Re: First time to Yosemite, help with itinerary
Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 4:47 pm
Okay, sorry for the delay in responding, but here we go.
I have to start out by letting you know that on people's first visits to Yosemite we all generally lean towards recommending more of a day hiking, touristy trip. There is a lot to see and do, and your preferred itinerary does include a strong desire to see a lot of sights that fit into this nicely. You wouldn't be disappointed with it, and realistically, it'll maximize your experience by covering much more territory than you otherwise would with a backpack on, in the time you have...it takes years to fully explore the park. Beyond the Valley itself, which is best seen by using the shuttle system, there's always Glacier Point/Sentinel Dome and places Like Tuolumne Meadows, both of which you pretty much have to drive to just for the sake of time and convenience. You'll get to the park and see what I mean, and then you can decide from there what you think best. This kind of trip covers everything you wanted to see and do, besides Half Dome and Cloud's Rest, although, there's no shortage of people that day hike to both from the Valley floor. With anything and everything, always keep in mind that it's going to be very hot, it'll be very crowded, unforeseen delays will be inevitable, traffic usually horrible, and you need to use your time wisely and productively with all these things considered. Hurrying up is not always an option, and it's not how it usually goes, or what's going to give you the best time.
That said, let's begin:
You'll fly in Sunday afternoon. Realistically, figure on about 5-6 hours to go from SFO to your hotel in El Portal. That's going to put you into the park around maybe 8-9pm by the time you go through all the motions. Get your gear together and sorted that night, because Monday is going to be a hard and busy day. You will not be getting your wilderness permits on Sunday, period, so you'll have to do it no earlier than 8am (when the office opens), and this is done at the Valley Visitor's Center in the Village; park the car, grab your stuff, then catch the shuttle from where you park to there, then back to the Happy Isles trailhead. While you're down in the Village, the Village Store should have all the last minute things you might need or want, including the fuel canisters you couldn't bring on the plane. Do not forget mosquito repellent! Unfortunately, if it's a hot day, you're already getting a late start for the hike up to Sunrise/Half Dome, so hit the floor running and keep going. You ideally started this hike at 5-6 am, but.....
You're now on the trail:
Pretty basic stuff here. Just start walking, stay hydrated, you just keep on climbing until you get to camp 3,000 feet higher than where you start. Take the JMT, not the Mist Trail. This'll be both easier and faster for lots of reasons. With water sources along the route being scarce-none, given the heat, I would recommend that each of you carry at least 2-3 liters of water apiece. Your next water is the top of Nevada Falls, about a mile short of LYV, and 3 miles short of camp at Sunrise Creek. Don't take any of this lightly. It won't be easiest or best part of your trip. You just have to make do and get it done for the prize.
After you pass through LYV, in about 1.9 miles you'll come to the spur trail up to Half Dome, and just up-trail on the JMT is going to be where you start looking for campsites. Sunrise Creek is just about 200 yards past here, as is the CR junction, and if you spend the time to explore a bit you should find yourselves a nice place. And in this area in particular, also keep in mind that there are lots of bears that are very, very good at what they do. They are aggressive in trying to obtain food, so don't let it be yours that they get. Take this seriously.
Do your camping thing and get some rest. Going up to HD is hot and dry. The lower dome, saddle, final ascent up the cables, and the dome itself are all exposed granite, so it might be searing, and you might have to wait if you get too late a start and there's a line, both up and back down. That wait can last hours sometimes, especially if someone is freaking out or having an emergency. Definitely bring a couple pairs of leather gloves for the cables. All this said, I would bring a minimum of 3-4 liters of water apiece (there's none above or on the way back down), and if possible, begin your hike in the morning by headlamp; you'll beat some of the heat and most of the crowds.
To be cont'd
I have to start out by letting you know that on people's first visits to Yosemite we all generally lean towards recommending more of a day hiking, touristy trip. There is a lot to see and do, and your preferred itinerary does include a strong desire to see a lot of sights that fit into this nicely. You wouldn't be disappointed with it, and realistically, it'll maximize your experience by covering much more territory than you otherwise would with a backpack on, in the time you have...it takes years to fully explore the park. Beyond the Valley itself, which is best seen by using the shuttle system, there's always Glacier Point/Sentinel Dome and places Like Tuolumne Meadows, both of which you pretty much have to drive to just for the sake of time and convenience. You'll get to the park and see what I mean, and then you can decide from there what you think best. This kind of trip covers everything you wanted to see and do, besides Half Dome and Cloud's Rest, although, there's no shortage of people that day hike to both from the Valley floor. With anything and everything, always keep in mind that it's going to be very hot, it'll be very crowded, unforeseen delays will be inevitable, traffic usually horrible, and you need to use your time wisely and productively with all these things considered. Hurrying up is not always an option, and it's not how it usually goes, or what's going to give you the best time.
That said, let's begin:
You'll fly in Sunday afternoon. Realistically, figure on about 5-6 hours to go from SFO to your hotel in El Portal. That's going to put you into the park around maybe 8-9pm by the time you go through all the motions. Get your gear together and sorted that night, because Monday is going to be a hard and busy day. You will not be getting your wilderness permits on Sunday, period, so you'll have to do it no earlier than 8am (when the office opens), and this is done at the Valley Visitor's Center in the Village; park the car, grab your stuff, then catch the shuttle from where you park to there, then back to the Happy Isles trailhead. While you're down in the Village, the Village Store should have all the last minute things you might need or want, including the fuel canisters you couldn't bring on the plane. Do not forget mosquito repellent! Unfortunately, if it's a hot day, you're already getting a late start for the hike up to Sunrise/Half Dome, so hit the floor running and keep going. You ideally started this hike at 5-6 am, but.....
You're now on the trail:
Pretty basic stuff here. Just start walking, stay hydrated, you just keep on climbing until you get to camp 3,000 feet higher than where you start. Take the JMT, not the Mist Trail. This'll be both easier and faster for lots of reasons. With water sources along the route being scarce-none, given the heat, I would recommend that each of you carry at least 2-3 liters of water apiece. Your next water is the top of Nevada Falls, about a mile short of LYV, and 3 miles short of camp at Sunrise Creek. Don't take any of this lightly. It won't be easiest or best part of your trip. You just have to make do and get it done for the prize.
After you pass through LYV, in about 1.9 miles you'll come to the spur trail up to Half Dome, and just up-trail on the JMT is going to be where you start looking for campsites. Sunrise Creek is just about 200 yards past here, as is the CR junction, and if you spend the time to explore a bit you should find yourselves a nice place. And in this area in particular, also keep in mind that there are lots of bears that are very, very good at what they do. They are aggressive in trying to obtain food, so don't let it be yours that they get. Take this seriously.
Do your camping thing and get some rest. Going up to HD is hot and dry. The lower dome, saddle, final ascent up the cables, and the dome itself are all exposed granite, so it might be searing, and you might have to wait if you get too late a start and there's a line, both up and back down. That wait can last hours sometimes, especially if someone is freaking out or having an emergency. Definitely bring a couple pairs of leather gloves for the cables. All this said, I would bring a minimum of 3-4 liters of water apiece (there's none above or on the way back down), and if possible, begin your hike in the morning by headlamp; you'll beat some of the heat and most of the crowds.
To be cont'd