Yosemite Forum

I want to take my daughters backpacking in Yosemite to half dome. It will be our first backpacking trip. Because of late planning the only options I see open, for reserved permits, are out of Mono Meadow or Sunrise Lakes. Which of these two do you think would be a better trip? We have 4 days and my girls are very athletic and have done some great hikes in Yosemite.

I think Sunrise Lakes is a pretty good deal--it's high Alpine/Subalpine meadows and lakes.

Both ways you can head out by way of Little Yosemite Valley, which is always nice to see. I would avoid the LYV backpackers campground as it's crowded and loud and has lots of bears, but it has the advantage of having plenty of people to talk to.

If you get your permit for Mono Meadow then you are not suppose
to really go to LYV the first day. You are suppose to camp in the
Illiouette basin.
Don't know if this would have a bearing on your entire trip plan or not.
I'm pretty surprised that you even say that you can get a permit
now for Sunrise. That is one of the most popular trailheads in the park.
When are you going? If you are going very early then you'll have to
ford Illiouette Creek. This may cause some pause... ???
My big concern is "this is first backpacking trip".
I know everyone and their brother wants to go up HD. Go ahead and
get the Sunrise if you can and then you'll see how it is going getting up
to Sunrise Lakes. If carrying a pack is an issue then maybe just stay
at Sunrise Lakes and then dayhike to Clouds and back. Relax
at the lakes... dayhike over to Sunrise HSC and back... and you'll
have a great trip. Save Half Dome for another trip.
Hope this helps you some.