John Muir Trail/Yosemite NP

imported
#1

Hi all. I’m planning one week of backpacking in early may in yosemite NP. Am never been in this area, and i m wondering :

  • what snow conditions can I expect in this season. Are the high sierra trails impassables, or possible with good gaiters? Are some backcountry camps closed at this time of the year?

  • what’s about the backcountry camps reservations : i m intending to start my hike after the week end (sunday evening probably). Do you think I should absolutly make a reservation for these backcouintry camps, or do you think I have good chances to get some permits at the start of my hike (I m kind of flexible about my itinary)

Thanks all for your help

Loran

loran

#2

http://alumnus.caltech.edu/~rbell/JohnMuirTrail.html#BailingOut

skeemer

#3

You will not need reservations in May for a mid-week start except for an extremely popular destination like Little Yosemite Valley. Even then, my guess is that you would not have any problems. Nothing “closes” in Yosemite but the roads. In other words, if you can get there, you can camp there. Snow will definitely be an issue. I’ve SKIED in Yosemite’s high country in late April before, and Tioga Road often doesn’t open until Memorial Day (or later). With Tioga Road closed you will be limited to trailheads in Yosemite Valley, Hetch Hetchy, Badger Pass and Wawona areas if starting in Yosemite. Still lots of great lower elevation trips you could do . . . or even higher elevation trips if you don’t mind the snow and difficult crossings of creeks/rivers swollen with snowmelt.

kanga

#4

Thanks all for the great link and the advise…

Loran

loran