High Sierra Topix

My buddies and I are looking to do a three day/two night trip later this month. Since it's been a very mild winter, we're hoping to find something in the lower elevations so we won't need snow equipment (snow shoes, crampons, etc). Some snow would be fine. We're fairly experienced and comfortable with route finding. We primarily enjoy big views, mountain lakes, waterfalls, photography and solitude. Depending on the conditions, probably 6-8 miles a day would be ideal (we typically do 10-12 during the summer). A loop is always preferred, but out and back is perfectly fine.

Anybody have any recommendations? Seems like there might be options in Domeland or north of Yosemite, but hoping to get some insight from the folks here on HST. If we can't find anything, we'll probably look into a desert hike. We just need a nature fix

TL;DR Mid march, three days, not much snow, pretty views. Recommendations?

Edit: Removed link to my site.

You should check out your own site. It's broken (TR links are 404).

EDIT: works now... thanks.

lots of snow now. how does that play into your mid March plans?

Forgot to throw this in: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4205" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Respond accordingly.

And welcome to the HST!

Yep, I read that before posting and included all the relevant details in my OP. Was there something missing? And the reason for the post is to figure out how that impacts my mid-March plans. Thanks for any help.

nothing other than the fresh snow and the current storms. If your blog is correct, why are you asking? you would know where to go.

If you're doing miles mid March, they will be on snow.

It's tough to get big mountain vistas and not have so much snow that you are you wallowing in it right now.

The best bet might be something like Hite Cove, which is well below snow levels, between Maripos and Yosemite. But's it's only about 4-5 miles each way...

There's a trip report on our site about it.

I'm guessing this is more about hits to the blog, but whatever.

There are no low elevation places to go backpacking for three days with big views, mountain lakes, etc.

Henry Coe has stock ponds and hills with dry grass. The coast has great views of the ocean from some of the trails. Steer clear of some of the high ridges, which have snow.

Have fun.

AlmostThere wrote:I'm guessing this is more about (directing more) hits to the (your) blog, but whatever.

Sounds like that to me too.

if he doesn't respond in a day, delete the thread. just saying..

balzaccom wrote:There's a trip report on our site about it.

AlmostThere wrote:I'm guessing this is more about hits to the blog, but whatever.

Hmmmm....