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Post by damu21 on Feb 21, 2017 18:49:05 GMT -8
I am thinking of doing a long weekend in Yosemite the second to last weekend in april. how much of the park, what areas and trails will be open? I am open to dayhikes and/or a 1 or two night backpacking trip. any good options? I don't have snowshoes or any winter trekking gear. |
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Feb 21, 2017 20:21:51 GMT -8
In late April, especially the way this winter is shaping up, the Valley should be open, but not much else is going to me. For hiking without snowshoes or skis, you will need to look at low elevations. I'm sorry--I can't give specifics, as I don't usually go there that time of year (or much of anywhere else, to be honest). It's kind of an awkward time--getting pretty late for the CA deserts, and way too early for the high country.
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almostthere
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putting on my hiking shoes....
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Post by almostthere on Feb 22, 2017 11:20:24 GMT -8
Sorry, but it's 12+ feet of snow in the mid to high elevations, and it's snowing again this week. Try July in Hetch Hetchy and be really, really, really careful about water crossings -- they will be high, cold and FAST, and you should be ready to turn around.
No snow trips will be in Point Reyes, in Henry Coe State Park -- if the roads are open, right now San Jose, Morgan Hill etc are flooding and on flood watch -- or in Sespe, Dick Marshall, and desert areas. All will have a risk of flash flooding if the weather continues as it has been.
Check roads wherever you go in California. There is only one route into Yosemite at this time. Roads are washing out completely. The entire coast south of Carmel is closed due to washouts along highway 1 and the entire Ventana Wilderness is also closed.
It's a good year for day hiking.
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almostthere
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putting on my hiking shoes....
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Post by almostthere on Feb 22, 2017 13:57:49 GMT -8
I'm actually thinking at this point that the backpacking checklists for California trips should have some scuba gear....
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Feb 22, 2017 14:25:01 GMT -8
I'm actually thinking at this point that the backpacking checklists for California trips should have some scuba gear.... That gave me a laugh! Yeah, we're looking into other mountain ranges for this summer (the last one we'll be limited to July and the 1st week of August). I'm just not sure where we'll go--the whole West has gotten pretty hammered with snow. |
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Post by damu21 on Feb 22, 2017 15:36:52 GMT -8
haha, thanks! I think I will hold off on visiting Yosemite again!
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davesenesac
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Post by davesenesac on Feb 23, 2017 8:20:17 GMT -8
Without actual backpacking inside the park, there is still far more day hiking at all levels of difficulty in Yosemite Valley, some that will take most of a day. With just a weekend you will hardly put a dent in the large numbers of possible day hikes within the valley itself. At the top of anyone's list would be the world class John Muir Trail from Happy Isles to above Nevada Falls.
Just outside the park is the Hite Cove trail that usually peaks with wildflowers in early April though this year with the above average rains there will still be nice areas into early May. And one can backpack on that trail beyond the interesting wildflower areas along the South Fork of the Merced River into Sierra National Forest.
www.yosemitehikes.com/not-yosemite/hite-cove/hite-cove.htm
David
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speacock
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Post by speacock on Feb 27, 2017 17:38:29 GMT -8
Dave has a grand idea! AND the waterfalls will be spectacular. By end of May, even this year, should be mostly snow free up to at least Nevada Falls. Check with the rangers before you drive a long ways. The snow will be walkable as Sierra Concrete by end of April. Trek poles (with baskets) are a good accessory to help keep you upright. If it gets too warm you may have the distinct pleasure of post holing up to your crotch if in the sun. Wear gaiters anyway.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Feb 28, 2017 23:48:23 GMT -8
Look out of O'Shaunessey Dam (Hetch Hetchy) BUT beware Wapama Falls is likely to be washing over its bridge and that's been lethal to multiple people they've never recovered in recent years. So lollipops to return without crossing there would be most prudent. But it'd be worth a look: up close and personal with booming water.
That corner of the park is lower than most. Hmmm: something off Beasore Rd. up from Bass Lake? Also lower elevation.
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