Suggestions on 3-4 day backpacking trip in late June

[Mhunter5]

I would like suggestions for a 3-4 day backpacking trip in late June. I would like great higher elevation scenery but realize it may not be possible to go too high because of snow. I would also like to avoid crowds. Also, recommendations on where to camp before we set off backpacking would be helpful!

[tyler]

Ostrander Lake is a great spot to avoid crowds for a few days. There are even some off-trail lakes in the area if you don't mind cross-country travel. You could definitely make some loops or lollipops out of the area. I think by late June, unless it's a huge snow year (which it doesn't seem like it'll be), you'll be sleeping and hiking on dry ground.
Another is Roosevelt Lake in the Young Lakes area. You could climb some of the nearby peaks, or you could just make a big loop, coming out at Glen Aulin or Saddlebag Lake. I'm definitely going to try and get out there this Summer. This, of course, would only work if the snow levels aren't too high. Again, by late June this year, I don't think it'll be that big of a deal. Keep posted, of course, on the conditions as Spring rolls by.
Perhaps, if there is a huge dump in March or April, the Old Big Oak Flat Road would be a good trip? You start from highway 120 and end up at the base of Yosemite Falls.
Those are just a few trips I could think of off the top of my head. There's a ton of stuff to do in Yosemite, and it's not too hard to ditch the crowds, even in early June.

[balzaccom]

Bear in mind that the Tioga Road may not be open by late June--which would prevent the Glen Aulin/Young Lakes suggestions. Another option is Cherry Lake/Lake Eleanor area, where you could hike to Boundary Lake, Lake Vernon, or Kibbie Lake if you want something shorter.

If there is more snow, you might look at Emigrant Wilderness. There are plenty camping areas for the night before, and you could look at hikes to Hyatt Lake, Deer Lake, or Clark Fork, Sword lake, or Disaster Creek on the other side of the highway, in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness.

Do keep in mind that even is snow levels are down, the creeks are going to be high---and cross carefully and safely---or choose to live another day.

We have a whole section on early season hikes on our website...