Backpacking on Glen Aulin and May Lake HSC Trail

[seolac]

I am planning on family backpacking from TM to Glen Aulin and May Lake to Tenaya Lake over July 4th weekend (1st night at TM, 2nd at Glen Aulin, 3rd at May Lake). It will be my first overnight backpacking in Yosemite even though I did lots of day hikes in the past there, and I would like to ask a few things:

- How are the campgrounds at Glen Aulin and May Lake? Are they pretty much like the ones at Yosemite Valley or TM? Are there plenty of spaces or is it getting full if we arrive late?
- Do I need to bring a water filter on this trip? I just found out that drinking water is available at the HSC. Is it easy to get? How other people do?
- Bear canister? Should I rent it from the wilderness center at TM when I pick up the permit or can I use a bear box at the campgrounds? Is bear a real problem on this trail? Should I bring anything else for potential bear issue?
- Good places for lunch break on TM-to-Glen Aulin and Glen Aulin-to-May Lake?
- Mosquito problems early July?

Any suggestions and recommendations would be great. Thanks!

[AlmostThere]

The campsites at the high sierra camps are not at all like the campgrounds in the valley since the ones in the valley are for RVs and cars. You will share the campsites with anyone who shows up that day. Not sure if they ever fill, I never stay at them myself. But I suspect that they could fill.

I would recommend taking a water filter and a bear canister, since that would free you up to camp elsewhere in the event the bear lockers or the campsites at either HSC are full. You will likely be expected to be a mile or two beyond the HSC to legally camp.

Good places for a lunch break? Too many to mention. Take your pick.

Probably some mosquitos, but it's such a dry year that most will be gone by then.

[Chlo83]

We are doing the same hike as a family just after the July 4th weekend - would be great to hear how you guys went

[seolac]

I just came back from my backpacking trip and want to update. First of all, it was a great trip and we will remember it for a long time and already planning the southwestern part of the HSC trail.

To answer my questions..
- The campgrounds at Glen Aulin and May Lake are pretty good. Even on July 4th weekend, there are lots of spaces available. Water and restroom is near-by.
- Regarding a water filter.. as far as people stay at HSC campgrounds, they don't need a water filter. There is treated water available for backpackers.
- Bear canisters.. When I picked up a wilderness permit, I asked a ranger about it. He said if we stay at HSC campgrounds, we don't need it. So we didn't rent a bear canister and use a bear box at the campgrounds. There was no problem at all.
- Good places for lunch break for TM-to-Glen Aulin is about 2 miles from Lambert Dome trailhead when you meet Tuolumne river or the area about a mile before Glen Aulin when you cross a bridge and waterfalls. There is not much area between Glen-Aulin and May Lake, but I can recommend an area about a mile after Ten Lake Junction as you see a grand view of the high sierra.
- Mosquito was a real problem. It was good in the first part of the trail between TM and Glen-Aulin, but as we were close to Glen Aulin we encountered a problem. It became much much worse between Glen-Aulin and May Lake. So be prepare for them. We had mosquito repellent and insect shield hats, but they don't seem to deter those mosquito. So terrible.

Hope it helps anyone to plan ahead.