Yosemite/Tuolumne Meadows Car Camping (11th Anniversary Trip!)

[COVER PIC-THE MBAHG "MESS HALL" AT TUOLUMNE MEADOWS, SEPTEMBER 2014]

CAMP AND HIKE IN THE HIGH COUNTRY OF YOSEMITE!

Join us at Tuolumne Meadows (el 8,600' ) in Yosemite for an event which coincidentally begins on the exact 11th anniversary of our 2014 Tuolumne Meadows Event and which will combine day hikes with camping in a spectacular setting.

Ever since the 2014 trip, we've wanted to go back, but Tuolumne Meadows has been closed since about 2016 and has only just reopened, and we were able to snag two Group campsites . We'll use camp as our base, which will allow us to do day hikes reasonably close to the campground.

The event is limited to 30 attendees.

Regarding Group sites and Capacity:
We have Site G for Thurs, Sept 18 thru Monday, Sept 22 and Site D for Fri, Sept 19 thru Monday, Sept 22 (we were not able to get Site D for Thursday). Thus, about half the group cannot start the trip until Friday. When you RSVP, please note your preference of arriving Thursday or Friday. Thursday arrivals will be in Site G and Friday arrivals will be in Site D. Sites are reasonable walking distance between each other.

For Friday evening, we'll plan on doing a potluck dinner.

Cost: $25.00 per person to cover the campground fees.

Parking: there is a five vehicle limit at each group site; first come first serve. Overflow parking is available to the west of the Tuolumne Meadows Grill just outside of the campground.

Hikes: There are several options for day hikes, we can split up as needed and take a hike of your choice. Some options follow (although there are many more)

Lake Elizabeth: Short hike from campground, good introduction hike for first day after arriving at camp (and for acclimation).

Saddlebag Lake/20 Lakes Basin: beautiful loop around lakes, 9 miles with beautiful views all along the way.

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 view is worth the climb!

Clouds Rest: Strenuous 14 mile out and back hike with 1775 ft elevation gain (we were unable to do this in 2014 as the trail was closed). 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.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/d/8/4/600_366052612.jpeg

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

North Dome: Moderate to strenuous hike at 10.4 miles out and back hike 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.

Bennettville: easy hike to a high elevation abandoned silver mining town (few remaining buildings and mine shafts) and lakes beyond. Access along Tioga Pass Road near Saddlebag Lake; hike further to a group of lakes.

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, nighttime temperatures could easily be in the upper 20s to 30s, so be prepared for possible chilly nights/have appropriate gear. Campfires okay, you are encouraged to bring fire wood.

Directions
The campground is located along Hwy 120 (Tioga Pass Road)
Use Tuolumne Meadows Campground for your electronic map.

Entrance Fee into Yosemite: $35.

Attendance/RSVPs

Please RSVP to the wait list and denote your requested arrival of Thursday or Friday (if there are excessive Thursday arrival requests, we will need consider some of them for Friday arrival instead). 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. This event will be limited to 30 people.

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DISCLAIMER:

“The Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group” group and its event/assistant organizers (the "Organizers") are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release “The Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group” group of Meetup.com and its Organizers from ANY responsibility, liability or claim in law or in equity. If you DON'T agree to these terms, DO NOT JOIN THIS MEETUP EVENT. “The Monterey Bay Area Hiking Group” group of Meetup.com doesn't certify the expertise of the Organizers. The Organizers in this Meetup.com group are volunteers. You are responsible for yourself.