4-5 day October Backpacking Trip Suggestions

[BuckWildBrady]

Hello fellow adventurers!

I am trying to plan a 4-5 day backpacking trip to Yosemite in mid October. I have never been to the park and am not all that familiar with the terrain and layout. i know it is going to be kind of late in the season so i am prepared for what the weather might bring but i was wondering if anybody could give me some tips on what hikes are best during this time period. I will most likely be solo, but i may have a friend or two with me. All of us are experienced hikers. I am 23 years old and in good shape so terrain doesn't really come in to play as far as "do-ability" goes but i would like some challenging terrain. Any input would be helpful. Thank you for your time

-Tim

[balzaccom]

That late in the season, you should have a couple of different itineraries in mind,depending on what the weather is doing. and on Oxctber 15 the Tioga Pass road will be closed to overnight parking--which means you should probably start your trip in the Valley or Glacier Point. Take a look at our website, we have a big list of trips there, including some that would fit your interests pretty well.

I would also check out Emigrant Wilderness, as the elevations of the high country there are lower, and maybe a little easier in October

[bill-e-g]

You can't park overnight on GP Road either after Oct. 15.

Just start in the valley at Happy Isles and walk up the Merced as far as you like.
You've never been so it will be really nice. Start early and you won't see many.
After Nevada and LYV you will probably see a scant few.

[textpatriot]

Hi there, it seems you and I are planning something very similar. I'll be hiking alone as well, arriving October 8th and coming back on October 10th afternoon. I'm also not sure about which trail to take, and I'm still figuring out the camping rules.

I think the above poster who said you should have a few iteneraries planned, was right. There's 50-50 chance of rain at this time of the year. But I'm still hoping that it will go up to the 70's during the day and not be colder than the 20's at night. I got my stats from here: http://yosemitefun.com/yosemite_best_time_to_visit.htm

I will be travelling on foot/bus/shuttle. So I'm thinking of either starting off at Happy Isles and going towards Clouds Rest and then to Sunrise Rest, and finally to Tenyaka Lake. I could also stay in the Valley and visit Mirror Lake and the Mist Trail. There are about 50 or so trails, you can get a trailhead map here: www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/upload/trailheadmap.pdf

It seems you posted your question quite a while ago, so any chance you have developed a plan? I could use some pointers.

Also, you can visit my blog to see how my planning is shaping up. I'm updating everyday.
http://mixedupasmilkshakes.wordpress.com