Yosemite/Tuolumne Meadows Car Camping

CAMP AND HIKE IN THE HIGH COUNTRY OF YOSEMITE!

This event will combine day hikes with camping. I have reserved a group campsite at Tuolumne Meadows (8,600 ft elevation) in Yosemite. This will be our base camp to allow us to do day hikes all reasonably close to the campground. This site will accommodate 30 people.

http://www.nps.gov/yo... (http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/campground.htm)

ITINERARY:

Thursday- Travel day, no organized hike, those early to arrive can hike/recreate on your own.

Friday- Saddlebag Lake/20 Lake s Basin

8.4 mile round trip, 800 ft elevation change, 4-5 hour trip. This would be a good first hike at elevation since there is little elevation change.

Saturday- Mt Dana or Clouds Rest

Mt. Dana

Starting at the crest of Tioga Pass at 9,941 ft to Mount Dana's peak at 13,053 ft, it's a three mile hike with ~3,000+ elevation gain! Still the views are worth the climb.

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Photo: View of Owens Valley from near the summit of Mt. Dana, June 2012.

Clouds Rest

Strenuous 14 mile out and back hike with 1775 ft elevation gain. At 9,926 feet, Clouds Rest provides stunning views of Half Dome and the Yosemite Valley area, as well as the vastness of the Sierra in general. The first 3 miles are the hardest and the final ascent is a bit dicey for anyone with fear of heights/vertigo issues. The drop-offs are awesome and can be terrifying, such as the nearly 6,000 foot drop to Tenaya Canyon; but the trails are sufficiently wide. Upon the return, if time allows, we may want to take a brief .25 mile diversion to Sunrise Lake for a break.

Trailhead is located at Sunrise Lakes (just below Tenaya Lake), 7 miles from Tuolumne Meadows Campground.

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Photo: Sight of Half Dome from Clouds Rest, June 2012

Sunday: North Dome

Moderate to strenuous hike at 10.4 miles round trip with a 580 elevation gain on return trip. Allow 5-6 hours to complete the hike.

Trailhead: Porcupine Creek Campground (14 miles below Tuolumne Meadows Campground on Tioga Pass Road) Awesome views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome from a different aspect. "Reach out and touch Half Dome" say some people. Hopefully, we can start this around 10am.

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Photo: On North Dome overlooking Yosemite Valley, July 2012.

Who Should Attend

Strong hikers who can handle hiking at high elevations (8,500 - 10,000 feet). For Clouds Rest and Mt Dana, hikers should have no fear of heights. Also, by mid-September, night time temperatures could easily be in the upper 20s to 30s, so be prepared for possible chilly nights/have appropriate gear.

Attendance/RSVPs

Please RSVP to the wait list. Priority will go to those we know can complete the hikes without difficulty and will enjoy the experience with the group. First to RSVP does not guarantee a spot. It is possible a lottery will be used for names should the wait list become excessive. The group campsite is limited to 30 people.

What To Bring

Standard car camping gear and items for long day hikes. Our campsite is at 8,600 ft. so chilly nights are definitely a possibility. Campfires okay and anyone able to bring firewood is appreciated. Potluck to be arranged.

Directions:

As you enter Yosemite National Park, find Hwy 120 (becomes Tioga Passs Road at Crane Flat); proceed easterly to Tuoulumne Meadows Campground.

Costs

Campsite fee is $120 per night for the Group site and will divvy it up amongst everyone. Entrance to Yosemite is $20.00

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