Hi All,
First time posting here. The short: Work is flying me out to the Bay area (Foster City) June 3rd -5th from Connecticut. I plan to tack on a nice trip to Yosemite starting Saturday the 6th (yeah, bad day to start, I know) for a 4-5 night backpack. I've been to Cali ~7X but all for work and have never been out of the cities so I really want to get out this time.
A few things: I do not yet have a permit; I'll be solo; no, I don't need to do Half Dome; I'm kinda assuming based on recent reports that Tioga Road will be open; I've backpacked quite a bit in the White Mountains but never out West; I would like to do Cloud's Rest.
My first plan I guess is to start at Tuolumne Meadows. Permits are still available for Lyell, Rafferty and Cathedral on SUNDAY the 7th. So I could take my time Saturday driving to Yosemite, bum around the Valley a bit, do a day hike then hit the trail the 7th or maybe try to get a walk on permit on Saturday. I really don't care about the exact route right now or where I stay but would like to incorporate Cloud's Rest. Good plan, dumb plan, suggestions? Considering the available trailheads which do you think I should choose to try to get a permit for? Glen Aulin and May Lake both are open the 6th and 7th as well.
I've also read about a cross-country from Lake Elizabeth to drop-in between Vogelsand and Merced Lake - does that require a permit?
Another thought is to do the Red Peak Pass loop from Glacier Point. Permit would not be an issue. Concerns I have though are possible snow and altitude. I have never hiked at altitude and just don't know how I'll respond physically. I'm less concerned about stamina and more about altitude sickness. Might be a tough first time experience, especially solo.
All suggestions and criticisms welcome.
Thanks,
Aaron