by AlmostThere » Tue Apr 09, 2013 7:01 am
Pick a destination under 9,600 feet and you can build a fire in an established fire ring, so long as you find one at least 100 feet from the water.
The lower lakes in 10 Lakes Basin have good campsites and are below the limit - the upper lakes are just above 9600 feet and fires are illegal. 10 lakes gets a little crowded since it's 1 day's hike out. Which is the case most of the time at the height of summer in Yosemite. For true solitude, go more than a couple days out and to some of the less traveled areas of the park. Of course, that will take you far from the major sights people come to see, such as Half Dome, Clouds Rest, or the falls.
If you want fewer crowds, Hoover Wilderness or any of the national forest destinations... If you have never been to Yosemite and want to see it, be a tourist and plan the trip to the front country destinations, and enjoy the scenery. Don't sweat the crowds. Just take your time and walk a lot.
The only destinations you'll find "be transported back to the car" will be along 120 - the hiker bus and YARTS run out over the pass, and there is a free shuttle that runs between the Tioga gate and Olmsted Point. There are no free shuttles between the valley and trailheads on the pass. If you could manage to end your trip at Glacier Point before 3, you might be able to pay for and ride on the tour bus one way to the valley floor.