Last Minute Backpack Trip(8/18)

[seahuston]

So I just went ahead and booked a flight to San Francisco using a travel voucher about to expire and am really hoping to get out to Yosemite and do some backpacking. I am pretty new to it so as much as I want to jump right in I dont want to get ahead of myself.
I'm thinking of a 3-day hike and would really like to get out in the wilderness, away from people. I have been thinking about leaving from White Wolf since there is shuttle access (I will be using a crazy combo of greyhound, YART and hiker shuttle to get there) and also permit availiblity.
I was thinking White Wolf to Tuolumne via Ten Lakes but still think that may end up being more than 3 days (input?).
My other thought was White Wolf to May Lake or Olmsted (time dependent) via Ten Lakes which looks much (if not too much) shorter.
Itinerary would look about like this:
8/17:travel to Yosemite from San Fran and camp in White Wolf.
8/18:Begin hike from White Wolf to Grant Lakes.
8/19:Grant lakes to some point near the May Lake/Glen Aulin junction.
8/20:To May Lake campground or Olmsted
8/21:Pickup shuttle and begin trek back to San Fran

I think leaving from White Wolf is asking for more people than I want (at least at the start) but since permits are availible and there is shuttle service it makes a lot of sense for me in that regard. Looking at the maps and such I feel like I could do the White Wolf to Tuolumne via ten lakes in about the same itinerary with slightly more ambitious days.
Really excited about this potential trip and looking forward to your input. Thanks!

[AlmostThere]

You'll need to be at wherever you are getting on the bus at the exact right time or you'll be delayed a day since both busses run on a set schedule once a day. That could cause you scheduling issues.

You can't camp within 2 miles of the road except in designated areas like May Lake in the HSC at the backpacker campground. No camping at Olmstead Pt.

Don't forget you will need to pick up the permit at the wilderness office in TM if doing a walk in. You will have to backtrack to WW to start there. That requires more bus time. The TM shuttle only goes to Olmstead. If you had a reserved permit, you could pick it up at Big Oak Flat on the way.

When you say pretty new, does that mean minimal to no experience hiking at elevation? That should be a factor in your planning. Most people find hiking at higher elevations is more difficult.

[seahuston]

Thanks for the heads up on the busses. Thinking of taking the bus from the fisherman's pier tobthe visitors center and then getting a YART to white wolf for that night. Can I get a permit at the visitors center? Still looking into return trip timing but I think I can make it work.
As far as experience goes-ive done some hiking around the east coast but no at any altitude. I live at literally 35 feet but as far as fitness I've been a competitive cyclist for years and travelled around the country for events which were often at altitude (6-7000) so I have an idea of what to expect.
I really want to do a backpacking trip when I am out there and the white wolf to may lake seems to be a good distance over some interesting terrain.
Does my time table seen accurate? Giving myself too much time or maybe too little?
I'd like to go Yosemite for the openness of it but am considering point Reyes as well for its ease tthough it doesn't seem as secluded nor is there as much backcountry.
Thanks for the input!

[AlmostThere]

You have to get wilderness permits at designated offices. There is a page at the official Yosemite website that gives hours of operation and locations of all of those. Do not think the visitor center is one of them. You definitely can't get it at White Wolf and the bus probably won't stop at Big Oak Flat gate long enough for you to do anything. So it's the TM office, by bus. You'll also need a bear canister - won't get the permit without one. They'll rent you one for five bucks when you get the permit. You'll need room in the backpack for it.

If you are just starting out you probably have heavy gear, whether it's yours or rented. I do think that itinerary is a bit ambitious for someone who hasn't hiked at elevation, and more so if your pack weighs 40-50 lbs. Which it will once you get a bear can of food in it.

[seahuston]

Looks like I there is a permit pickup near the visitor center at the Wilderness Center.
I hear your hesitation in my fitness/experience. That is the advice I am hoping to get and I appreciate your help. White Wolf is probably going to have to be my starting point based on the shuttles and busses that go there and the permit availiblity with this short of notice.
I think I will tone down my hike to a bit more open of a out and back or smaller loop so I can allow myself the time I need to enjoy the trip(not suffer too hard and not blow past all the beauty).

Toned down Itinerary (from White Wolf):
WW->Morrison Creek.
Morrison Creek->White Wolf via Harden Lake.
if feeling ambitious/comfortable I can spend another night on the trail or head back to WW and get a bus back the next day.

I would really like to see the Ten Lakes or Grant Lake though.
Another option would be:
WW->3/4 way to Grant Lake.
Get to Grant take in the place then back down to about where I camped the night before.
Finish up at WW

Given your hesitation it seems like I should look into a more open out and back kind of trip so that I can gauge my abilities/comfort during the hike and head back as nessecary.
How do these options sound? Any suggestions for something in the same vein?
Really appreciate the help for this confused but excited east coaster!

[seahuston]

Also for clarity or those interested in the travel plans I am looking at to get there:

Leave San Fran via Starline Tours bus at 7:00.
Arrive at the Yosemite Lodge at ~1:45.
Shuttle to the Yosemite Visitor Center (permit pickup)
120E/395 YART from Visitor Center at 5:00.
Arrive at White Wolf 6:00.

Return Itinerary is TBD.
Also Amtrak runs a bus service from San Fran as well but has more stops along the way before Yosemite. I'd rather spend my waiting time at the park

[orion]

there is a wilderness permit center at the entry gate coming in on 120. last week they were not issuing permits for tuolumne due to phone issues which may be resolved by now.

as you are beginning to realize, you'd be better off skipping the bus ride and the logistics it entails and doing a loop or backtrack.

i recommend going to Young Lakes, climbing Mt. Conness, doing day hikes to Roosevelt Lake or even McCabe Lakes, then an easy 3 hr. hike out. You'll probably see people at the lake, especially on weekends, but the day hikes won't have too many around.

[AlmostThere]

Except as noted the bus he is riding into the park on will likely not wait around for him to get the permit at the gate.

Young Lakes, Mono and Parker passes, Ten Lakes are all great trips. I do love Ten Lakes pass as a place to kick back and enjoy the view. Fishing is pretty good in the lower lakes too.

[seahuston]

Hi All,
Plans have been made.
First off: Thank you so much to all that commented it really helped with my planning process.
For those interested in my (roughly) final decision here is my current itinerary:
8/16:Arrive at night in San Fran.
8/17:Gear up, see the city. Night in Emeryville.
8/18:
Travel to Yosemite:
Amtrak from Emeryville to Merced
Bus to Yosemite (arriving at 1:20).
Get my permit, explore the village.
5:00 shuttle to White Wolf. Camp at the backpackers campground.
8/19: Hike into either White Wolf->Pate Valley or WW->Smith Meadows(TBD) and aim for camping around 4:00
8/20:Hike for ~3 hr. Turn back and hike until about the previous nights place or a little further if motivated.
8/21:Return to WW. If back before 3:00 will take the Toulumne hikers bus back to the Visitors Center. May ask for a ride from people in the area if I see any and camp near the Visitors Center.
8/22: If no ride back: Camp in WW and try to get to Visitors Center for a 10:00 Amtrak bus departure for 4:40 arrival in SF.
If I can't get the rides/hikers shuttle will take the YART at 11:00 to the Visitors Center and take a bus at 3:45 for a post 8:30 arrival in SF.
Fly out 8/22 at 11:45.
Debating the flight making ability but that will be a determination of mine that I am still debating.
Thanks again for all the help, I can't wait!