by Phil » Tue Oct 20, 2015 10:32 pm
I assume you're going to be coming up from the Sunrise trailhead. Bear in mind that June (even toward the end of it) is still early and Tenaya Creek is usually still fairly charged up, and crossing is up to you and how you feel about the conditions (you will get wet to some extent or another), but it's the fastest way to Clouds Rest. You're also going to have A LOT of mosquitoes around, so the first things on your list should probably be repellent and head nets. Other than that, typical gear: tent, sleeping bags/pads, bear can(s) are required, extra day's food, a couple extra water bottles, stove and fuel, headlamps, a couple pairs of heavy socks, rain gear, warm clothing, first aid kit, map, compass...pretty regular stuff. Go as light as you can, but don't short yourself by not having what you know you'll want and need. Also, depending on how it goes this winter, you may run into some snow pack, so keep on top of trail conditions and weather forecasts before you fully commit to going out.
The Sunrise trail is only about 2.6 miles, but it's a climb, so you might want to think about making it a 2-night trip in order to give yourselves a rest when you get to the top. From there, go ahead and turn left and camp the first night at Lower Sunrise Lake less than a 1/4 mile away. Or, you could head immediately right and up at the trail junction toward Cloud's Rest, but campsites (especially with fire rings) are much more limited once you pass the flats at the trail junction there, and if you get too near the summit, they're going to be quickly reduced to small cramped spaces that aren't much more than places to hunker in, eat and sleep. The summit offers great views, but it's not the friendliest place to camp. If you do decide to go up and find a closer site to camp, get all the water you'll need for hydration and cooking from the obvious creek you pass a little way past the pond. As you descend the other side, if you're comfortable going cross country, you can plot a route from the trail that will shorten your distance to Half Dome. If not, just stay on the trails and be sure. Make sure that in addition to your regular wilderness permit, you also have your Half Dome permit. You'll probably be pretty tired by the end of day two after coming down from Half Dome, so you might want to seriously consider staying overnight at Little Yosemite Valley (LYV) and head down and out to Happy Isles on your last (3rd) trail day. You could do it as an overnight trip I suppose, if you're into pushing hard, okay with the altitude, and not really taking the time to enjoy it, but it's not particularly realistic. It's gorgeous up there and you'll probably have it almost to yourselves. You only get one very first trip together, so make it a good one. Take a little more time and do it right.
That's the basic deal. If you want more info, ask.