3 day 2 nights backpacking that includes Clouds Rest
Posted: Tue Mar 15, 2016 1:19 pm
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me figure out a good route/itinerary that includes Clouds Rest for early September. I'll be backpacking with 5 friends. We're not hardcore backpackers. All of our trips have been 4 days or less and no more than 30 miles total. We like to average 7-9 miles per day but not exceed 11 miles.
I first considered starting at Tenaya Lake, summit Clouds Rest, then camp near the JMT/CRT junction for the night. Wake up early to beat the crowds and do a day hike up Half Dome (if we're able to obtain permits via lottery) then back to camp for another night. Next morning loop back to Tenaya Lake via JMT.
But after some research, I think starting at Glacier point may be better in terms of getting as much view of Yosemite as possible during our 3 days there. Start at GP, camp near the JMT/CRT junction. Next day, hike HD, camp at the same location. Last day, summit CR via CRT then onto Tenaya Lake. My only concern with this route is the ride/bus logistics. I hear the parking lot at GP is really small and overnight parking is not allowed. Would we be able to park at YV, bus to GP, start our hike, finish at TL, and bus back to YV? I couldn't find that much info on bus routes and time.
Since this has been a wet season for CA, I'm assuming water will be plentiful along Sunrise Creek.
Are there any other routes we should consider that includes HD and CR over the 3 days? Of course, this is all pending lottery for HD and back country permits. We'll be coming from San Diego, so first come first served permits is not an option for us.
I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me figure out a good route/itinerary that includes Clouds Rest for early September. I'll be backpacking with 5 friends. We're not hardcore backpackers. All of our trips have been 4 days or less and no more than 30 miles total. We like to average 7-9 miles per day but not exceed 11 miles.
I first considered starting at Tenaya Lake, summit Clouds Rest, then camp near the JMT/CRT junction for the night. Wake up early to beat the crowds and do a day hike up Half Dome (if we're able to obtain permits via lottery) then back to camp for another night. Next morning loop back to Tenaya Lake via JMT.
But after some research, I think starting at Glacier point may be better in terms of getting as much view of Yosemite as possible during our 3 days there. Start at GP, camp near the JMT/CRT junction. Next day, hike HD, camp at the same location. Last day, summit CR via CRT then onto Tenaya Lake. My only concern with this route is the ride/bus logistics. I hear the parking lot at GP is really small and overnight parking is not allowed. Would we be able to park at YV, bus to GP, start our hike, finish at TL, and bus back to YV? I couldn't find that much info on bus routes and time.
Since this has been a wet season for CA, I'm assuming water will be plentiful along Sunrise Creek.
Are there any other routes we should consider that includes HD and CR over the 3 days? Of course, this is all pending lottery for HD and back country permits. We'll be coming from San Diego, so first come first served permits is not an option for us.