Tuolumne walk-up permit 7/4 weekend

[counselor]

My girlfriend, to her credit, is showing interest in my activities and wants to join me on a Yosemite backpacking trip. I had planned an easy tuolumne to valley trip, and had a cathedral lakes permit in hand for 7/1 (exiting in the valley 7/4). I don't expect to be able to get a walk-up to cathedral lakes for her (especially since I'm not one to get in line at 6am...or earlier). Any idea what kind of permits might be available on 7/1 for a 7/2 departure from Tuolumne, presuming we show up around 10/11 am on 7/1? Would love to go to the Valley but realize that will be next to impossible. I'd take a 1-2 night loop from Tuolumne but am open to what the HST community thinks.

[balzaccom]

It all depends on your fellow hikers. The trailheads that DON"T fill in quickly are places like Murphy Creek (to Polly Dome Lakes) a Glen Aulin pass through to lower down in the Tuolumne Canyon or up Conness Creek...

Or if you are comfortable with a little xc, Echo Lake.

Once you get a permit, you'll be out on the trail, and can find some place nice to sleep!

[maverick]

Hi Brett,

Question is, how much experience does you girlfriend have? Has she backpacked before? What distances would she be comfortable with? Could she handle swarms of mosquitoes without being turned off by the experience for good?
If she has no experience, then do not even consider taking her on anything long, make sure she is backpacking fit, and take her to 20 Lakes Basin or Little Lakes Valley when the mosquitoes are gone, where the mileage is minimal but the rewards are great.