Yosemite backpacking before April 29

[Wandering Daisy]

I just talked to the wilderness rangers in Yosemite. Here is what they said.

April 29 is the last day of "winter" regulations- so before then you can self-register at the nearest wilderness office (valley office for valley trailheads). The trail quotas are on the "honor system", you register trailhead, and number of people. If your trailhead is full, then you find another one. April 29 is the last starting date. OK if your trip extends beyond.

Backpacker's campground is tentatively scheduled to open April 11. It is tied to the opening of North Pines, because you have to show your permit to them. Camp 4 is open year-round, but you have to have a reservation. I forgot to ask if the backpacker's CG at Hetch Hetchy would be open.

The backpacker's parking is open. You can also park in an area behind Yosemite Lodge as long as you have no food in your car (no bear boxes there). OK to store food in the bear lockers at PB parking lot and then drive to park behind the lodge. The parking south of Yosemite Village is for day-use only.

Glacier Point Road will not be opened, even before construction. But even during the construction, you can pass through the Glacier Point parking lot to connect the Pohono to Panorama trails, but you CANNOT walk along the road and trailheads along the road will not be available. When the 4-Mile Trail opens, you can also use that, but it likely will not be open before April 29. Mist Trail opening will depend on conditions.

To compensate for loss of permit spaces for Glacier Point, others along the road, and Mono Meadows; quotas at other open trailheads have been proportionately increased.

This is verbal confirmation. The ranger seemed to be knowledgeable so will assume it is correct, barring drastic change of conditions.

[Jim F]

I have been at Camp 4 several times this January, February, and March. My observations:

(1) Currently first come-first served. RESERVATIONS on rec.gov START MAY 20.

(2) Campsites are starting to fill up more. In early May, might need to join another party at a site.

(3) Completely new facility, located on the Yosemite Falls side of the Parking Lot. 61 campsites, each with 3 bear boxes and 2 tables to accommodate 6 campers. New building on site with restrooms and showers.

(4) Would guess that the Camp 4 on the other side of the Parking Lot possibly will be closed for renovation this season.

Great time of year to be in the Valley!

Jim

[Wandering Daisy]

Thanks for the update. I would be surprised if they shut down the old Camp 4 because it has been designated a National Historic Site. Do you think the new facilities are temporary?

[Jim F]

First, a clarification to my post earlier today. The new facilities brings the total number of Camp 4 campsites to 61.

The new facilities (Campsites 37-61 and restrooms/showers) will be permanent. There is no indication the "historic" sites 1-36 will not remain.

No camping has been allowed in the "historic" sites 1-36 this winter and their old restroom/washing facilities remain locked.. With all the renovation going on the last few years in YNP, perhaps the historic area might get a little fine tuning/restoration. Or perhaps now with campsites 37-61 operating, campsites 1-36 are closed just for the winter season, as are the last three loops of Upper Pines.

Jim

PS- Personally, I am fine if sites 1-36 are left alone. For me, they presently possess a certain charm.

[SenorNeiltz]

Think a trip to Eagle Peak/El Cap from Yosemite Falls trailhead would be a nice one in a few weeks (April 10th-ish)? Haven't been out that way since October so I have really no idea of conditions. Would like to do a couple nights in that area. Thanks for any intel.

[Wandering Daisy]

I did that exact trip April 1-2 2002! It was an almost normal snowpack year. We camped on the at the trail on the dome that is the top. There was bare ground to set up on. It was solid snow once above the El Cap tr jct but the snow was consolidated so not a lot of post-hole problems. Still was glad to have high gaiters. I do not recall taking traction gear or ice axe. Snow was perfect for kicking steps. It was a great trip; perfect spring conditions.

dry rock along the trail nearing top of El Cap

On Eagle Cap climb

Dry ground near camp

Snow towards El Cap/ rescue team practice

[SenorNeiltz]

Very pretty--a lot different looking than the last time I was up there. Thanks for the pics.

[Jim F]

Just returned home last night (4/1) from an outing in Yosemite Valley. Update to my posts on 3/28:
(1) Per Ranger, Camp 4 sites 1-36 WILL OPEN this season, but date not certain.

(2) Per staff at the Mountain Shop and campers at sites 37-61, opening likely in May.

(3) Sites 37-61 now very crowded.

(4) With snow no longer on the ground, clear skies and temp of 71F, sites 1-36 look in great shape! Restrooms now open and functional.

Jim

[comfygoodness]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a trip 4/29-5/1? I'm coming up from Los Angeles and had originally planned to try and do Whitney that weekend as I didn't get a permit for the lottery. However, given the snow from last week and projected snow coming it seems a no-go.

I've got microspikes and am looking to do 30-40 miles (Friday drive up 8-10, Saturday 20-ish, Sunday 8-10 back to car) for a short weekend trip. Any help appreciated!

[Wandering Daisy]

SEKI is also on self-register free permit until May 26? (the start of Memorial Day weekend). And NO quotas! May be a good time to do Rae Lakes Loop. All reserved permits afterwards are taken. Even if you cannot get over Glenn Pass, you could go to Kearsarge Lakes and return. This may be closer for you. However May 1 may be a bit early.