First time visits to the backcountry of Yosemite

[rbrosko]

This site is great and my wife and I greatly appreciate your thoughts.
Our plans are nearing their final stages and looking for your input
We will be starting in Tuolumne and coming out through Little Yosemite Valley; trek starts 9/22
Looking for your thoughts on campsites, which is the most beautifull?
Ireland lake vs. Evelyn Lake
.
Bernice Lake (understand we should explore the near by lakes)
.
Merced lake or push on to Moraine Dome or somewhere in between
.
If you had to choose one over the other, which would you choose and why.

Bob & Lynn

[Grzldvt]

Just curious as why exit out Little Yosemite Valley, versus staying in the Toulumne area and doing a loop?

[rbrosko]

Taking a bus from the valley up to Tuolumne, then hike back to the Valley.
Staying at the Lodge to celebrate at the end of our trek.
Saving the Tuolumne are for our return visit with our hiking friends.

[balzaccom]

It's all downhill!

It's note really, but I've done this hike and it works just fine!

[AlmostThere]

The anticipated closing date of the Tuolumne campground is 9/28. Not sure how long you expect to take on the backpacking trip or staying in TM after, but this may be something to consider.

[Dave_Ayers]

rbrosko wrote:
Looking for your thoughts on campsites, which is the most beautifull?
Ireland lake vs. Evelyn Lake
. IMO, the nicest camping spot in this area is at the east end of Fletcher near the cascades coming down from Townsley. Sunsets are great from there. Both Fletcher and Townsley are really pretty. Evelyn has decent sites among the tree clusters on the east side. Ireland is more stark.
Bernice Lake (understand we should explore the near by lakes)
. I think Bernice is very scenic. There's a good spot for 2 about halfway along the north side near the lake with rocks at a good height for cooking, etc. Yes, definitely take some time to explore Gallison, et al.
Merced lake or push on to Moraine Dome or somewhere in between
. I found the campsites at Merced Lake to be underwhelming and smelly due to heavy usage and headed for Washburn instead. But since I usually stay in the high country, I'm not familiar enough with the country below Merced Lake to offer any alternative.

[rbrosko]

Looks like the meadow fire may cancel our trip.
On Thursday Sept 25, we were to hike out from Merced lake / Moraine Dome to the Valley.
Is there any chance that the fire might be out by then and the trail open?
Clearly were are not familar with this type of situation and need advise.
.
Unclear if we can rearrange another trek/permit with the park at this late date.

[Dave_Ayers]

It's hard to say, Inciweb (http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4104/) says its 50% contained. They do plan to reopen Half Dome tomorrow. Keep a watch at http://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/fireinfo.htm for updates on the closures.

[Grzldvt]

Looks like the meadow fire may cancel our trip.
On Thursday Sept 25, we were to hike out from Merced lake / Moraine Dome to the Valley.
Is there any chance that the fire might be out by then and the trail open?
Clearly were are not familar with this type of situation and need advise.
.
Unclear if we can rearrange another trek/permit with the park at this late date.

Really! there are literally a ton of places to backpack away from the fire. I would look at heading up Lyell Canyon camping up the canyon as far as you can, then using it as a base camp to day hike to the many places in the area, then head across to Vogelsang, spend the night, and then head back down. Out of Toulumne Meadows, go the other way and head up to Young Lakes, and make a loop out of it. There is some incredible scenery along the route. At Young Lakes, if you do it right once you get to the first lake just start walking towards Mt Conness and go close to the edge of the cliff, there is some incredible views from some campsites of Mt Coness and the surrounding Sierra. Ragged Peak is a pretty easy cross country peak to get to from that area with great views and a huge flat sandy top.
Murphy Creek to Polly Dome Lakes then onto May Lake and Mt Hoffman is a great trip.
get a map and really look at your options, north of Tioga Road