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need help with HSC choice

PostPosted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 6:57 pm
by scenic
Hi, first trip to Yosemite late this Aug/early Sep. for my husband and I. This trip is to celebrate my 50th birthday. We were given two option:
1. one night each in TM, GA and ML
2. two nights in GA, and one in ML

The first option has the advantage of acclimation to altitude, but we'd only spend one night away from the road etc., from what I understand
The second option has 2 nights at GA which sounds great, but no acclimation, and we'd have to drive in from wherever we stay the night before which won't be as high up presumably.

We are about 50, in decent shape, but not used to altitude at all (we live in NJ). The falls at GA will be dry that time of year. Still worth it staying 2 nights at GA? Or better off acclimating at TM? Would love some feedback. Thanks!

Re: need help with HSC choice

PostPosted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 8:03 pm
by AlmostThere
You'd be doing it backwards if you're concerned about acclimation for GA - it's downhill from TM. In that respect it doesn't matter at all what order you do them in. You will be going from 8720 to 7340 to 9360. Not a lot of variation - a night lower than 7000 feet would be a better acclimation for folks not used to elevation.

I'd do one night each - dayhike around TM, dayhike down to see waterfalls from TM, go on to May Lake. Lots to see out there.

Re: need help with HSC choice

PostPosted: Sun Jun 26, 2011 10:38 am
by scenic
Thanks for the response, AlmostThere. I was wondering how to acclimatefor the first days hike if we weren't spending the night at TMm. But I see the towns around there are pretty high up as well and we'll have a few days before we do the TM to GA hike. But anyway we decided to spend one nigh each in the three camps as you suggested. Can't wait!