Hi, I'm going to Yosemite in early August. It’s a short trip but my first time backpacking there, so I hope to sort some things out before leaving. I’d really appreciate it if any experienced backpackers could answer my questions.
My entry trailhead is Happy Isles to Illilouette and exit trailhead is Glacier Point to Illilouette. Here’s my plan:
Day 1: Arrive in Yosemite and spend the night at the backpackers campground
Day 2: Enter the Happy Isles to Illilouette trail and camp at Illilouette Basin
Day 3: Leave for the Glacier Point (via Panorama Trail), take Four Mile Trail and then the shuttles to Yosemite Valley. Overnight at the backpackers campground.
Here are my questions:
1. Are there any major problems in my itinerary? I know my route is opposite to the popular one (most people go from Glacier Point to Illilouette or Little Yosemite Valley), but I cannot get the permit for Glacier Point to Illilouette as the entry trailhead.
2. Water source: will there still be water in Illilouette Creek in early August or should I bring water for cooking?
3. Bear canister: Are the ones rented at the permit station in different sizes?
4. Topographic map: Does the wilderness center or permit station at the Valley sell topographic maps?
Thank you!