Yosemite backpacking question

[Flower Sniffer]

Hi! We are planning a backpacking trip in Yosemite in September. I am a little confused about the High Sierra Camp loop regulations. Can we do the whole loop with a permit for a single trail head even though the loop requires crossing the Tioga Road and thus using more than one trail head? If we do not have permits for the High Sierra Camps, do we need special permits for the backpacking camps?

Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

[ryan72]

from my understanding you only need one permit if it is a continuous trip and you do not need a special permit to camp outside of the high sierra camps.

[AlmostThere]

Are you doing this intending to stay at the High Sierra Camps and eat there as well, or as a self sufficient backpacker? If you make reservations to do all or part of the HSC loop and stay in the tents there, the permit is included. If you go as a self sufficient backpacker apply for the permit for the starting trailhead of your choice. If you camp close to the HS Camps, there is a backpacker campground at each camp that you will need to camp at. Other than that, you are free to practice dispersed backcountry camping, if you follow the regulations.

http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wildregs.htm