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AlmostThere wrote:So, I'm not remembering if this was mentioned, but I'm guessing from the trip plan shenanigans that this is actually your first time in Yosemite. So I feel obligated, though I'm pretty sure that you'll reject the notion, to say that first timers MISS what makes Yosemite special by diving in to a long backpacking trip.
The BIG SIGHTS are the ones you see in Yosemite Valley, and in Tuolumne Meadows, and all along Tioga Road. Backpacking trips of more than a couple days inevitably become an ongoing view of... trees.
The other reason I go elsewhere for backpacking - there are places in the Sierra Nevada where the scenery on long backpacking trips is more continually spectacular.
First timers in Yosemite should be tourists. Just going out to walk in the valley floor you can manage 20+ miles on flat trail that give you all the awe and grandeur that millions miss, because they can't walk that far, or just don't want to. The roads are jammed up every afternoon. The walking trails not so much. One of the best hikes I planned for my hiking group last year was one where we met at day use parking near the village, and walked all day. Made it halfway around the southern end of the valley before we called it and returned to the cars.
AlmostThere wrote:If minimal people and maximum wilderness is the goal, and plenty of lakes, I'd ignore the permit and go out into Sierra National Forest to do a nine day loop in Ansel Adams Wilderness.
AlmostThere wrote:Yeah, the steps on the Mist Trail are no joke... only place I've been literally elbowed off the trail. Good thing I was at the time more sure footed than I am now or I would have been in the river.
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