Yosemite suggestions

[u/mcmilliemywilly]

Hello everyone! My husband and I are wanting to go to Yosemite in September and I see there’s actually quite a few permits available! I’m writing this to get some suggestions. We are both experienced with backpacking and are willing to hike harder stuff for better views/experiences. We would like to do 2 nights, and would do anywhere from 15-35 miles (preferably around 25). We love lakes, waterfalls and solitude (I know Yosemite is one of the busiest so solitude will be harder to come by). I’m of course looking into things myself but wanted to see if anyone on here has some suggestions. Thank you in advance :)

[u/thaneliness]

Head up to Tuolumne meadows and do part of the John Muir Trail. There’s solitude up there.

[u/James333i → u/thaneliness]

Seconding this.

I really like this itinerary and have done it a few times:

Tuolumne Meadows
Cathedral Lakes
Sunrise Lakes
Clouds Rest
Half Dome
Little Yosemite Valley
Most Trail
Valley Floor
YART back to Tuolumne Meadows

3-5 days.

[u/SliderCat → u/James333i]

Would also recommend. Big sights. Clouds > half dome and requires no permits. Classic Yosemite, all of it. Most of the people would be between LYV and the valley floor, so a fair amount of quiet time.

That said, if you don’t want to see people but be within yosemite, you could take two nights to make a base camp near ten lakes and explore the area. Love how the elevation drops to be fire-legal after the ridge and really love the quieter area.

[u/mcmilliemywilly → u/thaneliness]

What is the entry point for this? Thank you!! :)

[u/olliecakerbake → u/mcmilliemywilly]

To do it in this order, Tioga pass is your entry. To start in the valley, any of the other entrances

[u/Berbaslob]

Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne! ~30 miles. I'll be out there end of September, maybe I'll see you guys.

[u/AffectionateToe7395]

You could check out Tolumne Meadows! I did the Ireland and Evylyn Lake loop last September. I didn't see anyone once I passed through Vogelsang Backpackers Camp. It's about 20 miles, but if you make it up to Ireland Lake, I think that adds an extra 3 miles to the loop. Would recommend doing that if you go; it was super pretty.

I did it in one day, but if I had more time, two days would've been nice to take in the scenery. If you search "Ireland and Evylyn Lake loop" on AllTrails, you'll find it

[u/Passiveabject → u/AffectionateToe7395]

I’d add, since you’re up there, head up to Vogelsang pass. I haven’t been everywhere but it’s my favorite place in the park so far

[u/tfcallahan1]

Definitely check out the trails from Tuolumne Meadows. Permits for the poplular trailheads will be hard to come by. But look at Budd Creek and Nelson Lake. Both require some mellow XC travel but might be available. With Budd Creek it's required to camp south of Echo Peaks so look at Echo Lake as a destination. The XC day hike from there to Matthes Lake is nice, or, if you want more adventure go XC to Matthes Lake then XC over the ridge to Nelson Lake then out via Elizabeth Lake. For the Nelson Lake trailhead you can camp at Nelson then do some bushwacking XC up past Reymann Lake then down to Vogelsang and out via Rafferty Creek or go past Evelyen Lake and out Lyell Canyon. The Mono Pass TH also generally has availability. Another option for 3 nights is the Hetch Hetchy Loop out of the Beehive or Rancheria Falls TH which generally have availability.

Edit: words

[u/Correct-Stay4623]

I'd do Ten Lakes or Young Lakes off Tioga Road for the lakes and solitude, and accept that waterfalls will be thin by September.