Re: seeking dayhiking route in N Cal
Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 10:55 pm
Sunrise Lakes is probably the nicest (but most popular) backpacking spot (maybe 1.5 hours from the parking lot). It is about 15 mins off the direct route to Clouds Rest. In addition there is a tarn right on the route, almost half way to Clouds Rest (just under 2 hours from the car), which still has plenty of water and some obvious camping spots. The views didn't look quite as good there, but its more convenient if you want to drop your stuff on the way.
I think at this point in time you may be able to do self registration for a backpacking permit at the Big Oak Flat entrance (not clear to me if that is for anywhere in the park or if you need to go to Tuolumne Meadows for trailheads in that area).
The Yosemite site says to call to check on the Tioga Pass road but DOT says it is open. There might still be some snow at one or both of the above sites, but note that the tarn is roughly 300ft lower (a bit under 9000ft) compared to Lower Sunrise Lake
I think at this point in time you may be able to do self registration for a backpacking permit at the Big Oak Flat entrance (not clear to me if that is for anywhere in the park or if you need to go to Tuolumne Meadows for trailheads in that area).
The Yosemite site says to call to check on the Tioga Pass road but DOT says it is open. There might still be some snow at one or both of the above sites, but note that the tarn is roughly 300ft lower (a bit under 9000ft) compared to Lower Sunrise Lake