Hey there everyone, first time poster.
I'm taking some friends up to Yosemite for a backpacking trip in a couple of weeks, and have a permit applied for the GCT (White Wolf to Tuolumne Meadows), with a route that goes through Ten Lakes as a backup plan. This trip is planned for July 21st - 25th. Are there any trail reports from people that tried the GCT this year yet? I'm particularly concerned about the Pate Valley crossing, as some of the guys I'm bringing along don't have much experience with river crossings and I'd rather not be in charge of their funerals. Since I suspect that it's uncrossable, are there any reports of how Ten Lakes pass is? Any chance that it might be doable without investing in microspikes for everyone?
Bar either of those, I have backup-backup plans for a Hetch Hetchy - Vernon Lake loop that I can take them on. Any other ideas for trails with similar mileage (preferrably those that involve waterfalls)?
Thanks a lot for your help everyone!