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Mid-May 5-day backpacking trip

PostPosted: Mon Apr 23, 2018 8:32 am
by cjkonetzke
Hello, all,

Can anyone recommend 5-day backpacking route options (~40-50 miles) for mid-May? I have read that many areas of the park still have snow cover at this time. Is enough of the park free of snow to even attempt such a trip in mid-May? Where would you recommend going?

Thank you!
Collin

Re: Mid-May 5-day backpacking trip

PostPosted: Mon Apr 23, 2018 8:50 am
by balzaccom
If you weren't in a hurry, you could hike the North Rim of the Valley, from Rockslides across the top of El Capital and Yosemite Falls, North Dome, and then come down Snow Creek. Elevations are 8,000 or so, which would give you less snow. Not the perfect Yosemite experience...but better than sitting at home!

Re: Mid-May 5-day backpacking trip

PostPosted: Mon Apr 23, 2018 8:57 am
by cjkonetzke
Should we still expect to have some snowcover along the way at that that elevation? As in, will there be some amount of snow on the ground everywhere around that route?

Re: Mid-May 5-day backpacking trip

PostPosted: Mon Apr 23, 2018 10:31 am
by AlmostThere
You can expect some patchy snow, very high and cold flowing streams that may be dangerous to cross, and trees down in the trail. And mosquitoes.

Re: Mid-May 5-day backpacking trip

PostPosted: Mon Apr 23, 2018 2:39 pm
by Phil
You might have a bit of a problem piecing together 50 contiguous miles without much snow just yet, but once Tioga Rd opens for the season, do your best. Have a look at the Yosemite webcams and your map, keeping in mind that Half Dome is at 8800 ft, Mt Watkins (to its left across Tenaya Canyon) is 8500, and that entire north rim route is lower. But yep, stay lower, and mosquitoes, big water, and mud are going to be your biggest factors. Snow on the trail will be a novelty, especially if these current temperatures keep up.