by AlmostThere » Wed Jul 08, 2009 6:10 am
you need an open spot on the date of entry - the duration of the trip doesn't matter, except that you also need to specify the date you exit the wilderness and where you will exit.
It's Yosemite - all the trails are going to have some appeal. But you will have better luck avoiding the most popular trailheads, Tuolumne Meadows, Sunrise, Happy Isles.... You could go into Ten Lakes Basin, for example, or out from Glacier Point to Illilouette to access the mist trail and Half Dome or Clouds Rest. The first camp from Glacier Point is Ilillouette and this is very short, then you cannot camp until Little Yosemite Valley, but making LYV your second night stands a better chance of giving you access than if you make it your first night's destination.
I see Chilnualna Falls isn't even listed - it's not full on any day. Going up that one early in the morning lets you access the Chilnualna Lakes/Buena Vista trail without being overheated - it's an exposed and sunny hike on southfacing slope. No one likes to do it because it's 4 miles up the hill, but once you're up it there's a sizable loop to hike.