Hi everyone! First let me say this forum has been by far the best resource I have found on the web. OK, so this will be my first trip to Yosemite. Two other friends will be joining me, all in their 30s, fairly fit, and with an intermediate level of backpacking experience. I have already procured my permit entering the Yosemite Falls trailhead on 5/31 and exiting the Mirror Lake->Snow Creek trailhead on 6/3. My current plan looks like this:
Saturday May 30: drive in to Yosemite (via Tioga pass from Mammoth if open; otherwise coming around the other side). Camp in backpackers campground by North Pines.
Sunday May 31: backpack up the Upper Falls trail to Yosemite Point
Monday June 1: backpack Yosemite Point to North Dome
Tuesday June 2: backpack North Dome to Snow creek
Wednesday June 3: backpack down into the valley via Snow Creek
I have yet to find a map showing the backcountry "campgrounds" with fire rings but at this time of year I am certain we will want a fire. So we will camp each night somewhere along this route where there is as little snow (or mud) as possible and fire rings. Anyone have experience with good camp spots along this route?
How does this trip sound for this time of year? It seems obvious we will run into some snow and will probably see temps between 60s during the day down to the 20s at night. Depending on the snow I am guessing we might end up sticking around between North Dome and Yosemite Point.
I would love to get some feedback on this trip and ideas of what I might want to change. I presume I am not obligated to come out the exit trailhead on my permit? Any other 3 night trips I should try and change to when I get there or if space is open?
Thanks in advance for everyone's help. I can't wait to see Yosemite in person!
Cheers,
Jason aka sandersans