Best HSC?

[KC]

I'm planning on hitting Sunrise HSC this summer to finish off my list of HSCs. For the last couple years, I've stayed a night at one on my way to or from other destinations just to say "I've been there." I know LYV is not technically an HSC, but it's probably my least favorite HSC type place in Yosemite, probably followed by Merced Lake. The lack of ability to spread out at the backpacker camps and the general crowded feeling both gave me is why I am not a huge fan of either. (Note: I realize the HSCs are not optimal for solitude and not places to go if one is looking for it.)

On the other hand, I stayed at May Lake before the camp opened last summer and thought it was pretty nice. Beautiful location and lots of room. I can imagine it being crowded though since it's close to the trail head.

Vogelsang was picturesque and I really enjoyed my stay there. I had the backpacker camp nearly to myself. The camp--if it is really a "camp"-- appeared to offer plenty of room to spread out. That said, a freak snow storm kept people away and I can imagine it being a lot more crowded.

My favorite HSC overall is Glen Aulin. I did not stay in the backpacker camp, which seemed small, but camped above and across the canyon (I could look down on Glen Aulin from my campsite). I found the setting near the falls and the canyon spectacular. The camp did not seem overly crowded either. While I might not have enjoyed my stay as much had I stayed in the backpacker camp, since it was so easy to camp within proximity to Glen Aulin I consider it the best HSC.

Curious what other people think. Does anyone have a favorite/preferred HSC? How does sunrise compare to the other camps?

[QITNL]

I've walked past the Sunrise HSC and the backpacker's camp next door, but never thought much about staying there. I guess the meadow looks nice in the morning.

Instead, I'd hop over the ridge and down to Upper Sunrise Lake, much more attractive. Anything lost in the sunrise is gained in the sunset. Walk out on the slabs for a great view of Tenaya Canyon, lights from the Central Valley.

[mountainmama]

My favorite is Glen Aulin also. I was lucky enough to work there for a summer and it was pure heaven. The waterfall was SO loud at night, some times I woke up thinking I was at an airport! My least favorite was Merced Lake also. The camping there looked like it would suck! Might as well be in the valley! Sunrise is sweet, but has lots of bugs and May Lake is nice with the lake and the easy hike to Mt Hoffman.

[balzaccom]

I hae to say that I have only stayed near one of them, Vogelsand, because I prefer to stay farther away from people, not closer.

But I've hiked past all of them...and my favorite to hike past are GLen Aulin and Vogelsang....grin

[bill-e-g]

We got into backpacking many years ago now to get the heck
away from people. So you can probably guess what I think of HSCs.

Spent over 50 nights in Yose wilderness last year... and saw people
across a lake only a few times. Worst was 1000 Island lake.
(yeah, it's not Yose).

It's pretty simple to be alone out there. It just take a little effort.

[KC]

Spent over 50 nights in Yose wilderness last year... and saw people
across a lake only a few times. Worst was 1000 Island lake.
(yeah, it's not Yose)

That area south of Yosemite on the east side of the Minarets is beautiful but busy. Went from Devil's Postpile to Ediza and Garnet lakes two years ago and saw tons of people. We were definitely far from alone at Ediza, though the other two nights we found reasonably secluded places to camp. It's definitely what you make of it and I still had a great time.

[bill-e-g]

The point I was trying to make was that it's pretty simple to
be alone out there with a little bit of knowledge.
This response was due to a number of comments about
"if you don't want to be alone... go to Yosemite" which I
completely disagree with.

In summer the entire Sierra is swarming with people. And
if you want to camp near someone for whatever reason it's pretty
darn easy to do. Luckily the area is huge and it's also
pretty easy to get away from people.
Just to give you an idea... from 1000 Island to Donahue Pass
we didn't see a single person last year... on July 4th...
and after Donahue we didn't see anyone until beyond the
Ireland turnoff for a day and a half (ok, we saw a ranger
just before we bailed off the trail)

Anyway, have fun out there.

[KC]

Bill-e-g,

I agree. I said the same in another thread:

Additionally, you are not required to camp next to somebody, barring you don't put down in Little Yosemite or Merced Lake. You can feel like you have a good deal of solitude even when you know somebody is camped a mile or two away. There's lots of room out there and it's what you make of it.

While I prefer camping in solitude, sometimes it's nice to meet people on the trail, especially if you're out by yourself for a few days. Sometimes sharing whiskey (and maybe a spliff) around a campfire is just something nice to do. It doesn't mean you have to camp on top of other folks either. On the other hand, sometimes it is no fun to find that perfect quiet lake and realize, as the day goes by, that multiple other people have found that perfect spot too.