me on my trips to the Sierras. They are the perfect introductory backpacking trips. Thanks for the pictures!by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
You nailed it. The conditions look perfect. It looks like the river put on quite a show! Thanks for coming back to share!by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
You got me all excited. I was getting my resume ready! Hmmm...I wanna be the the bartender at the Curry deck for a couple afternoons per week!by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion
Glen Aulin is a backpackers campground with established bear boxes. If you are only camping there you will not need the canisters. Check with the Rangers!by Jayabrams - Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada. News & Discussion