AboutJon Expertise I hike Yosemite several times a year & have done all the rim trails. Have done 1/2 Dome 11 times. Familiar with facilities/camping/concessions in the park. I do not do climbing.
Expert: Jon Date: 7/11/2007 Subject: 11 Days in Yosemite
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 few 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.
Thanks and have great day!
-Doug Ness
Bismarck, ND
Answer See below for Followup Reply
Wow, you are in for a treat. Watch the temperatures. I was just there and we had some 102-109 temps. Be sure and see the Valley completely. Bikes would work well, unless you want to jog. See the Visitor's Center and survey general layout and information. May want to take in some of the night programs, e.g. John Muir.
The best day hike is Half Dome. Start in the dark with a flashlight. Best to use John Muir trail. I started at 1 A.M. a couple of days ago, but usually start 1 hour before first light. Do Not Go Midday to Half Dome. Jam on the cables and you will not be able to go up or down. Man died recently. Take dot gloves with rubber dots. I took 5 liter of water and had 1 liter left.
Another good hike and awesome view is 4 mile trail up to Glacier Point. Take camera.
Another fun hike is up Yosemite Falls trail from Camp 4. Be sure to go to the lookout to look straight down the Falls.
If you go to Tuolumne Meadows (great place, 8,000ft.) My favorite hike is Mt. Dana, but email me if you want more details, as not described on most maps. Goes up to about 13,000. Another nice day hike is Mt. Hoffman. I like camping in Tuolumne Meadows, but some mosquitos from river.
Have a great trip. Ask again if more questions.
Followup #1
I have thought some about the great experience and conditioning you have. I have loved the rim trails at Yosemite. All are worth seeing, but here are a couple favorites:
*From Glacier Point down Panorama Trail to Illilouette Falls, up ridge, down to Nevada, then which ever direction you wish.
*Up Yosemite Falls, turn right, enjoy scenic bridge, head up the trail to North Dome, enjoy Yosemite Point lookout on the way. Good views from North Dome.
*Up Yosemite Falls, turn left and go to the top of El Capitan. You will probably see some climbers on the way. They love climbing El Cap. I have met Corbett that I think has done it 100 times +.
*Past Mirror Lake, up Snow Creek Falls (I start very early) trail is not very wide. Kind of a long pull up toward Tulumne Meadows, then left turn down by Indian Arch to North Dome.
*Near Bridalveil Falls is a slanting wide trail that goes up to where the old Lookout Point was located. That is the beginning of the trail that goes around that side of the rim, but I am not able to do it in a single day. Lots of greeat views from the rim and points e.g. Taft Point. One of my favorites is the fissures.
*There is a perverse old road (old entrance to Yosemite) not used since 20's or so called the Old Stage Coach Road. I have hiked a number of times but has lots of problems. Email me if you are going to try it.
Best to you. My personal email is jdrury@redwoodchapel.org.
