Yosemite Forum

Hello knowledgeable people,

I would really appreciate your advice! Two of us would like to backpack for 3-4 days at the very beginning of May, but I am really unsure as to where we should be going (ie, which trailhead to start at, and where to go!). We have not been to Yosemite before, but are somewhat experienced backpackers of moderate to good fitness level. We like to challenge ourselves and enjoy awesome scenery.

My main question is where should we hike/camp? I am not clear as to which areas will be open in the first week of May. Also, we just could use some general suggestions on hikes.

Thanks so much for your help.

The date makes it easier. The high country is still covered in snow--you need skis or snow shoes to go there.

Lower elevations may be clear--such as hiking up Little Yosemite Valley to Merced Lake, which will take a day or two heading in. Even that may be snowbound. You need to stay below 7000', but that's just a rough rule-of-thumb. It depends on how much snow we have this season. So far, it's about average, maybe a little above average.

Can you reschedule a little later-say late June or (for high-snow years) July?

Thanks for the quick reply!

Actually, we can't change the date, and we probably won't do skis/snowshoes. So below 7000 feet, we should check out Little Yosemite Valley to Merced Lake. Any other thoughts? I understand that we can't completely predict the conditions.

Next time we will go later in the year!
Thanks.