AboutMarilyn Maryn Expertise what I know most about Yosemite is the types of accomodations on the valley floor (I`ve stayed in all of them from the campgrounds to the deluxe Ahwahnee) and the major hiking trails: Vernal Falls, Nevada Falls, Half Dome, Upper Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point 4 mile trail. If you think this is enough I`d be glad to help.
Expert: Marilyn Maryn Date: 4/14/2008 Subject: backpacking
Question 2 experienced hikers going to Yosemite for first time in the 1st week of June. I
am considering half-dome but open to suggestions what do you recommend?
Answer Hi Justin, Half Dome is a very long and grueling hike (18 miles RT), but everyone should do it once. For prettier scenery, I actually like the hike to upper Yosemite Falls more (about 7 miles RT), especially in early June when the falls are very full. The trail goes right next to the mid section of the falls at one point and you get a great view of a side view of the falls with Half Dome in the background. At the very top of the trail you will be at Yosemite Creek and can look down over the edge where it turns into Yosemite Falls, as it crashes down to the valley floor. Another good hike with very varied scenery is the 4 miles hike from the valley floor to Glacier point. the trail goes through a 3,000 ft elevation gain from base to top, so you will notice a change in the type of plants and animals you will see in each elevation. When you get to the top you can either take a bus back down, or just walke back down the same trail, which would be an 8 mile RT. The view at the top is awesome! You will see a side view of half dome and both vernal and Nevada Falls. On the way up you will have great views of Yosemite falls and Cathedral Rock. Hope this helps. Have a great time!
Marilyn
ps, I just noticed that the subject of your note was backpacking. You do not need to backpack on any of the hikes I mentioned, except for the half dome hike, you may want to break up the hike by backpacking to the "Little Yosemite" camping area(about half way up), then the next morning you can leave your backpacks at camp and hike all the way to the top. When you return to Little Yosemite, another nice hike for backpackers is to hike up to Merced Lake. The trail follow the most beautiful sectiion of the Merced River most of the way. It looks crystal clear and flows over polished granite. There may still be some snow on the ground - I think Merced Lake is about 5,000 ft. in elevation.
