I am taking my first trip to Yosemite June 29th and will be backpacking for three nights. My son really wanted to do red peak pass and he got us entering at mono meadows and exiting at Tenaya Lake. We are on the east coast and he was not taking into account how much snow will still be at that elevation this time of year. So, I am looking for an alternative route. If we leave mono meadows and head towards cloud's rest, JMT, Sunrise etc... What are some good spots to camp before heading out at Tenaya Lake?
Also, while we have bears in North Carolina and we prepare for them, it sounds much more intense in Yosemite. What do you normally do with your packs at night after storing everything in bear cans?
Thanks for any help. We are looking forward to our trip.