Re: Reds Meadow to Yosemite Valley trip plan
Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2010 7:46 pm
Be aware that the NPS is currently restricting climbs of Half Dome on weekends. A temporary rule is in effect that requires a specific permit to climb Half Dome on Fri-Sun. So when you get your permit, be sure to specifically request whatever paperwork you need to climb Half Dome. Rather than carry your pack over Cloud's Rest, it may be easier to set up camp near the trail junction and just quickly hike up Clouds Rest in the afternoon.
To be totally legal and use the backpackers campgrounds (one at Tuolumne and one in Valley) you have to permit two specific trips - trip 1 Reds Meadow to Tuolumne. Trip 2 Tuolumne to Valley. If you spend one night out of the wilderness area (in Tuolumne) it is not considered one trip.
I prefer the River Trail to the high trail to Shadow Lake. I think the river is quite pretty.
I did not like the campground at Sunrise Camp. The sites are over-used, dusty and crowded. I see no reason to stay at these campsites unless you are having dinner or breakfast at the camps. There are lots of other better sites nearby.
I would take the Mist Trail from the top of Nevada Falls to the Valley, not the John Muir Trail. It is about a mile shorter and very spectacular - gets you up close and personal with Vernal Falls - I just love to get soaked by the spray! There are lots of rock steps - no problem - just go slow. Trekking poles help. I have been up and down the Mist trail with light to heavy packs. Do not let anyone tell you that it is not "backpackable". If you have time, drive up to Glacier Point. The best sunset view of the valley is from the Wawona Tunnel parking area (called Inspiration Point).
To be totally legal and use the backpackers campgrounds (one at Tuolumne and one in Valley) you have to permit two specific trips - trip 1 Reds Meadow to Tuolumne. Trip 2 Tuolumne to Valley. If you spend one night out of the wilderness area (in Tuolumne) it is not considered one trip.
I prefer the River Trail to the high trail to Shadow Lake. I think the river is quite pretty.
I did not like the campground at Sunrise Camp. The sites are over-used, dusty and crowded. I see no reason to stay at these campsites unless you are having dinner or breakfast at the camps. There are lots of other better sites nearby.
I would take the Mist Trail from the top of Nevada Falls to the Valley, not the John Muir Trail. It is about a mile shorter and very spectacular - gets you up close and personal with Vernal Falls - I just love to get soaked by the spray! There are lots of rock steps - no problem - just go slow. Trekking poles help. I have been up and down the Mist trail with light to heavy packs. Do not let anyone tell you that it is not "backpackable". If you have time, drive up to Glacier Point. The best sunset view of the valley is from the Wawona Tunnel parking area (called Inspiration Point).