Hi everyone! My boyfriend and I are coming to California in June and are looking forward to hiking Yosemite's backcountry for the first time. We've read some posts in this forum and based on that got a permit for June 14-18 (5 days/4 nights) with entry and exit at Mono Meadow. We aren't hiking Half Dome, and I don't think we're allowed to stay at Little Yosemite Valley our first night. We are planning to hike to Red Peak and back (34 mi), or do the loop that we have heard exists (51 mi?).
I have a lot of questions. How is our timing this year? I've heard that it is a devastatingly bad snow year - is it possible to know now if we will have enough water? Or how many mosquitoes? Also, the fire last year was around this area - does anyone know if our trail got burned? I just imagine that newly burned areas are not so nice to hike through...
I'll admit I haven't tried super hard to find maps on my own, but I'm in Sweden and I think it is harder from over here - where can I get good maps for this trip? I tried USGS topo that you can download for free but they seem to be missing a huge chunk of our hike. We have a couple weeks in CA before we start hiking so we'd like to buy maps in advance and have time to study our route.
Finally, what do you think of our route options and pace? We have hiked sections of the PCT and like 10+ mile days. We've done 17 mile days but that was too stressful, and brutal considering the steep ascents/descents involved. I'm comfortable planning for the loop and then based on how it feels when we are out there deciding to go out-and-back instead so I wonder if anyone can tell me pros and cons for each route? Will we miss something amazing if we choose one over the other? I think someone on here has mentioned great fishing day hikes from the out-and-back trip! That would be so fun (and we would get a permit of course) But maybe we would see more beautiful sights on the loop?
I know I'm asking a lot! But if anyone has the energy to answer one question it would be so appreciated! Thank you