12 day backing/hiking trip

[s004523]

Hi all,

I am planning a 12-13 day overnight camping hike.

It will be a first time in the US and in Yosemite: We are just planning the exact route now. dates from around16th-28th of May:
it will be aour 1st and last(for a while at least ) as we come from scotland for this trip. So we want to make sure we dont miss any "must sees"

Could any experianced yosemite hikers help out:

1)the best places to see,

2)wheres good to start and finish

3) what are the most spectaular parts of the park

possible in a 12-13 day camping trek

Thanks

[dan]

Best places to see are in Yosemite Valley. See the falls--Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, El Capitain. These are all near the road. For a day hike, see Vernal and Nevada Falls in Little Yosemite Valley. Also Glacier Point, especially early or late in the day, has the best view of Yosemite Valley. The Wawona Grove of Giant Sequoia trees is in the south end of the park.

For car camping, it's best to reserve campgrounds NOW. See http://www.yosemitesites.com for site availability and reserve through http://www.recreation.gov/

For backpacking, the best place to start out is the High Sierra country at Tuolumne Meadows (on the Tioga Road). However, May may be a little early--it will very likely be snow bound and too early to visit.

[AlmostThere]

As dan said, you'll have a tough time stringing together a backpack of that duration due to snow at higher altitudes. Perhaps a few shorter outings - you might be able to get 2-4 days on the trails near Hetch Hetchy, depending, and possibly some time on the Chilnualna Lakes/Buena Vista/Hart Lake/Ostrander Lake trails, if the stream crossings are not too dangerous. Which is another factor - even at lower snowfree elevations you may find the snowmelt is making the creeks/rivers dangerous to cross.

[sierranomad]

I agree with Dan about spending some time in Yosemite Valley. All of Yosemite is beautiful, but if this is your first time, and you're coming from that far, you've got to see the highlights.

As mentioned, you are limited in backpacking due to snow. The good news is that the waterfalls will still be flowing strong when you're here. Also, though you will likely find it somewhat crowded, it won't be nearly as bad as it gets later in the year.

Though I LOVE to backpack, there is a special magic to the Valley. Being able to wander at night through the Grand Valley, knowing that your tent is near-by....and/or taking an early morning stroll while everyone else is asleep...there's nothing like it. You might want to plan for 6 or 7 days for the Valley. If Hetch Hetchy backcountry is open, there is some beautiful scenery up in Jack Main Canyon.

[balzaccom]

One more vote here in favor of the responses you have already read. THat's a little early to spend almost two weeks in the back country.

For overnighters, I'd certainly suggest Rancheria Falls from Hetch-hetchy, and also Illilouette Canyon from Mono Meadows. Chinualna might have some pretty exciting stream crossings...not our cup of tea.

ANd of course the day hikes in the Valley...I'd add Snow Creek Falls and North Dome to the list, if you are feeling adventurous.

YOu should have a great time...and our website has descriptions and photos of almost all of these hikes

[bill-e-g]

FYI re Glacier Pt. Rd:

http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?3,24452