Hike from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley

[BHagood]

Hi all.

I'm new here, and trying to plan a 3-day hike from Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley, possibly ending with Half Dome. I would like to roughly follow this route: http://www.everytrail.com/guide/tuolumne-meadows-to-yosemite-valley/map#poi-0

Here's where I need some help. If I were to split this hike into 3 days, where should I camp the first and second nights? I was looking at Vogelsang High Sierra Camp, but the lottery system looks tricky. Does anyone have experience with this? If you aren't able to get a spot, is there a backup option to camp somewhere else, or are you just screwed?

I'm planning on going Memorial Day weekend.

Thanks for your help!
-Brian

[Grzldvt]

Ok, I'll bite. Depending on the snowfall Memorial Day may be too soon to even go, as the road may not be open. If the road is open, you need to know the snow level at Vogelsang, which can be very deep.
Personally, I would not get too excited about this trip until early May. if you are planning on staying at one of the High Sierra cabins, don't, because they won't be open. It is the cabins and camp are on the lottery, the wilderness permit system is on a reservation system which you can do based on this page - http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wpres.htm Staying at the backpackers campground should not be a problem if you get a permit for the trailhead
First night Vogelsang, second night Merced High Sierra backpackers camp, then out

[AlmostThere]

First, see how much snow there is. Second, see if the pass opens by then. Third, start by doing one night easy low mile backpacks in your local area, figuring out how many miles a day you can manage. There are those who day hike that route, and those who do it in two days, and those who do it in four - it all depends on your endurance, your comfort levels, and your goals for the trip.

And you'll have to keep a close eye on the Half Dome permitting regs, which seem to change every year. Go to the official Yosemite website and figure that bit out.

[balzaccom]

All good advice here. The only thing I would add is that you can't camp at the Vogelsang high Sierra Camp unless you get a reservation and pay for it. (as noted, it won't be open on Memorial Day weekend.)

But you can easily camp around Tuolumne Pass, which is where the camp it. Emeric Lake is one option, or go over Vogelsang Pass and down into Lewis Creek--or up to Bernice Lake.

My guess? Memorial Weekend is way too early for this hike. You would do better to look a lower elevation hikes for late May.