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View Full Version : Sequoia, Kings Canyon or Yosemite 4 days late Oct



Scout620
08-03-2015, 04:05
I was planning a Sept trip to Yosemite, starting at Glacier, Panorama Trail to JMT to HS campsites. However, I can't get free until October 18.

Looking for suggestions for 4 day trip in lower elevations w/ possible bailout plan if an early storm rolls in.
We will be prepared down to 20* at night. However, I'm don't want to hike and camp in snow or extremely cold weather on this trip.
Thanks for your help.

fiddlehead
08-03-2015, 05:14
Probably should start at Yosemite village then and go up to Tuollume
and then maybe a day trip out of there for your 4 days.
There is another trail that I took once down to Yosemite village.
I think it was called Half Dome Trail or something.
Wasn't very long but might extend our trip enough to fill up 4 days.
Once you get up to Tuollume, you'll be at elevation and could get snow/cold that time of year.

There might be some stuff in Kings from the west side.
Never went in that way.
But anything on the JMT except Tuoluume to the village is going to be high elevation.

good luck with the weather.
Might be GREAT!
(might not)

Turk6177
08-03-2015, 08:54
If I had 4 days, I would go from Muir Trail Ranch southbound past Muir Pass and Kings Canyon out towards Bishop. You get to see evolution lakes and some beautiful sights.

Coffee
08-03-2015, 10:24
I was planning a Sept trip to Yosemite, starting at Glacier, Panorama Trail to JMT to HS campsites. However, I can't get free until October 18.

Looking for suggestions for 4 day trip in lower elevations w/ possible bailout plan if an early storm rolls in.
We will be prepared down to 20* at night. However, I'm don't want to hike and camp in snow or extremely cold weather on this trip.
Thanks for your help.

I got your PM, looks like your inbox is full. Here is the reply I tried to send to your PM:

I don't have any personal experience in the Sierra Nevada in October so I cannot really be of much help with specifics. However, I do know that accumulating snow is a real possibility anytime after mid-September. I've read about plenty of people who explore the Sierra in late September and into October but the weather is really going to be a wildcard. This is one of my favorite JMT videos documenting a northbound JMT thru hike starting in early October. It might provide a good idea of what to expect (he got snow in Yosemite toward the end). https://vimeo.com/7851505

colorado_rob
08-03-2015, 10:35
Yeah, late September into October pretty darn good in general, best time of year there IMHO. But October is the big change month, might still be great in mid-late October, might be dumping snow like crazy. So I'd have two plans depending on the forecast, for plan A, I like turk's suggestion, but if weather looks iffy, go with maybe Red's to Yosemite? Something like that. I personally would avoid the Happy Isle t/h area, way crowded, not really that special of an area.

Malto
08-03-2015, 12:07
If you watch the weather you could easily do Yosemite Valley to TM on the JMT, then loop back via Rafferty Creek trail then along the Merced. It would put you high, above 8000 for a relatively short period of time. This also gives you some other options such as crossing Vogalsang Pass and looping down to Merced Lake. Many, many possibilities and you would have the ability to modify the plan until the departure.

I love the Sierra at this time, low crowds, great temperatures but there is the potential for early season storms. I would reco this over a Kings Canyon trip just due to easy of entry. Earlier in the year I would lean toward KingsCanyon hands down.

Malto
08-03-2015, 12:12
Another option is to loop out of Hetch Hetch. there are three loops ranging up to about 40 miles. the longest goes up to Tilden Lake which is the most remote point from a road that I know of in Yosemite. this is one of my favorite snowshoe areas just due to easy of entry even in the winter. Here are a couple photos of Tilden Lake.

DLP
08-03-2015, 12:46
Weather reports for a 4-5 day trip should be accurate and a bailout due to weather shouldn't be a problem. (Famous last words!)

I'd plan a trip to Yosemite that includes North Dome. Most spectacular view of Half Dome from there. North Dome elevation is 7500 feet and night time temps might be in low 40's (or 30's... or 20's... depending). I really doubt they would be in the teens. Doubt there will be snow, but cold rain is a possibility, but not probable.

North Dome has jaw dropping scenery but isn't in the High Sierras. It is also a super easy drive to Porcupine Flat Campground/trailhead and you won't spend/waste half a day driving. SEKI is a much longer drive.

Looking at map, from North Dome-ish, you can either take trails west to Yosemite falls/creek towards White Wolf and stay in the 7000-8000' Eelevation zone. Or you can go East and North towards Olmstead Pt and Sunrise Lakes and go more into the 9,000-10,000' elevation depending on temp or other factors. Either way, it is easy to plot a trip that will take you back to Tioga Road and you can hitch back to your car.

Have not been to Hetch Hetchy but the elevation is only 4,000ish'. Have heard it is awesome.

You can find my North Dome photos by googling Flickr GoingSkiing1 (having horrible time with my sister's laptop).

Scout620
08-04-2015, 13:34
Thanks Coffee, I took care of my mail box. Great video!

Scout620
08-04-2015, 14:05
Probably should start at Yosemite village then and go up to Tuollume
and then maybe a day trip out of there for your 4 days.
There is another trail that I took once down to Yosemite village.
I think it was called Half Dome Trail or something.
Wasn't very long but might extend our trip enough to fill up 4 days.
Once you get up to Tuollume, you'll be at elevation and could get snow/cold that time of year.

There might be some stuff in Kings from the west side.
Never went in that way.
But anything on the JMT except Tuoluume to the village is going to be high elevation.

good luck with the weather.
Might be GREAT!
(might not)
Thanks for the suggestions FH!

Scout620
08-04-2015, 14:10
If I had 4 days, I would go from Muir Trail Ranch southbound past Muir Pass and Kings Canyon out towards Bishop. You get to see evolution lakes and some beautiful sights.

Thanks Turk! I'll look at your suggestion!

Scout620
08-04-2015, 14:20
Yeah, late September into October pretty darn good in general, best time of year there IMHO. But October is the big change month, might still be great in mid-late October, might be dumping snow like crazy. So I'd have two plans depending on the forecast, for plan A, I like turk's suggestion, but if weather looks iffy, go with maybe Red's to Yosemite? Something like that. I personally would avoid the Happy Isle t/h area, way crowded, not really that special of an area.

Thanks CR, I'm originally from Denver. Lived in Evergreen last 10 yrs before moving to FL. I was on the CT near Breckenridge last October between (9k & 10k ft elevation). Temps were 60s in day, low 30s at night. The fall colors and aspen were stunning! I hope we have the same conditions. However, I know how quickly it can change at those elevations in Oct/Nov:)

Scout620
08-04-2015, 14:28
Weather reports for a 4-5 day trip should be accurate and a bailout due to weather shouldn't be a problem. (Famous last words!)

I'd plan a trip to Yosemite that includes North Dome. Most spectacular view of Half Dome from there. North Dome elevation is 7500 feet and night time temps might be in low 40's (or 30's... or 20's... depending). I really doubt they would be in the teens. Doubt there will be snow, but cold rain is a possibility, but not probable.

North Dome has jaw dropping scenery but isn't in the High Sierras. It is also a super easy drive to Porcupine Flat Campground/trailhead and you won't spend/waste half a day driving. SEKI is a much longer drive.

Looking at map, from North Dome-ish, you can either take trails west to Yosemite falls/creek towards White Wolf and stay in the 7000-8000' Eelevation zone. Or you can go East and North towards Olmstead Pt and Sunrise Lakes and go more into the 9,000-10,000' elevation depending on temp or other factors. Either way, it is easy to plot a trip that will take you back to Tioga Road and you can hitch back to your car.

Have not been to Hetch Hetchy but the elevation is only 4,000ish'. Have heard it is awesome.

You can find my North Dome photos by googling Flickr GoingSkiing1 (having horrible time with my sister's laptop).

DLP, I can tell you love Yosemite. Thanks so much for your suggestions and sharing the pics on Flickr GS1. I'll look at North Dome.
Would we still park in LYV and spend the first night when we arrive at backpackers campground?

Scout620
08-04-2015, 14:36
If you watch the weather you could easily do Yosemite Valley to TM on the JMT, then loop back via Rafferty Creek trail then along the Merced. It would put you high, above 8000 for a relatively short period of time. This also gives you some other options such as crossing Vogalsang Pass and looping down to Merced Lake. Many, many possibilities and you would have the ability to modify the plan until the departure.

I love the Sierra at this time, low crowds, great temperatures but there is the potential for early season storms. I would reco this over a Kings Canyon trip just due to easy of entry. Earlier in the year I would lean toward KingsCanyon hands down.

Thanks Malto, Interesting that you prefer about KC over Yosemite. Based on suggestions, I think we have enough options to stay in Yosemite..

DLP
08-04-2015, 15:23
Would we still park in LYV and spend the first night when we arrive at backpackers campground? This is me, but I might only go to the Valley if you have never been to Yosemite before. I find the valley to be very overwhelming and a zoo... although less so in October. The waterfalls will probably not be running and I can't think of a good reason to go to the valley. I'd rather be up high and look down into the valley. If you have never been to the Valley, I suppose you must go. If you have been there before... it is pretty much the same as the last time you were there.

Plus, I'm sort of lazy and you can get to North Dome by climbing up like 3,000' from the valley floor. OR you can start at Tioga Road and take an easy 4.5 mile nearly level walk to North Dome. :)

I've never stayed at the backpackers' campground in the Valley. Only Tuolumne Meadows. Porcupine Flat Campground is nice for first night car camping. I was there Father's Day/June 2014 and it was empty. I think that there were 3 campsites occupied. It was super quiet when we were there. Might be $20 but worth it to avoid the Valley.

Don't remember how fast/far hiker you are. I usually drag 1st time backpackers or my son/husband who sort of hate backpacking out to North Dome. (10am get up and eat breakfast. Pack up and start hiking at 12:30pm. Hike an average of 1 mph. Stop for 1 hour lunch and 4 breaks. Arrive at campsite at 5pm. Spend 1 hour putting up Target dome tent and unstuffing sleeping bags. Make dinner. Eat at 6:30pm. Go to bed when it gets dark. Repeat on walk back to car. :))

If you are faster than my family, it will be a great place for lunch. If you are okay with a 3.5ish mile first day... it is an awesome place to sleep. :)

First trip with my son: https://www.flickr.com/photos/50951735@N05/sets/72157627315606441
There was a couple of fires and the smoke made for the most incredible sunsets. My photos are underwhelming compared to being there.

Second trip with extended family:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/50951735@N05/sets/72157645222900135
https://www.flickr.com/photos/50951735@N05/sets/72157645222900135

I've also found Rangers to be really helpful for trip planning when you pick up permit and will give feedback if trails are no longer maintained, etc.

Malto
08-04-2015, 15:23
Thanks Malto, Interesting that you prefer about KC over Yosemite. Based on suggestions, I think we have enough options to stay in Yosemite..

in terms of shear wow factor Kings Canyon has it easily over KC. But unless you are doing monster days, these are generally multiday trips. One exception to this is hiking out of the onion Valley Trail that is near Independence on the east side of the range. if the road to the trail head is open then you start at 9000'. If the road is closed then you add several thousand feet and miles to a road walk. I did a snowshoe trip out of there a few years back. It was a loop going over Junction and Kearsarge Passes. here is the trip report. (in the thread you will also see the birth of Malto.)

Snowshoeing the High Sierra (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=32242)

DLP
08-04-2015, 17:06
Thanks Malto, Interesting that you prefer about KC over Yosemite. Based on suggestions, I think we have enough options to stay in Yosemite.. Kings Canyon is easier for getting permits, parking, etc, etc, etc. But Yosemite in October shouldn't be an issue.

My sister is finishing up 14 days in KC. Did Rae Lakes Loop and some other lakes. Roads End in Kings Canyon would probably be a 5+ hour drive from the Bay Area, depending on traffic. Altitude is higher.

But it is stunning. :)

DLP
08-04-2015, 18:06
30 mile Yosemite loop hitting Yosemite highlights with a butt kicking 7,400' elevation gain/loss.
http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1379792

If you can't get permit out of Yosemite Valley... lots of options off of Tioga Rd.

Scout620
08-05-2015, 20:45
30 mile Yosemite loop hitting Yosemite highlights with a butt kicking 7,400' elevation gain/loss.
http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1379792

If you can't get permit out of Yosemite Valley... lots of options off of Tioga Rd.


DLP Big help. I will look at it all. Very helpful!! dlp, 30 to 40 miles will be perfect. I've been hiking all year at higher elevations; Colo, AT in so GA and So America last spring, Peru and So Patagonia. I don't believe my son has been on a multi day hike as an adult. Neither of us has been to Yosemite. With the epic views, I thought it would be would be a special time for both of us. Thanks again!

Scout620
08-05-2015, 20:48
in terms of shear wow factor Kings Canyon has it easily over KC. But unless you are doing monster days, these are generally multiday trips. One exception to this is hiking out of the onion Valley Trail that is near Independence on the east side of the range. if the road to the trail head is open then you start at 9000'. If the road is closed then you add several thousand feet and miles to a road walk. I did a snowshoe trip out of there a few years back. It was a loop going over Junction and Kearsarge Passes. here is the trip report. (in the thread you will also see the birth of Malto.)

Snowshoeing the High Sierra (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=32242)


Thanks Malto! Great pics. My snowshoeing days are long over.......I hope!!!

Scout620
08-05-2015, 20:50
Kings Canyon is easier for getting permits, parking, etc, etc, etc. But Yosemite in October shouldn't be an issue.

My sister is finishing up 14 days in KC. Did Rae Lakes Loop and some other lakes. Roads End in Kings Canyon would probably be a 5+ hour drive from the Bay Area, depending on traffic. Altitude is higher.

But it is stunning. :)

Hope to return and spend some time in Seq/KC sometime

Dogwood
08-05-2015, 23:48
I couldn't get away too one yr until Oct but I was still able to get in a Sierra High Route NOBO solo thru-hike finishing at Twin Lakes near Bridgeport on Nov 3 or 4. I came prepared for some snow travel in the mountains. I had experience in the Sierras and with winter backpacking at higher elevations and knew the SHR. Got snowed on a few times but nothing more than 6-7" which, since it hadn't been consistently very cold, the snow entirely or almost entirely burned off within 24 hrs. I got kinda lucky with the timing of the snowfall as it was never a BIG issue over the gnarliest steepest passes. Several of the highest elevation lakes, the ones in shadow, were already iced or quickly icing over. It got down to the single digits though with some windy days making it feel colder with the windchill. Two days after that SHR finish the higher Sierra elevations received significant snowfall! I got lucky. Got it in UNRUSHED under the wire though. Yeah.

You're in a transitional weather month. The deeper into the month of Oct the very real risks of snowfall increases. The weather can be a mix of cool but sunny days, mid/upper 60's w/ sunshine, and whatever else.....! Having a couple of route options based on elevation and exposure would be wise.

I could see you getting in a very sweet 4 day, reversing what you shared. Start at Tuolomne Meadows(wander around the meadow first!) and hike the JMT to the Panorama, taking in a side trip to Half Dome, if you haven't done it, or, if you have, a side visit to Clouds Rest. The HD chains come down sometime in Oct so check to make sure they are still up if a HD summit side trip is desired. From the Panorama past Glacier Point take the Pahono Tr along the south rim of Yosemite Valley to Inspiration Point making sure to stop at Illioutte Falls, Sentinel Dome, Taft, Dewey, etc Points and head back down to the valley at Inspiration Point. Walk the old crumbling partially paved now closed road, once the main western entrance to YV, to the parking lot at Bridalveil Falls. You'll bisect it as you descend into the valley on the Pohono. Walk or hitch from there to your car parked near the Backpackers CG, Ahwahnee Hotel, or Curry Village. Grab a hot shower, celebratory libation, and a good meal. Voila!

Several good bail out pts on this hike. You'll have to work out getting to your start/back to your start on this point to point hike though. The YARTS bus to TM by then will have ceased running for the yr. The TM store will be closed by then. If it consoles you I've easily hitched between Yosemite Valley and TM in late Sept and mid Oct after the YARTS had ceased running for the season BUT BEFORE the pow starts to really fly.

Campsites I would consider: Cathedral Lakes, a stealth around Clouds Rest or near the HD/JMT junction, Little Yosemite Valley CG, Bridalveil Creek on the Pohono, and maybe a stealth near Glacier Pt. Check with Rangers as to what legal areas are open for camping for your trip's timeframe. You MAY find some relaxed camping regs. Talk nicely to and inform the NP Rangers as to your hiking ideas and agenda. They will help. LISTEN and consider what thy propose. Also note what services, biz, opps, etc are still available for that mid Oct timeframe.

Great time to beat the crowds for that hike. Can be perfect cooler hiking weather too but also...? You should have little issue obtaining a permit for such a hike even IF you have to get one as walk in.

Dogwood
08-05-2015, 23:52
And, since you're from the SF area if the weather is really problematic for you in Y NP and SKC NP I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to head out to Point Reyes National Seashore, Redwood NP areas, or the Big Sur areas for a four day. Oh, and I would not for a moment feel sorry for you with those options. :)

Scout620
08-07-2015, 04:41
I couldn't get away too one yr until Oct but I was still able to get in a Sierra High Route NOBO solo thru-hike finishing at Twin Lakes near Bridgeport on Nov 3 or 4. I came prepared for some snow travel in the mountains. I had experience in the Sierras and with winter backpacking at higher elevations and knew the SHR. Got snowed on a few times but nothing more than 6-7" which, since it hadn't been consistently very cold, the snow entirely or almost entirely burned off within 24 hrs. I got kinda lucky with the timing of the snowfall as it was never a BIG issue over the gnarliest steepest passes. Several of the highest elevation lakes, the ones in shadow, were already iced or quickly icing over. It got down to the single digits though with some windy days making it feel colder with the windchill. Two days after that SHR finish the higher Sierra elevations received significant snowfall! I got lucky. Got it in UNRUSHED under the wire though. Yeah.

You're in a transitional weather month. The deeper into the month of Oct the very real risks of snowfall increases. The weather can be a mix of cool but sunny days, mid/upper 60's w/ sunshine, and whatever else.....! Having a couple of route options based on elevation and exposure would be wise.

I could see you getting in a very sweet 4 day, reversing what you shared. Start at Tuolomne Meadows(wander around the meadow first!) and hike the JMT to the Panorama, taking in a side trip to Half Dome, if you haven't done it, or, if you have, a side visit to Clouds Rest. The HD chains come down sometime in Oct so check to make sure they are still up if a HD summit side trip is desired. From the Panorama past Glacier Point take the Pahono Tr along the south rim of Yosemite Valley to Inspiration Point making sure to stop at Illioutte Falls, Sentinel Dome, Taft, Dewey, etc Points and head back down to the valley at Inspiration Point. Walk the old crumbling partially paved now closed road, once the main western entrance to YV, to the parking lot at Bridalveil Falls. You'll bisect it as you descend into the valley on the Pohono. Walk or hitch from there to your car parked near the Backpackers CG, Ahwahnee Hotel, or Curry Village. Grab a hot shower, celebratory libation, and a good meal. Voila!

Several good bail out pts on this hike. You'll have to work out getting to your start/back to your start on this point to point hike though. The YARTS bus to TM by then will have ceased running for the yr. The TM store will be closed by then. If it consoles you I've easily hitched between Yosemite Valley and TM in late Sept and mid Oct after the YARTS had ceased running for the season BUT BEFORE the pow starts to really fly.

Campsites I would consider: Cathedral Lakes, a stealth around Clouds Rest or near the HD/JMT junction, Little Yosemite Valley CG, Bridalveil Creek on the Pohono, and maybe a stealth near Glacier Pt. Check with Rangers as to what legal areas are open for camping for your trip's timeframe. You MAY find some relaxed camping regs. Talk nicely to and inform the NP Rangers as to your hiking ideas and agenda. They will help. LISTEN and consider what thy propose. Also note what services, biz, opps, etc are still available for that mid Oct timeframe.

Great time to beat the crowds for that hike. Can be perfect cooler hiking weather too but also...? You should have little issue obtaining a permit for such a hike even IF you have to get one as walk in.

Dogwood - Thanks so much for suggestions! I particularly like your suggestion for the end of the hike. "Walk or hitch from there to your car parked near the Backpackers CG, Ahwahnee Hotel, or Curry Village. Grab a hot shower, celebratory libation, and a good meal. Voila!" AND Plan B suggestions in 2nd post!

DLP
08-13-2015, 13:25
And, since you're from the SF area if the weather is really problematic for you in Y NP and SKC NP I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to head out to Point Reyes National Seashore, Redwood NP areas, or the Big Sur areas for a four day. Oh, and I would not for a moment feel sorry for you with those options. :) +1 to this. Of course, if it is raining in Yosemite in October... it is probably raining buckets sideways out at the coast :), but it is still beautiful. Pt Reyes is incredible and it is easy to get online reservations for Sunday thru Thursday nights. You do have to plan and get online like 48 hours before you go.

Skyline to the Sea trail in Big Basin is an option. You have to call on the phone to reserve.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26658
http://www.redwoodhikes.com/BigBasin/S-to-S.html

You can climb Mission Peak here in Fremont and do the Ohlone Wilderness Trail. It isn't Yosemite, but it does have excellent views of the SF Bay Area and the incredibly deserted foot hills and Mt. Diablo. http://www.ebparks.org/parks/ohlone

Henry Coe is the second largest State Park in CA. http://coepark.net/pineridgeassociation/activities/backpacking
Pretty much California foothill hiking. Some people find the brown dead grass "ugly". To me, it is "home". :)
Henry Coe - you can ALWAYS just walk up and get a permit.

So many trails, so little time. :)