I was curious to get some thoughts on three different one night backpacking trips. I currently have a two night reservation, starting at Young Lakes. My original plan was to hike to Young Lake night one via Dog Lake, then circle back to Glen Aulin second night, and back out third day. I will probably end up changing to just a one nighter to Young Lakes. This is my first solo "backpacking" trip. I am keeping the mileage to less than 10 in a give day and will assume an 1 hour per mile hiking pace (this is similar to my pace from last year in RMNP, backpacking three days between ~9000-1000 ft elevation)
The alternative options I would choose would be a walk in permit to Sunrise Lakes or Cathedral Lakes, if available. I've gotten the impression that Young Lakes may offer a little more solitude, while Sunrise Lakes is a good basecamp particularly for avoiding a full day hike to Clouds rest and back. I've also heard alot of great things about Cathedral Lakes scenery, although this might be a good day hike as opposed to an overnight.
I will be spending two nights in the Tuolumne meadows campgrounds prior to my backpack to acclimate and do some short day hikes prior to my wilderness overnight.
Elevation: Sunrise has the intense 1,000 ft 1 mile gain into the area while the Young Lakes hike appears to have a more general gradual elevation gain. Cathedral Lakes also has some intense elevation gain
Water Sources: There seem to be a few water sources in route to Sunrise but not many, if any, between Sunrise and Clouds Rest. With regard to young lakes, dingley creek appears to be the only water source between the trailhead and the lakes. My permit is entry at Young Lakes and exit via Dog Lake.
Camping Spots: I've saved some previous posts that have discussed camping locations in the Sunrise lake area, but I haven't seen much chatter about the Young Lake area. I haven't done alot of research in the Cathedral lakes area.
If there are some general thoughts/suggestions about some good camping spots in any of those areas, as well as some general opinions about the Young Lake, Sunrise, and Cathedral areas, that would be greatly appreciated. I think ultimately I am torn between a out and back to Young Lakes vs a short hike to sunrise to set up camp, followed by hitting Clouds rest and then back to camp at Sunrise before heading out the next day. Thanks!