High Sierra Topix

Hi there! It’s been a while since I’ve been on here, but it’s good to be back! I currently have Timber Gap permits for 8/28, and my group just found out about the road closure and maintenance. I would love some alternative trip ideas so I can plan out what permits I should attempt to snag. I would like to preface this by acknowledging that I know it is Labor Day weekend, so permits will go fast.

My number 1 replacement option is the North Lake -> South Lake loop as a 4 night trip. I do recognize how high in demand those permits are, so if it doesn’t work out, I was curious about Northern Yosemite.

Are there any 3 night, 30-40 mile loops or thru hikes you recommend in the Humboldt-Toiyabe/Northern Yosemite area? We only have experience with on trail hiking. Something less than a total of 8,000 feet of elevation gain would be ideal, not exceeding 3,000 feet in a single day would be even extra ideal.

I appreciate you all

A couple of thoughts.

1. You seem to be focused on miles and feet rather than sights and destinations. I'm not sure I give you the advice you want...

2. That said, Northern Yosemite.ite has multiple canyons you can hike up and down for miles. Start in Tuolumne Meadows with a Glen Aulin through permit, hike up Cold Canyon, and have fun.

3. You are right, Labor Day permits are harder to get. Try looking at Emigrant or Hoover Wildernesses, where there are no trailhead quotas. Look at loops out of Crabtree or Gianelli to Emigrant, Bucks, or Huckleberry Lakes in Emigrant. In Hoover look at the same area via Leavitt Lake.

4. And if you're willing to do a little cross country, Saddlebag Lakes just East of Yosemite can get you over the ridge to McCabe lakes and Virginia Canyon in Yosemite