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Re: Help me plan a 3 day backpacking trip

Posted: Tue May 11, 2010 11:53 pm
by diesel
Checked the nps site and luckily the shuttle does go to white wolf now as well so I would have that to fall back on. Dangerous stream crossings would be new territory for me though Im up for the challenge and certainly don't mind getting wet. Were these a frequent encounter on the trail? I'll make sure to call and inquire about water levels In June

Re: Help me plan a 3 day backpacking trip

Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 8:08 am
by Wandering Daisy
I cannot judge what is "dangerous" to you versus myself with regard to river crossings. Like previously stated, if a crossing looks dangerous and you cannot find a log to cross safely, you need to be prepared to retreat. In your decription of your qualifications you stated that river crossings are "no problem". It is hard to say what you will encounter. It depends on the time of day, exact day and weather conditions the previous day or two. Water is generally higher in late afternoons when up-river snow melts, particulary if it is freezing at night in the high watershed. If it has recently rained, a surge of water will be going downstream - may take a day for rain at the crest to reach Pate Valley. Most crossings are on bridges. Just below Glen Aulin there is a flat area to traverse- when we went, this was covered with knee-deep to thigh deep water. We just took of pants and waded through it. You do want to have shoes that work well with wading. We only had one crossing we felt we could not do - so went upstream and found a log. I think if I were taller I could have done that crossing. Short people like me have a bit more difficulty with crossings. There were several stretches of trail covered with about 6 inches of water - wet feet are a given.

Re: Help me plan a 3 day backpacking trip

Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 9:17 am
by hikerchick395
This year would be a great time to hike Tuolumne to Waterwheel Falls for your early hike. Not a loop trip, but should be good water for an amazing experience.

I went for my 50th birthday at the end of June in 2006 and couldn't have had a better present. As Wandering Daisy said, just west of Glen Aulin (proper, not HSC) it was totally flooded and here we took the most time zigzagging across the downed trees. Also, the water was so high, the river was on the trail at twin bridges and the HSC. Dingley Creek crossing took care, too. Lots of boots off...boots on. But the waterfalls were breathtaking. A fairly easy hike ended up quite the adventure.

Don't expect any shuttles in June.

Re: Help me plan a 3 day backpacking trip

Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 9:56 pm
by diesel
Thanks, hiker chick- it sounds like a great trip. And Wandering Daisy, funny that you mentioned height, as I'm a shorter guy as well and that was my main reason for asking more about river crossings.

Re: Help me plan a 3 day backpacking trip

Posted: Thu May 13, 2010 10:04 am
by hikerchick395
I'm a shortie too...at 5'2".

Ha...makes river and creek crossings and rock climbing seemingly even more adventurous!

Re: Help me plan a 3 day backpacking trip

Posted: Mon May 24, 2010 8:13 pm
by diesel
Secured our permit for the grand canyon of the tuolumne for the last week of June! Ranger warned me that water levels might be an issue but we shall see how things look over the next few weeks

Re: Help me plan a 3 day backpacking trip

Posted: Tue May 25, 2010 11:16 am
by giovanni
for those who have Done the grand canyon of the tr hike, When did you do it? I'm skeptical that it would be a doable hike in late June given the current snow and weather conditions

Re: Help me plan a 3 day backpacking trip

Posted: Tue May 25, 2010 7:10 pm
by Wandering Daisy
A lot can happen between now and end of June. I would not write it off just yet. The crossing that nearly stopped us was Register Creek. There is a large bridge over Return Creek - however this bridge washed out in 1998 and it took the Park Service several years to replace it. If there is a sudden melt this year, the bridge may again wash out - check with rangers before going. The Grand Canyon of Tuolomne is a wonderful trip even if you cannot do the whole route. You may also consider going to base of Waterwheel Falls and then day-hiking down the river and return to the Lembert Dome trailhead. We did the trip the very first day Tioga Pass opened about 5 years ago. The water was very high. We almost could not get across Register Creek - found a log upstream. You just have to have flexible plans.

If when you get there to pick up your permit, it does not look good, a good "Plan B" to consider (from same trailhead) is to go to Young Lakes and then climb Mt Conness or explore Rosevelt Lakes area.

Re: Help me plan a 3 day backpacking trip

Posted: Fri May 28, 2010 8:08 pm
by miked
I did the gc of the tuolumne in late June last year and it was fine. No one in my group felt threatened by the water conditions I recall last year being a fairly wet year too, compared to the previous drought years

Re: Help me plan a 3 day backpacking trip

Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2010 7:05 pm
by diesel
Only 12 more days ! I've asked around on other forums and others also mentioned that register creek will likely be the biggest challenge. I'll definitely try to come up with solid backup plans by then.