Glen Aulin to Virginia Lakes vis Summit Lake

[Bill deter]

I have hiked for many years in Yosemite. I'm planning my last hike from Tuolumne Meadows- Glen Aulin - Virginia Canyon to Summit Lake to Virginia Lakes campground.
I'm looking for any information on this hike. My group will be 4 hikers in our mid-60's in good shape. I would appreciate any insight into the trails/ conditions on this hike. We are targeting July 2012.

[balzaccom]

I don't think anyone will be able to give you much information on conditions until about two weeks before your hike--but if you've hiked Yosemite before, that shouldn't come as a surprise to you.

What kind of information do you want about this hike?

[orion]

the route from summit to virginia lakes has a pretty high pass, so if anyone seems to be having problems with altitude around tuolmne, it could get worse. i've had that experience taking a fit older person on that route. aside from that, given the winter so far, it should be clear of most snow with wild flowers in bloom. also, expect the trails and campsites to be heavily impacted by horse for most of that route.

[Bill deter]

I did a 2 mile day hike from Virginia Lakes campground west toward Summit Lake. I've also covered Glen Aulin and parts of Cold Canyon on a Smedburg Lake loop. I'm interested in the type of trail that exists from Summit Lake going east for 2 miles or so.....basically going over the pass. I know weather (snow) has to be considered but outside of the elevation gain are there any other issues?
Thanks for any insight you may have.

[balzaccom]

IT's a reasonably popular trail. Easy to follow (without snow). It goes up the canyon and over the pass. Lovely country.

We don't have any photos of that particular trail but it isn't much different from Kerrick or Matterhorn Canyons--and the pass isn't any higher than many others in Yosemite.

[bill-e-g]

Actually the pass is right around Red Peak... which is by far the highest in Yosemite.
So... it's high. Even if you only did a small dayhike from Virginia Lakes TH... then you
know what the trail is like all the way to Summit Lake. It's pretty much the same.
Volcanic type rock. Since it's so high... snow may be issue in early July.
I don't think the stream crossings to Summit should be too much of an issue.
That being said... only been on the trail once. And that was late July.
If you go early... McCabe and Return Creek crossings can pose issues.
If you want to be safe... go late July IMO. Prob. can find a bunch of photos on the web.
If not I can share some of mine if you like.
Have fun

[Bill deter]

Thanks everyone the Great information.
Another question. We will have one vehicle. My plan was to start and Tuolomne Meadows and exit at Virgina Lakes. Are there any transportation options to get me back to TM to get my vehicle?
I'm open to any suggestions.
Thanks

[dan]

Are there any transportation options to get me back to TM to get my vehicle?

1. Mammoth Taxi, IIRC, will shuttle you, for a price.

2. Hitch-hike down to US 395, then again up Tioga Road. The first leg down to 395 will be easy. The rest more difficult (lots of waiting)

3. Continue cross-country to Saddlebag Lake campground then hitch-hike to Tioga Road