Ultimate 2 night, 3 day man trip?

[eab03e]

Ok, so yes, I know that there have been many posts about 2-3 day trips, but most of them are like "my girlfriend and i are beginner hikers that would like to take a leisurely stroll through rolling hills and golden pastures." That's not really what we're looking for. We got 4 dudes in their late 20's that want to be challenged and have a helluva good time doing it. What we're looking for is a 2 night, 3 day trip which is difficult, includes waterfalls/swimming holes, amazing views and opportunities for bear wrestling. Also on the final day we need to end up back by the start (where our car is), by around noon, so i'm guessing it should probably be a loop? A couple suggestions we've gotten have been: 1.)John Muir Trail: Happy Isles to Tuolumne Meadows, 2.)Glen Aulin or Lyell Canyon, 3.) Hetchy Hetchy lake loop.

What do you guys reckon for this ultimate bro down?

Just kidding...but seriously?

Thanks,
Eric

[AlmostThere]

When? Time of year matters a lot. You won't be swimming a bunch in fall or winter.... Waterfalls die down by late summer.

You've got three out and backs and a long, more than 2-3 day, loop.

Bear wrestling is kind of a bad idea. Might get you arrested at the least and killed at the worst.

[eab03e]

It's actually coming up soon. We're headed out this coming Thursday. We'll be getting a first come first serve wildnerness permit the morning of. Bear wrestling is a must.

[AlmostThere]

Yosemite has a jail, by the way, and manhandling animals will put you there.

Good luck on the (trickling) waterfalls.

First come, first serve, you'll get what you get. Might get first choice, might not.

[eab03e]

I hope you realize that I am kidding when I talk of "bear wrestling." Thank you and I realize that we will probably get what we can get, but the ranger told us that we should still have a route planned, regardless of what permits are available. Any suggestions?

[AlmostThere]

You wouldn't know, of course, that I run a very large hiking group and have had some very serious ridiculous assertions made... everything from "I'm going to make my own bear can for the trip out of a bucket" to "I can do twenty mile days - well, no, I've never backpacked before, I'm a runner." So I generally respond in a straightforward manner to everything. I've heard "I'm in great shape so I can do it easily" and watched people respond very poorly to the elevation and embarrass themselves. Bear wrestling, carrying a gun, thinking they need an expedition style (-30 rated) sleeping bag, or no sleeping bag at all... yeah, well. There's someone who's been there already. I even know someone who spent time in the jail....

You would probably enjoy hiking one of the rim trails, but ask about water sources and legal camping spots when you pick up the permit. Many of the usual water sources are pretty low or nonexistent. Don't forget the filter. Views are guaranteed.

[bill-e-g]

A man trip is when you say you are going to do something... and fail miserably... and then lie about it.
Drive to Vegas... and see Girls on Trampolines


Seriously though:
If you want a nut buster... try Red Peak Pass loop from valley floor in 3 days. Or from Mono Mdw.
Or 5 Pass Loop from Quartz Mtn in 3 days.
Or White Wolf-Pate-GCT-Glen Aulin-and back in 3 days.

Something easier. Rafferty to Merced Lake and then back to car via Echo Valley/Sunrise HSC/Cath Lakes.
The last one is definitely do-able in 3 days.

Have fun... (and if you don't ... just lie about it (or call it epic) )

[eab03e]

Hahahaha, thanks Bil-E-G, definitely the answer I was looking for. Perhaps we'll fly to vegas afterwards and see "Girls on Trampolines" (probably more doable than bear wrestling). All of your suggestions look great and are really appreciated mate. Looking forward to getting out in the great outdoors and doing GUY STUFF!!

[AlmostThere]

LOL.

Guy stuff.

That's funny.

[bill-e-g]

The nut busters would be very very difficult to get done in 3 days and be back at car by noon.
Also you'd be hard pressed to be able to have any down time to swim or chase bears.
Your best bet imo is the last one... you can go via Rafferty or Lyell.
Lyell would give you the option to do the man thing and go attempt Mt. Lyell (and skip the loop)
(though I've seen many a man turn into a little girlie on the final section of Lyell)
Lyell Canyon start can also get you to Ireland, Vogelsang, and Merced Lake loopy that I mentioned.
Whatever you do... Don't do any Synchronized Swimming in the Lakes
That is not very manly (neither is Synchronized Diving)
(although I will DEFINITELY ALLOW Synchronized Belly Flops)

Have fun