Memorial Day Weekend backpacking

[jasper286]

Greetings!
I am trying to plan a 4 day backpacking trip this coming memorial day weekend. most of my companions are novices. i have one trip under my belt.

we were looking at doing hetch hetchy but i heard the trail to rancheria falls is closed due to a bridge getting washed away in october.

our 2nd choice would be Panoramic Trail to LYV to half dome. but last year the Pan Trail was still closed. we took JMT but then the half dome cables werent up and did clouds rest instead. (amazing, btw.)

i like the idea of tuolumne meadows to the valley but is tioga rd ever open that time of year?

anyone have suggestions for a 4 day trip?? any help is greatly appreciated.

Cheers!
Erik

[KC]

Lots of opportunities depending on the weather. It's been a pretty dry January, so if it stays like this, you could have your choice of trails (assuming you don't have snowshoes etc.). On the other hand, Tioga Road to Tuolumne Meadows was closed through May last year due to the snow pack. In early June, trails along the Valley rim were accessible; I did a weekend jaunt along the Pohono Trail at that time. However, there was a lot of snow in forested areas and the back country was still pretty socked in.

I would just make a few different plans and be prepared to try whatever appears to be the best and safest option when you get to the park.

[Clamper]

One trip comes to mind. I did this a early/mid spring a million years ago.

Wawona -> Chilnualna Fall -> Buena Vista Lake (area)

Count on a snow free start at around 4200'

It's a significant huff and puff to the top of the falls (3.5 miles) plus another 1/2 mile to some decent first night camping opportunities around 6600'.

From there continue up towards Grouse Lake. At the junction 2.6 miles above Chilnualna Falls, you can decide to continue up towards Grouse Lake, turn north to the Buena Vista Lake trail (junction .75 miles) or towards Turner Meadow, or loop back to the top of Chilnualna Falls.

If snow is not an issue, a loop trip including several lakes might be done.