I’m backpacking thru Yosemite next month and was wondering if anyone knows what is going on with the high sierra camps. I know they are closed for the year due to the snow conditions but can I stay there (on the grounds) even though they are closed?
randy
You can still stay at the backpackers’ camp near the High Sierra Camp and use the bear box, there just won’t be any services. Really, for many of us, this is an improvement over most years: fewer people and fewer pack animals translates into less trail impact, fewer road apples to step in or over and a better overall wilderness experience.
Kanga
Thanks Kanga. I was wondering if you also know which would be the best way to conqure Half Dome. I’m hiking with several people from Tuolumne Meadows to the valley and we were interested in climbing HD. My first thought was to ditch our gear somewhere off of the trail near the HD trail as we were coming into Little Yosemite Valley, climbing HD and then camping in LYV. Otherwise we would have to lose/gain 1000’ to set up camp and get back to the HD trail head. Have you ever heard of doing this?
randy
Randy: As long as you’re going to camp at LYV, you may want to consider dropping your gear at one of the many sites and stashing your food in the nearest bear box. Then head up to Half Dome (3.5 miles from LYV). I’ve done this several times over the past few years and it worked out well. But I think I read somewhere that the Park Service is doing work on the granite “steps” on the lower dome just below Half Dome this summer during weekdays. Therefore, the trail may only be open for limited times. You may want to check the conditions by calling the wilderness office there or going to www.yosemitepark.com. Except for the high number of people there, it’s a fun hike. And I agree with Kanga. The HSC’s are much more enjoyable after the summer when they are closed. This year affords you the opportunity to enjoy them during the summer, but without the crowds. Good luck and enjoy!!
Sherpa Steve
I think it might work if you are using bear cans to protect your food. If you are relying on the bear locker at Little Yosemite Valley, you should not leave your food unattended in your pack while you climb Half Dome because the area is well-populated with both bears (who might rip into your pack and steal your food) and rangers (who might ticket you for leaving food unattended).
Kanga
Bear cans are suppose to be mandatory in many parts of the backcountry and on the section I’ll be on so I’m bringing one. I’m more worried about a person rather than a bear getting my gear. I guess Sherpa is right as 3.5 miles isn’t too bad of a hike. I just hate giving up that extra 1000’ of elevation.
randy
Randy: I just read on www.info@yosemitefund.org that the Half Dome Trail at the approach to the Half Dome cables is closed for maintenance every Mon.thru Thurs., 7am-4pm thru Sept. 29 (except Labor Day). So if your going, try to hit it on Fri. - Sun. Good luck!!
Sherpa Steve
Correction - The info regarding maintenance on the Half Dome Trail came to me via e-mail from the Yosemite Fund. Their website is www.yosemitefund.com. Sorry about the confusion.
Sherpa Steve
Did my Yosemite trip last weekend. As we were coming down the trail to Half Dome we did decide to ditch our packs at the trail junction (we did pull out the bear cans, cover our packs and make them as inconspicuous as possible) and make the climb. It was pretty tough after 6 miles of backpacking but well worth it. I don’t think we would have done it if we set up camp first or if we waited til the next day. Some pictures if you are interested.
http://www.outdoorsclub.org/PastTrip/PastTripDetail.asp?id=8090&leadername=Randy+I
Randy
Randy