I'm taking my son, 28, nephew, 20 and brother-in-law, 50 (active, but not super fit) to Yosemite for the Jul 4 weekend. Assuming we get our Wilderness Permit, I have 3 possible itineraries. Can anyone offer feedback, constructive criticisms? Other ideas?
Itenerary [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Ewa4LiNMV97lUX1eX-vPSJc907RgGNGNKLI5QmTHGqY/edit?usp=sharing]
I'm an intermediate skilled backpacker who has not backpacked in Yosemite. I'm pretty fit and active (competed in sprint and Olympic triathlons in 2014). I have backpacked in Sequoia/KC and other Sierra locations a dozen times over the past couple of decades. My traveling crew have virtually no backpacking experience. The younger two are both fit but inexperienced.
Of the three trips, the Lyell Canyon is my favorite for this crew. It's the longest but slowly takes up to high altitude (two nights at 8800' before one night at 10000'). I feel the daily distance is doable and we don't have to carry a ton of food if we eat at the High Sierra Camps when possible.
Here's my questions:
Is there any reason this is a bad route through the high country?
What is the latest time and location for catching the shuttle from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne?
I have adapted hammocking for my preferred sleep arrangement (webbing around trees so they are never damaged). Are there any locations where hanging a hammock is not possible?
What have I not considered as I make the plans for this trip?
Thanks for your help!
-Bob
