Tuolumne weekend for the first time...

[no2haven]

...for my girlfriend.

She's never been, so I'm taking her up for two days of day hiking and was curious if anyone had good suggestions for day hikes. The goal of this trip is to sell her on the scenery so she'll get a backpack and I can take her out into the backcountry...so I'm looking for killer views that'd serve as an overview of what the area has to offer.

She's a good hiker (took her to the Valley for the first time in June and she had no problem doing the 4mile trail - Panorama - Mist trail loop), but I don't think she's ever been up to altitude or done any cross country/granite slabs, so we'll probably stay mostly on the trails. We have a campsite for Friday night at Crane flat, and I'll either snag a Meadows campsite if one pops up, or we'll figure something out for Saturday night near the pass.

My current thoughts (weather permitting):
Day 1: Young Lakes trail, then up Ragged Peak to show her N. Yosemite/Conness's SW face, the amazing view of the Cathedral range, etc in the morning. Lembert Dome on the way back down (see if she likes friction slabs ). Take it easy in the afternoon down Lyell Canyon as far as we feel like going.

Day 2: Tioga pass area. Saddlebag Lake basin? Maybe Dana if we're feeling up to it? Parker Pass (never been there)? Not quite as sure for here, but she's never seen Mono Lake, so I'm leaning towards Dana, if only to the shoulder. If anyone has a good suggestion for a shorter loop out of Saddlebag Lake that'd be appreciated.

Anything big I'm missing? This pretty much ignores heading towards Glen Aulin, and actually getting into the Cathedral group. Not sure if the WOW factor for these areas is the same for the others I already mentioned. Or am I just over thinking this...

Thanks in advance!

[Wandering Daisy]

There likely will be lots of mosquitoes. Pick a hike with a breeze. Take head nets and plenty of repellant. If you are not backapcking, think about taking a "screen house" so you can get out of bugs while in camp. If you gf is really not comfortable dealing with mosquitoes, I would postpone the trip. The country in from Saddlebag Lake is gorgeous, but prone to mosquitoes- lots of meadows and standing water. During peak mosquitoes, I did the Kuna Crest- windy and no skeets- but this is an off-trail route, not for a beginner who has no snow experience.

[lauralai627]

I'd suggest Cloud's Rest for the view. Mono Lake's South Tufa for sunset and later is phenomenal, especially if there's a moon.

[cgundersen]

no2,
At the risk of raining on the parade, there's a new fire burning by Crane Flat (see this link):
http://sierrafire.cr.usgs.gov/swfrs/pages/WebCam.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You might want to check with the rangers to determine how much smoke will be occluding the scenery (and your lungs).
cg

[no2haven]

Thanks cgundersen, hadn't seen any mention of that fire. We're going next weekend, so I'll keep an eye on that one.