First-timers backpacking from Murphy Creek trailhead

[Blakesley]

I'm so excited to be planning our first Yosemite backpacking trip with my son for his 13th birthday. We have a permit for three nights from the Murphy Creek trailhead which was one of the few that was available in the Tuolumne area. It sounds like Glen Aulin camp would be way too crowded for us--can anyone recommend an itinerary? We' want something not too strenuous and don't want to be on the trail all day every day--maybe get to a base camp and then do day hikes from there? Would you recommend Polly Dome Lake for the first night, then McGee Lake? Some spot past Glen Aulin? I was concerned that Polly Dome lake might be too swampy and buggy for camping. Would love some input!

[balzaccom]

Polly Dome lakes ( there are several) should give you a good spot for the first night. After that, you have lots of options, including both High Sierra camps (May Lake and Glen Aulin) which will be relatively crowded. Ten lakes basin, further up the trail, will have more opportunities to escape the crowds. But if you get to May Lake, you can hike up to the top of Mt. Hoffman, which has stunning views.

[Blakesley]

Thanks for the tip! How long/strenuous a hike is it from Polly Dome lakes to Ten Lakes Basin? Want to make sure we leave plenty of time for just relaxing, swimming, etc. so my son wants to come back and do it again!

[balzaccom]

It's about ten miles to the first lake...lovely country.

May Lake is closer--but much more crowded

[Blakesley]

Hmmm...ten miles might be a bit much for us, especially if it's hilly--what's the terrain like? We've backpacked a couple of times before but never more than 4 miles in a day--he's still small (5'3" and 95 pounds). Looks like there might be a steep ascent up to Ten Lakes, right? and I think we want to avoid the crowds at Glen Aulin and May Lake. Any thoughts on what might be closer? Maybe hike on past Glen Aulin and just camp away from the crowds along the river? Thanks for letting me pick your brains--I feel like I'm flying blind since I've never been to this area!

[balzaccom]

Yes--there is some uphill to get to Ten Lakes, that's for sure. And no great places to stop half-way along.

Maybe just see how he does on the first day--that last couple hundred yards up to Polly Dome Lake are very steep, so that would give you a clue.

And yes, you could also just hike a bit down canyon from Glen Aulin and camp along the river...

[AlmostThere]

I can think of two trails that have more than a mile of flat on them in the Central Sierra Nevada...

There will be plenty of up and down. Fortunately, you can slow down on the uphill bits.

[Grzldvt]

Polly Dome lakes the first night, Raisin Lake the second, not a long hike from one lake to the next, then May Lake. May lake can go either way, I have been there when it was crowded, and a day later the place was empty. Then take the trail out the backside of May Lake back to Murphy Creek.

[paula53]

I second the hike from Polly Dome Lakes to Raisin Lake. Raisin Lake is one of the meadows warmer lakes. Then over to May Lake. The 10 Lake Trail over Tuolumne Peak is over 10 miles, and in the heat is too strenuous for a youngster.