Happy Isles to Tuolumne Questions

[mgoblue]

Hello all, I'm planning a backpacking trip to Yosemite in mid to late August and this the route I would like to do. I'm fine reversing this route as well if I had too. I just had a few questions I would like to get better answers on.

The first being the availability of water along this route. Does Sunrise creek typically have water all year round? I know its difficult to tell this early in the year, but assuming an average year, is water available at decent intervals on this route?

How bad are bugs in middle-late August?

I know many people go to Half-Dome and if I can secure a permit I would like to do this, however I also want to go to Cloud's Rest. Looking at a map I've found it appears I could go to Cloud's Rest, continue past it, go right at a junction and meet back up with the JMT at Sunrise Creek. Am I correct that I could do this?

So ideally my itinerary would be first day: start at Happy Isles TH and hike to and camp at LYV. Second day: head up Half Dome early, go to Cloud's Rest, then camp at Sunrise Creek or Sunrise Lakes. Third day: Hike to Cathedral Lakes and camp there. Fourth Day: Hike out and exit at Cathedral Lakes TH.

I would very much appreciate any tips or insight anyone can provide.

[balzaccom]

Yes, water is available at decent intervals on this route. You should have no problems

Bugs are always worse earlier in the year. By August you should have no problems.

"Looking at a map I've found it appears I could go to Cloud's Rest, continue past it, go right at a junction and meet back up with the JMT at Sunrise Creek. Am I correct that I could do this?" Yep. You should have no problems!

Sounds like a great trip!

[mgoblue]

Thanks for your response balzaccom. I did not get Happy Isles TH as my starting point but ended up with Glacier Point which is fine by me. Also got a Half Dome permit, win some lose some.

My question now, is should I take the bus up to Glacier Point, or access it via the Four mile trail? I would be continuing to LYV campground that day whichever way I came. I would be planning on going up Half Dome and to Cloud's Rest the following day so I don't want to wipe myself out the first day going up Four mile.

I suppose I could also drive up, leave my car there, and take the bus up/hike up on the day after my exit day when I return to Yosemite Valley from Tuolumne Meadows.

Anyone done this or have opinions as to the best way to go about it?

[dan]

I would take the bus up to GP. You can walk up too, but it seems to me you'll do plenty of uphill walking to HD, CR, and to TM.

I did a dayhike from GP thru LYV to Happy Isles (after taking the bus). You'll have time to hike up the Four Mile Trail instead of doing the bus, if you wish.