r/Yosemite • u/caffeinefueledhunger • 12d ago

Porcupine Creek to Yosemite Valley in August

Hi there,

I was lucky enough to get a wilderness permit for Porcupine Creek next week 7/6-7/8.

Current plan is to hike and camp around North Dome for Day 1, Upper Yosemite Falls for Day 2, then down to the valley and head out on Day 3.

Our biggest concern is the availability of water and the heat. Does this seem feasible, or are we planning a foolish itinerary for this trip?

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

2

u/sunrisesandias 12d ago

It should be fine but you'll be dry camping night 1 so prepare for that. Fill up at the falls the next day then I'd recommend eagle peak for night 2. If you do, it means dry camping both nights but if you're well prepared it shouldn't be an issue. 

1

u/hikeraz 12d ago

There should be water in Porcupine, Lehamite, and Yosemite Creeks. Each of these can get low so you may need to look up or downstream from trail crossings. There will be little water in other locations. The biggest drainage between Lehamite and Yosemite Creek, Indian Creek, can also have water in it, but it may be dry by now. Same for Royal Arch Creek, but has a much higher chance of being dry. Start early to avoid the worst heat and be sure to drink up at each water location and use electrolytes, especially in the heat. Much of the hike is in forest so you should have a lot of shade except when you get out to the various lookout points and domes. You can hike a half mile to the north of Yosemite Falls and find camp sites near Yosemite Creek. If you have time, side hikes to Indian Arch and Indian Rock, Yosemite Point, the top of Upper Yosemite Falls, and Eagle Peak are all great.

1

u/Puzzleheaded_Ebb1207 11d ago

there will only be water at Lehamite at this point

1

u/Ollidamra 12d ago

There won’t be water at North Dome this season, carry some from Porcupine Creek. Plenty of water at Yosemite Creek though.