by Phil » Thu Jun 29, 2017 1:56 pm
In that case, I have to agree that you should visit the Valley first and foremost. If you want to do that and still backpack for a couple nights, you could consider a short trip out of Glacier Point, say along the Pohono Trail or along Illilouette Creek, then down the Panorama Trail and back to the Valley. Unfortunately, that would require some transportation logistics, but as a bonus, with that wilderness permit, you get 2 nights (one before your hike, one after) at the Valley backpackers' camp. Don't underestimate the value in that, because getting a decent site in the Valley is a pain, if not next to impossible. And, after seeing the Valley from below, seeing it from above lends a whole new perspective to it.
One other thought for a trip out of the Valley would be to go up Yosemite Falls, over to North Dome, then back down Snow Creek. This area is known as the North Rim, and it would be a loop.