Sunrise Lakes - July or August?

[TechSteve]

Hi all,

Following on from a previous post I made some time back, I would like to ask what everyone's opinions are for dates to tackle The Sunrise Lakes - Clouds Rest - Half Dome route.

I am looking at setting off from Tuolumne Meadows and heading out on the JMT for an overnight stay in the Sunrise lakes area (permit permitting).

Is there much difference between July/August on that route, regarding climate?

Thanks

Steve

[AlmostThere]

No, but there may be a discernible difference in mosquitos!

Later is generally less buggy.

[TechSteve]

So I hear - thank you!

Are water levels much lower in August? Will finding water be more of a problem?

Steve

[AlmostThere]

Last year when most of the streams were gone by July we planned lake to lake and did fine. I don't think you'll have a problem.

[bbmq]

Last year was a particularly bad year for water supply. Sunrise HSC had completely run out of drinking water around Labor Day and had to have in hauled in daily by mule train, you should be okay though if you camp at Cathedral or Sunrise Lakes.