please recommend a 3 night trip in yosemite late september

[bob13bob]

trying to apply for permits right now.

[Phil]

Late September is, well, sort of late. You might run into some weather problems at altitude, but if the forecasts work in your favor, the park is pretty much wide open to whatever your abilities will permit.

Here's a few to consider:

Tuolumne to Yosemite Valley via the JMT is popular. Tuolumne to Yosemite Valley via Vogelsang and Merced Lake is nice. Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne via Glen Aulin is another. 10 Lakes Basin is pretty cool. Mix and match. Be real about the weather, trail conditions, and what you can pull off in the time you have. The number of permits issued at that point in time go way, way down, so you most likely can do just about anything without reservations on a walk-up basis.

[bob13bob]

bringing my wife. it'll be her first time to yosemite. we've backpacked the grand canyon during that cold snap hitting lows of 10f (amazoning neoprene socks and the like the week of departure). Doesn' seem like the weather will be too bad during that time, just the waterfalls a bit dry and the trails worn down.

[Phil]

Catch as catch can, Bob. We've been in good and bad in late September, so the weather is still something to keep an eye on.

[Grzldvt]

For 3 days in September, I like Phil's suggestion of 10 Lakes. You can go in setup camp and day hike the area. Another option is Lyell Canyon, there is a loop from Lyell to Vogelsang, and down Rafferty. Camp out along the tail end of Lyell and relax with the views. Setup camp and day hike to Donahue pass it is an incredible spot to go up to. Then head over to Vogelsang, camp out, the 3rd day head out Rafferty to your car.