3-5 day trip to Yosemite

[dynamic]

Hello Everyone,

I am planning a two week vacation in northern California at the beginning of Sept. I would love to spend 3-5 days in Yosemite, but I need to convince my GF that it's worthwhile, which I doubt will be much of a problem. The issue is that we do not know the park very well (it's our first time) and considering all the options available, it's a bit daunting to make a plan.

I know I probably will not be disappointed with any decision but I thought it might be useful to reach out to the Yosemite Forum for some advice.

Essentially, we will be backpacking in and want do some moderate hikes. Possibly a nice loop. We are both in our late 20s and in decent shape. But I don't want to do something too taxing as I need to make sure I don't get injured as I will be entering basic training at the end of Sept. Also, I don't think my GF is as keen as I am with all this.

Any good suggestions, tips, etc?

Thanks!

C

[balzaccom]

We have a whole list of hikes in Yosemite on our website---so that might be one resource to check.

How much backpacking experience do you have? How many miles do you want to hike? Are you used to high altitude? All of those are things to consider.

The most popular trails are often booked up in advance, so you may have to take what permit you can get, but here are a few basic options:

May Lake/Ten Lakes Basin...and maybe add in Polly Dome Lakes, if only because it is easier to get a permit there.

If you can do some cross-country navigation, then Nelson Lake to Vogelsang, up Fletcher Creek and back to Tuolumne Meadows.

If you can get a permit, Happy Isles to Little Yosemite Valley and Half Dome--good luck on that one,

Toulumne Meadows to Glen Aulin, McCabe Lakes, Young Lakes, and back to TM.


lots of choices. Lots of fun