Advice for a new trip

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Asolthane
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Re: Advice for a new trip

Post by Asolthane »

Wandering Daisy wrote:SEKI does not allow dogs in the parks.

I would not say the east side is out, because with Tioga Pass open, it is a straight shot to Lee Vining. I think the higher elevations, thus more snow, is more of a factor that would deter an east side trip, rather than the drive time.

Look at the FS land on the south border of Yosemite. From Fernandez trailhead you can easily get into the Lillian Lake area. It is at about 8500 feet but gets fair sunlight so may be snow-free enough to find dry campsites. It all would depend on if the Beasores Road is open to the trailhead. I heard that Minaret Road is open now. Another close by area would be Cora Lakes up to Sadler Lake. Again it depends on the road being open.

Obviously, if you leave the dog home, more possibilities open up such as Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, which has been one of my regular early season trips. Or trips out of Hetch Hetchy.

I am debating on a 5-6 day trip around Memorial Day too. Deep river crossings are a problem. Am looking for a route with bridges.
If you do the Lillian Lake route, I can offer some good tips. Great area.
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maiathebee
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Re: Advice for a new trip

Post by maiathebee »

Wandering Daisy wrote: Desolation Wilderness is also dog friendly, but not sure what their group size limit is. Aloha Lake is huge with lots of campsites. Suzie Lake from Gen Aulin offers less in roomy camping. The Velma Lakes are nice but you may hit snow on the way in.
Many Desolation zones have quotas of 8 or less, but there are some zones that have large quotas. Permits for Aloha are almost surely reserved for a weekend start date, but the quota is 36 so a walk up may be possible. I was out that way hiking Glen Alpine trailhead towards Aloha on 5/23/14 and we only made it to Heather Lake due to too much snow. With more snow this year, I guess maybe two weeks later could possibly be ok, but I'd definitely go in expecting snow.

Check the Desolation Wilderness guide for details.

ImageSnowfields on the west shore of Susie on 5/23/14 by Maia Averett, on Flickr
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justinbaker8484
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Re: Advice for a new trip

Post by justinbaker8484 »

At that time of year, Emigrant out of crabtree would be the best place as it's at a lower elevation without steep passes. Emigrant is a really fun place to hike. There are no quotas for emigrant.
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