High Sierra Topix

Hi!

I'm hoping to get some folks' recommendations for a great 2-night backpacking trip in the Yosemite region. I'll be going April 19 - 21. My primary focus will be photography. I have ice axe and crampons w/ solid experience traversing snow, but not necessarily looking for anything too crazy or dangerous. I know the area is covered in a lot of snow right now! Anyways - thanks!

Best,
Tom

April 19-21 is kind of an awkward time of the year. It will still be winter in the higher elevations, yet it will be summer in the lower elevations. You have to decide whether you want to photograph snow scenes or wildflowers. Besides, only some of the roads will be open. The only sure-fire place to go is Hetch Hetchy. There, the hazard will be fast water.

I would love to get some snow photography! Trying to figure out - would the Rim trails be passable this time?

The Yosemite Valley Rim has trails in the sun and in the shade. So, parts will be very messy. I don't generally go along the rim until late June of a normal year. The south rim has a lot more shade, and the north rim has a few sunny areas.

One Idea: backpack to Little Yosemite Valley, and then day-hike from LYV to Clouds Rest. You'll definitely need snow and/or ice gear. See my TR from last year: http://highsierratopix.com/community/vi ... =1&t=18047

How in shape are you? Maybe watkins up snow creek. No sketchy snow bridges that way. You are cool with snow camping right?

The buttress east of Watkins has a much better view. I did this trip last year, camped on top. See my trip report. I will try to find it and bumpit up.

Wandering Daisy wrote: ↑Thu Mar 21, 2019 8:07 pm The buttress east of Watkins has a much better view. I did this trip last year, camped on top. See my trip report. I will try to find it and bumpit up.

Hey @Wandering Daisy I would love if you could send that link! I'm thinking of doing 2 nights in Little Yosemite Valley with a day trip to Clouds Rest. I really want to test out my new Sony camera and glass in the snow.

A day trip to Clouds Rest means 22 miles and 6000+ feet of gain - like Half Dome x 2. You must be 10x more athletic than me.

edit: ah, staying in LYV. Didn't connect the dots, guess I'll get more coffee. Be careful, prolly still snow and ice up there

Would you mind posting a trip report? Planning on a 2 night trip to Yosemite next week as well--would love to hear about your trip!