Planning First Backpacking Trip in Yosemite - Advice

[bkurkela]

Hi,

I live in New York and after my first backpacking trip this past summer in the Adirondacks High Peaks region, I decided I wanted to plan a trip out West. I've settled on Yosemite, but do not know where to begin. I'd like to plan out an approximately 5-6 day trip, with between 3-5 people. All would be in well-enough shape to withstand 8-10 mile hikes daily and have previous backpacking experience.
The trip will be next May. This is mid to late May, as in the 15-30th.
Trip time is 5-6 days.

I'm looking to spend a day or two in Yosemite Valley for the classic views (also would like to make extensive use of the camera), but the rest of the trip I am looking for something more secluded, and a mix of meadows, mountains, waterfalls and lakes. Essentially I don't want to do hikes where the destination could easily be driven to.

I have a few books that I can reference, but I need some advice from people with experience.

Any advice? Thanks a lot in advance!

~ Brandon

[AlmostThere]

That early in the season there will be snow at higher elevations and patches of it at mid-elevation. Tioga Pass may not be open yet. Creeks will be running very high and unsafe to cross in some cases.

If you are looking for something secluded, Yosemite isn't really what you want. It's not that it won't be worth it, the scenery is absolutely unforgettable, but secluded doesn't really exist in Yosemite until you are two or three days away from any road.

Lower elevation hikes would be in the Hetch Hetchy area (tho there will be tons, tons, tons of water, snow patches and poison oak along the trail at lowest parts) and the loop including Chilnualna Lakes/Falls and the Buena Vista trail. These are less likely to have snow blocking the trail.

If you plan for later in the year, say June or July, Tioga Pass opens and you will be able to do the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, or any number of other loop/trails off the north side of the road. The JMT will fall into the "not secluded" section of the park as will anything down from Sunrise to Happy Isles.... but if you want to see the iconic places in the park, enduring the hordes on the trail between Half Dome and the valley will be necessary.

[balzaccom]

I am going to agree and disagree!

You don't have to hike two days from a road to get seclusion. Illilouette Canyon, Kibbie Ridge, and other trails are only one day in, and we've never run into more than a couple of people on those trails...

But May is early. Snow may be well be down to around 7500 feet then, and if you look at your topo maps, most of the park is higher than that!

I'd aim for a month later, and be prepared for lots of mosquitoes!

[hiker97]

I guess "secluded" is also worth defining. The first time I ever went backpacking was to Glen Aulin and although now it seems crowded to me, early on in my hiking experiences I felt I was in a secluded area. Seeing a dozen or so people during the day, or even two dozen, is a whole lot less than the thousands in the Valley. I think there are a good number of beautiful areas reachable via a one-day hike. If it turns out to be another low snow year, then the sub-8,000' elevation hikes should be OK around Memorial Day. But you never know, if we get a good snow year then choices will be more limited.

[hiker97]

I guess "secluded" is also worth defining. The first time I ever went backpacking was to Glen Aulin and although now it seems crowded to me, early on in my hiking experiences I felt I was in a secluded area. Seeing a dozen or so people during the day, or even two dozen, is a whole lot less than the thousands in the Valley. I think there are a good number of beautiful areas reachable via a one-day hike. If it turns out to be another low snow year, then the sub-8,000' elevation hikes should be OK around Memorial Day. But you never know, if we get a good snow year then choices will be more limited.