Hi Adam,
Adam wrote:
Looking to do about 35-45 miles total and would love to see Cloud Canyon & Bighorn
Plateau.
Visiting Cloud Canyon alone would take you more mileage than what you indicated
that you are willing to do.
Your mileage simply doesn't allow you to visit the places you indicated as a loop, and
from the east.
Visiting Bighorn coming in from Shepherd and exiting via Whitney would hit your
mileage requirements, but getting permits to exit or entering via Whitney will
be problematic and exiting out via the southern passes, south of Whitney, would
put you over the mileages you have indicated.
Shepherd or Whitney would be a brutal start for your short trip of 4 nights and
you would have the issue of getting back to the car.
The Rae Lake Loop out of Onion Valley, clockwise is 41.4 miles long, a beautiful
trip, but with it being a holiday weekend, expect company. If you do decide
on this trip, stay in Middle Paradise Valley, and at Dragon Lake for some solitude
if the crowds are big.
The North Lake to South Lake via Lamarck Col is a classic hike thru some of the
best areas in the Sierra. This is great trip, but would add on at least one more day,
two would be even better, if you can.
The Minarets out of Mammoth would give you sub-lime scenery, though a lot of
people if you stay at the more popular spots. 1000 Is Lake, Garnet, and Ediza Lake
are all popular, add in some of the lakes in the southern end like Ashley, which
is not crowded, quite stunning, and work your way up towards the 1000 Is Lake
area via the JMT. Minaret Lake to Lake Ediza is a classic route that is beautiful.
There are numerous TR's that you can use the "search feature" to check out these
specific areas, and then get back to us with any question or areas of interest.
Expect mosquitoes to be at peak in some of these areas, be prepared.
Also know your limitation in regards to elevation, some of these trips, especially
from the east get to high elevation very fast, and altitude sickness can be an issue.