First Hike in Yosemtie

[eatdrinkadam]

Hello all..

Avid hiker here. Looking to do my first hike in Yosemite. I am looking to do the John Muir, Happy Isles to Red Meadows.

I wanted to get in touch with anyone who has done this leg of the hike before? This will be a multi-day hike of course, so I have some basic survival questions here:

-Are there sufficient areas throughout the trail good to fetch water? I understand there are many lakes and streams, but wasn't sure what the water quality tends to be like. I will have a filter just in case.
-Are fish abundant in said lakes and streams?
-Is bear-spray a good idea for area black bears?
-Anything else I should be aware or prep for?

Thanks for any responses in advanced. Love this forum.

A

[balzaccom]

Here are most of the answers to your questions:


-Are there sufficient areas throughout the trail good to fetch water? I understand there are many lakes and streams, but wasn't sure what the water quality tends to be like. I will have a filter just in case.

Yes, there will be ample opportunites to get water. A filter or some kind of water treatment is recommended.

-Are fish abundant in said lakes and streams?

In some of them. Most of the lower lakes have fish, andmost of the streams. In most cases they won't be large: 6-12 inches

-Is bear-spray a good idea for area black bears?

No, and it's illegal in Yosemite to use it.

-Anything else I should be aware or prep for?

Got your permit? Stay out of the water above waterfalls and rapids, keep hydrated, and you should be fine. It's a lovely trip.

[eatdrinkadam]

Great thanks so much for the response. I think that clears it up. So with no bear-spray, I take it the black bears aren't much of a worry. I have been around them before, and they seem very tolerant with people (atleast the ones in that region)

I will be doing a walk up to get my permit. The rangers said it is fairly easy, as long as you show up in the morning, the day before your hike.

One last thing, do you know if there is a shuttle from mammoth lakes (red meadows) back to the yosemite area or trailhead? I have heard of one, but information is sparse.

Thanks

[balzaccom]

Bears ARE a problem if you camp where lots of sloppy people camp. Those bears have become accustomed to getting food from people, and that's the problem. But if you use your bear can at all times, and avoid the really heavily camped up areas (Merced Lake even has bear BOXES for backpackers) you won't have any problems.

Sorry, but I don't know about the shuttle...

[Grzldvt]

From what i know the shuttle, as it is called is several private individuals that are willing to shuttle people from one trail head to another. We baled out on a trip due to very nasty storms and there were several people willing to do the shuttle, BUT, it wasn't cheap, in fact it was quite expensive.
Check with the Red Meadows folks to see what they have