High Sierra Topix

AlmostThere wrote:You'll find it's less difficult getting permits for places like Kings Canyon/Sequoia, Ansel Adams wilderness, etc than it is in Yosemite.

This is true, but within Yosemite it varies from trailhead to trailhead. If you look at their permit availability page, you can easily see which trailheads fill up fastest and just plan to start from a less-popular trailhead.

After reading all your very helpful posts, I'm starting to not be so gung-ho about climbing Half Dome. I knew it would likely be busy, but it really sounds like a potential nightmare, depending on when we're there of course. I think we'll just play that one by ear. If we're there and it's not overly busy, we may try it if we can get a permit. If not, I won't sweat it. Lots of other spectacular places. My friend will only be more than happy not hiking a busy place - if he sees 2 people on a trail, he thinks it's busy

Hiking less busy places sounds alot more motivating! I definitely will visit the valley, regardless, and may do the 4-mile/Panorama loop one day, perhaps North Dome or Clouds Rest another and try to get one or two overnighters (whatever happens to be available)....then do something in Ansel Adams Wilderness/Mammoth Lakes area and check out SEKI.

I take it one must reserve a permit for Rae Lakes loop months in advance as well? Are there last minute permits for this one? This really sounds like an amazing loop trip!

amigo,
I would not give up on your plans for HD. If you can, follow mavricks and markskors advice about hiking in from the Tuolumne side and making a couple days of it. Yes, the crowds are bad and they do take something away from the experience but if you have never been there I think it's well worth it. I was there for my first time last year on a very buisy day and don't know if I would do it again myself. I do know that I'll never be sorry I experienced it that first time on the top. I'm sure that many of these guys have been up HD multiple times and wish they would share what there first time felt like. I can't imagine going back to the east cost and wondering if it would have been worth dealing with the people or not.

I know I sound discouraging, but that's mostly my discouragement. :retard: Doing it as a backpack from Tioga Road trailheads will avoid the wall to wall tourist hordes, until you get to the trail to Half Dome itself. And if you plan to hit the dome fairly early in the day, say before 10 am, you will share the cables with maybe two dozen instead of a hundred people. Weekdays are probably going to be the best days to show up.

I forget that I have been looking at Yosemite Valley from all angles forever and others may find the view jaw-dropping and stunning - I was much happier on Alta peak, and on Donahue Pass, and Silliman Pass watching the sun set over the clouds creeping up into the canyons among the sequoias...

Yep, going up HD by starting on the Tuolumne side (and perhaps include Clouds Rest) sounds like a better option. That, of course, still requires I get an overnight permit. I'll just have to see what the future holds. I think we'll also try to get to Yosemite during the week. How close to Half Dome can one get by camping anywhere, assuming hiking in from Clouds Rest? I'm talking about away from LYV.

Any thoughts on the Rae Lake loop?

Obtaining Yosemite Wilderness Permits is a bit quirky, but still workable still last minute.
Thoughts:
1) The quota system in YNP is based entirely on the trailhead starting out...not the exit. Thus if adamant about going on your intended HD trip, you can "start" at a variety of trailheads, (ask or just look - whatever is open on the board), and still make it to HD.
Budd Lake, Cathedral lakes, Elizabeth Lake trailheads, (among others) will add a day, bit still eventually take you to the same spot (Sunrise Lakes) if Tenaya Lake trailhead is closed.
2) Quota allots 40% "next day only"...Add in the no-shows and that works out to ~50% of the slots at all trailheads always available...tomorrow. A small party (ones and twos) should find little pressure to obtain almost anything. The down side is that you may have to chill out in Tuolumne an extra day...There are worse places to hang out…Acclimate!
3) Saturday and Sunday starts are the most asked for...avoid if possible.
4) Go!
5) Next water after Clouds Rest is ~ 2 miles down, and there is water again about 1/4 mile after CR/HD trail junction (see TOPO)...both possible places to stay over... thus allowing you to get to HD cables relatively early.

I looked back at your planned loop and saw that you may not be passing through Reno/Sparks. But if you do the Great Basin Brewery in Sparks is worth a visit.

If solitude is a priority you could consider staying out of the National Parks.

September usually has beautiful weather.

Thanks for the informative posts. Sounds like lots of options.

No plan on heading in the Lake Tahoe region - just not enough time - I don't even think we'll have time for the coast, but we'll see. We'd hope for some solitudue in our hikes but I don't mind some hikes with more people. Variety is the spice of life

PS. Call it either San Francisco or The City not San Fran. You sound like a tourist.