gthess,
A couple of questions:
When do you plan to do this trip? Snow and high water at that elevation at this time of year might have an impact.
Are you sure you want to do 10-12 miles a day at that elevation with the ups and downs?
Do you want to have a base camp and day hike?
A suggested route that takes in a few good things:
At 10-12 miles a day you could go from TM to Merced Lake HSC, via Vogelsang HSC, for the first night. The Merced Lake HSC has a backpackers camping area.
From Merced Lake across Sunrise Creek to the trail north of Clouds Rest, up and over Clouds Rest from the north, camp at the creek at the trail junction after coming down from Clouds Rest. (second night)
In the morning knock off Half Dame, having left your gear at the campsite. Pick up your gear and follow the John Muir Trail north to the Sunrise HSC and spent night three there or you can go up the trail just to the west of the JMT to Sunrise Lakes and stay at the lakes. (third night)
Hike out past Cathedral Lakes to TM.
I would use the 4th night as a backup in case you needed and extra day for this route.
I don't know if the HSCs are open and if not open now when they will be. Bring some money as you may be able to buy diner at the HSCs.
I just checked and it appears that the HSCs will be open at the end of June except for Glen Aulin which will open on the 15th of June. By then the snow and high water should be a non-issue.
Post Edited (06-11-07 13:12)
Old Dude
