7 days in Yosemite

[maccattack]

Hi

I'll be in Yosemite from this Sunday for maybe 7 days and need things to do (which I guess won't be a problem!). I'll be coming with a friend and we are active '30 something' guys. We'd like to go on a backpack for 3-4 nights and also take in some other adventures. Not looking to spend a huge amount of money so luxury isn't an issue for us.

Can anyone kindly point us in the way of tour operators to arrange this for us? Or does anyone have any suggestions of an itinerary for a week?

Thanks a lot

Andrew

[balzaccom]

Do you have a place to stay? That should be first on your list. I am not aware of any outfits that offer "walk-up" backpacking trips for sale. Group trips need to be planned and permitted well in advance. If I were you, I would focus on day hikes and enjoy those. Figure on a couple of days hiking around Yosemite Valley, from the very popular routes ( like up to Nevada Falls or Yosemite Falls) to more isolated spots like Ribbon Falls or Snow Creek...

And then a day to visit Glacier Point and the Wawona grove of giant redwoods.

And then three or four days to day-hike in Tuolumne Meadows; Gaylor Lakes, Lembert and Pothole Domes, Lyell Canyon, Glen Aulin.

And absolutely your one major day hike should be Cloud's Rest from Tenaya Lake/Olstead Point. 15 miles, and amazing

You don't have enough time!

[maccattack]

Thanks Balzaccom, much appreciated. As its a last minute vacation (like we decided yesterday to fly in a couple of days time!), planning has been limited. We're on it today!

I've heard back from a few backpack operators who are looking for c$600 for 3 day/night guided backpacks which is probably too much money. I'll definitely check out those places you've mentioned.

One more question: is there a couple of areas you'd recommend basing for the trip? As we're a couple of 30ish guys we'd be looking to base ourselves near where others might be so we could share a few beers in the evening if that was possible

Thanks a lot!

A