Honeymoon on North Rim- Yosemite in September, water conditions?

[Ashley Corrigan]

My husband and I would like to backpack the North Rim of Yosemite for our honeymoon. We would be taking this trip the first week of September 2012. Our current route includes the North Rim to Tenaya Lake, looping the valley to Cloudsrest, and then descending to the valley via the Half Dome route (Little Yosemite Valley).

We have only been backpacking in Yosemite in July when water was never an issue. Does anyone have experience backpacking in Yosemite in September? Is Yosemite Falls dry in September? Our snowpack this previous winter was meager, to say the least, so I am expecting some pretty dry conditions this September. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Ashley

[chris smead]

I did the North Rim 2 years ago in Sept. Yosemite falls was NOT dry at all. It was quite spectacular actually. But this year it may be different with the light snow.

[Bob Gross]

It will get pretty dry around Clouds Rest in that season. In September, Yosemite Creek gets fairly dry and is reduced to a trickle. It is not obvious where you intend to start on the North Rim. The major streams will be a trickle and the minor streams will disappear. Even any standing water can be used, but you will want to filter it a lot.

I've used water from Ribbon Creek when there was no flow.

–B.G.–

[Ashley Corrigan]

We will be starting from Tamarack Flat. I have read mixed reviews about starting from Bog Oak Flat Road (rockslide was difficult to scramble with packs on, etc.).

[Bob Gross]

Yes, Tamarack Flat is the best place, and I've started there about twenty times. The road was closed one year, so I had to start over at Big Oak Flat Road (the highway), and it was longer with more uphill, so I don't recommend that one. The rockslide is actually below El Capitan, on the way from the valley up to the Old Big Oak Flat Road (now an old fire road).

The place to camp first is about 200 yards after crossing Ribbon Creek, while you are still within walking range of the water there. Unfortunately, the best time to go is about July 1 for the wildflowers.

Hey, if you two can survive that trip, then marriage will be easy.

–B.G.–

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