AboutMike Expertise I`ve hiked the back country of Yosemite, out of Twin Lakes (a marvelous ten day hike); I`ve twice topped Mt. Whitney. I`ve covered most of the Big Sur/Ventana Wilderness.
Expert: Mike Date: 7/13/2007 Subject: 11 Days in Yosemite
Question QUESTION: Hello!
I am planning a 11 day trip to Yosemite (on a very
short notice) in the beginning of August to do some
backpacking with my girlfriend. We have hiked the
Tetons, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks the
past 2 years. I am looking for some great hikes to go
on to see some awesome vista's, possibly catch some
fish, maybe soak in some springs, and have a good
time. We are both in very good shape. In the past we
have averaged around 125 miles in a week. We are up
for anything, 4-5 dayer's nonstop to just day hikes.
We usually like to mix it up a bit. Any info would be
of great help.
Thank you and have a great day!
-Doug Ness
Bismarck, ND
ANSWER: Doug,
Unfortunately, I am on a vacation at this time, and I will not be able to respond to you as comprehensively as I'd like to. I will recommend two backpacking treks - each of 3-5 days. I don't know your transportation situation, but here they are:
My favorite; it is actually just north of Yosemite. Drive farther north about an hour on Hwy. 395 to Bridgeport. Go west a few miles to Twin Lakes. The trailhead departs from the northwest corner of the RV Resort. The loop would take you to Barney Lake and on to Peeler Lake, where you will stay the night. Then you will hike west, then south through Kerrick Meadow, taking the signed Rock Island Pass, Snow & Crown Lake turnoff on your left. Camp at the first lake, Snow Lake - the views are incredible. You can also go on to Crown Lake, at the bottom of a long descent. Day 3 will take you back to Twin Lakes. The trek is about 30 miles, with lost of climbing and awesome views. It beats Yosemite for views and virtual isolation.
You will need permits, but the should be available at the Hoover Wilderness Ranger Station as you are entering Bridgeport, when you get to Bridgeport.
The second trek goes over Donohue Pass (east side of park), to Thousand Island, Garnet, and other lakes. It will be an out and back the first miles, then a loop at the lakes. Go to the east side Ranger Station to get started. Again, it will not be as crowded as the Half Dome and Yosemite Valley hikes.
Good luck. Let me know how things go. I highly recommend the first hike I describe. Peeler and Snow Lakes are awesome, and the view from atop Rock Island Pass is incomparable.
Oh, and fishing should be excellent. You will go over 11,000' elevation at least once.
This is all from memory, of course, as I am on the road.
Mike
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for all of the info! The first hike is definately in the works! Is there
anymore tidbits about this trail you can remember? Are there campsites? Any
other cool things to look for? How many days is the hike? This is my first
hiking in CA and I have heard the bears are a bit more active, or is this a
myth? What kind of bear canister is recomended? Are the trails marked? I
have the NG topo map with the trails on it. Is the 2nd trek part of the PCT? Is
there another map for the Donahue trail? Do all the lakes have fish? How
much are permits?
Thanks again, I appreciate the help. I am driving my jeep grand cherokee out
and will be living in Visalia for a 4 month internship.
Have a great vacation,
Answer Doug,
The Twin Lakes trip has campsites at Peeler Lake, at Crown and at Snow Lakes. You must only scour the areas around the lakes. Be sure to camp away from all water sources.
Bear canisters are required at times, and preferable in others. The average canister is about 15" long, cylindrical, and sold in most outdoor stores. The loop is roughly 30 miles. I once did it in two days, but it deserves three or four. Lakes are full of fish. Trails are marked, as this is a National Park, not a wilderness area.
Doug, you should purchase a park guide, and/or contact the park ranger/visitor center for "current" info on permits, etc. You should always do so before setting out on a backpacking trek.
Have a great time. Let me know if you more specific questions.
Mike
