Trail Conditions Memorial Day Weekend

[Rboyd12]

Hello All,

My girlfriend and I are both avid hikers on the east coast and have planned a 4-day hike the week of Memorial Day (May 24-28) due to our full schedules this summer. Our trailhead permits are for Tenaya Lake-Sunrise (if accessible) and we are planning to travel down Cloudsrest->JMT Junction, then up half-dome and around past LYV. I understand there is likely to still be a good amount of snow coverage throughout our trip, but I'm trying to determine if this is doable and worth the travel (she's not the biggest fan of bitter cold hiking temperatures). I'm wanting to gain some opinions based on current weather conditions and experience. We have 3-season gear, but aren't exactly equipped for snow camping. Any advise would' be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Ryan

[AlmostThere]

Did you remember to add the Half Dome permit to the backpacking permit? It's not automatic and it's not guaranteed.

given the poor snow pack it's likely the pass will be open - however, it could still pull a hat trick and snow some more. Like all of us, keep an eye on the Yosemite conditions page on their website.

At higher elevations you should be prepared for 20F lows at night regardless of whether it is summer or not - I have been snowed on in July, and it will be frequently below freezing even if the weather is fair. I am not certain what your girlfriend qualifies as bitter cold, but for me, that's the way it is and I don't go unprepared for it. In May I would expect freezing or slightly below at night at higher elevations.

[balzaccom]

You should also be prepared for the fact that the trailhead itself might not be accessible. If that's the case, you'll need a Plan B...maybe the steep climb out of Snows Creek up to North Dome & Mt, Watkins...which also offer great views. Not quite like CLoud's Rest, but still pretty darn good.