2 - 3 days in Yosemite

[efoxx]

I will be visiting Yosemite in late July for two or three days. I was hoping to explore the park and summit at least one major peak. As much as I would love to spend a week exploring the park, my vacation time will not allow for such a trip. I am seeking advice on what attractions I should see. I really would like to see some of the backcountry but I am worried that my limited time will mean too little time enjoying the park and too much time on the trail. Does anyone have any advice on how to maximize my experience. I will be with three others all of who are in very good shape and hike regularly. I think I'd like to see Mariposa Grove and possibly hike Half Dome, but I could do Mariposa Grove in a couple of hours before leaving and Half Dome isn't a priority unless its truly worth it. I'd prefer to get away from the crowds. Maybe hike to a remote and scenic high altitude lake to camp at? Any suggestions on hiking trails? Locations? Campsites? I can easily hike 10-12 miles in a day and climb 5,000 - 6,000 vertical, but I'd prefer to hike 7-10 miles so that I can have downtime to enjoy a nice swimming hole or scenic vista, etc. All suggestions/comments are welcomed. Thank you.

[KC]

A good peak to do in the time you have, assuming you want to do several things while in Yosemite, is Mt. Hoffman. You can even put down in the backpacker's camp at May Lake if you want.

There are a lot of other threads that discuss various backpacking options for the time you have. Check out the Vogelsang Loop (Lyell Canyon to Vogelsang HSC to Rafferty Creek) for example.

Don't know what days you're going to be in Yosemite, but if it's not a weekend, you could go for Half Dome and Cloud's Rest. Take the Mist Trail up, the John Muir Trail back down, or whatever way you want to go. Camp in Little Yosemite the first night, hike up to the Cloud's Rest JMT junction and set up camp there, then hit Cloud's Rest. On the last day, hit Half Dome on your way back down. You'll definitely get some of the popular highlights of Yosemite under your belt that way and it's easily done in the time you have.

[oakroscoe]

Hoffman would definitely be a good choice. If you don't like crowds, I'd avoid Half Dome.

[Marmot]

Glacier Point is a fantastic spot to visit to get a nice view (though there will be a lot of people around). The mariposa grove is a fairly easy hiking area and you can see some nice trees without it taking too long.

[AlmostThere]

Dana is the second highest peak in the park. It's only a 6 mile round trip from the Tioga gate. Very high, tho, you start at 10,000 feet and go up to 13+... but very much worth it. Best view in the park.