Getting lucky beats being good

[balzaccom]

After two solo backpacking trips as a volunteer in Desolation Wilderness, I managed to convince my lovely wife to join me in the mountains for a couples trip. It didn't take much. She's a big fan of the Sierra and of backpacking, as long as the latter isn't too strenuous.

We've been to lots of places in the Sierra, and we always like to try something new. That can present challenges, especially when she requests that we not climb too high, and not drive too far.

Hmmm.

I was able to get a permit for Lyell Canyon in Yosemite--not bad, on such short notice--and from there we can explore the Kuna Crest, which we've never done before, or Ireland Lake, for that matter. All good. And the night before, we'll spend at one of the backpacker's campgrounds in Yosemite.

Snag. The backpacker's campground in Tuolumne Meadows, along with the rest of the campground, is closed. So, too, for White Wolf. That meant our options were either Yosemite Valley, which is way off our route, or Hetch-hetchy, which is...also way off our route.


I went on recreation.gov to see what might be available off Highway 120 above Groveland--but found only first come first served sites--and that usually means getting up very early in the morning in the hopes of finding a spot. And nothing guaranteed.

Then I checked the newly refurbished Crane Flat campground--I'd checked it days earlier, and it was booked solid. But maybe...

YES! There was one site available. I booked it, complete with senior discount, for $18. And now we have a guaranteed night at high elevation the day before our trip. Sometimes being lucky it all it takes!

[hector9]

Whether it's true or not depends on luck. The information you shared is useful and gives me experience for my upcoming trip.

[c9h13no3]

Not a fan of the Harden Flat Road homeless encampment?

[giantbrookie]

When I've wanted to camp fairly high on a Night Zero before a Yosemite trip off of 120, I've generally opted to camp E of Tioga Pass. It's a bit of an overshoot but it's not that far to drive back to Tuolumne from there. For camping really high (higher than trailhead) there is Tioga and Ellery Lakes etc., if sites are available. If not sites are generally available in Lee Vining Canyon. Lee and I camped in Lee Vining Canyon to get a second dayhike in the Tuolumne region back in 2022. If all else fails, one can get a room in Lee Vining, which is still at 7k elevation. Glad you were able to score a campsite and best wishes on your upcoming trip.