Late April - Solo 3 Day Backpack?

[sambieni]

Hi all - new to the West Coast and I have a few days to kill before starting a new job. I have ever been to Yosemite, but really want to do a solo 3-day backpacking trip that is fairly moderate/easy before the new gig starts up. Planning this for last week of April.


Just no clue where to begin or if weather will even allow it. A loop is much preferred. Thinking of about 25 miles give or take ideally with less on the last day. Any suggestions welcome . I know weather/snow can be really problematic then on the trails so that is really what I am trying to avoid since I will be alone, etc. IF anyone has any recommendations, I would really appreciate it. Thanks for understanding.


ETA - As an alternative I am considering in/near Sequoias/Kings Canyon as well.... so happy take any advice for there too.

Thanks. Really appreciate it.

Thanks so much! Really appreciate it.

[Dave Miller]

Unless you are set for snow camping, there is not a lot of back country accessible that time of year in Yosemite. One thing you could do is hit Hite Cove just outside of the park on HWY 140. I did this trek in May last year and it was good for an overnighter. I would then take the other day to enjoy the Valley.

You can check out the trip here: http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/814573

I don't have any experience in Kings Canyon/Sequoia area. Maybe there are better options there?

Enjoy whatever you choose!

[balzaccom]

You could also hike to Rancheria Falls out of Hetch-hetchy, if they've repaired the Wapama falls bridge.

You can find links to both hikes on our website, under destinations...

[KC]

Last year, we got a lot of late snow. It was not until early June that non-snow camping people could really begin to do decent trips above 6000 feet or so. And, what one could do was still fairly limited. The rims around Yosemite were reasonably bare--I did the Pohono trail the first weekend of June--but there was pretty deep snow in forested areas.

As the time gets closer to your trip, check the webcams for an idea of what you'll be facing: http://www.yosemiteconservancy.org/webcams

You can also give the visitor center a call to see what conditions are like.

This thread also has more information on other possible trips to do if Yosemite doesn't look possible: http://www.yosemite.ca.us/forum/viewtopic/t=1502

As for Kings Canyon, you'll be facing the same issues there.

[oakroscoe]

As everyone has said, there won't be much open at that time, and its all contingent upon snow.

Rancheria Falls is an option.

Also, you might be able to get to Kibbie Lake, and if you want short, easy and pretty, Lake Eleanor should be doable as well.

[AlmostThere]

As others have said, anywhere above 5,000 feet or so, Yosemite or Kings or Sequoia, there'll be snow.

My backpacks in winter (unless intentionally going out in snowshoes planning a winter backpack) are more coastal - Point Reyes, Henry Coe State Park, Ventana Wilderness (central coast wilderness area) as in spring these areas (which are really hot in summer) have good water supply and are green and flowers blossoming. The trails are sometimes less well maintained than national parks, however, so a good map/compass and ability to use them would be a good thing to have.

This year I'm hardly thinking of the mountains until June. If someone sweet talks me into it I might go Hetch Hetchy in late May.

[sambieni]

Thanks for the responses... this is what I was afraid would be the case. New to Cali and living in SoCal - guess I have quickly begun thinking everywhere should have warm weather like this.

...have begun shifting my thinking to a loooooong trip out to Zion or more likely Ventana area.

Anyone have ideas for Ventana? I am all ears!

THanks

[AlmostThere]

Actually, google up some info on Sespe Wilderness. I bet you would enjoy a soak in Willetts Hot Spring.

In Ventana, a really popular hike is to Sykes Hot Springs. Another one would be Cone Peak - it's a bunch of gain if you start from the parking lot on Highway 1 but quite rewarding.

Some of my hiking group are joining me at the end of April for three days to hike to Ventana Double Cone - you would probably run into us if you went 4/29 - 5/1.