My friends and I are looking for a 3-4 day hike within 4-5 hours of the Bay Area. I was planning on the Burst Rock trail but it's still under snow. I'm still new to this area so I'm wondering if anyone that is more experienced could give me some suggestions on some good trails.

Thanks!

 

Yosemite, From Tuolumne meadows down to Yosemite Valley.
Can be done in two. Relaxing 3-4 day trip. Easy down hill most of it. Lots of lakes and rivers.

I can give you more details if you like.

 

4-5 hours from the bay area opens up a ton of options- any of the Yosemite high country trails would be near the top of my list, including some of the territory to the north of the park, but also the Desolation Wilderness this side of Tahoe, lots of options...although if snow is going to scare you away, this year you might still need to hold off a couple more weeks as it's still melting off just about everywhere over 6,000 feet or so.

 

I just looked over the trip from Tuolumne to Yosemite and it looks pretty awesome! I'm going to call the ranger's office tomorrow and see how the conditions are though, I'm guessing at 9k feet there is still going to be a good amount of snow. I want to get out next week because it's the last time I'll have time off before classes start at the end of August. After that I'll be trapped in the library

 

I dont think there is a ton of snow.

B.T.W. if its monday and you need a hand let me know. I might be able to drop you guys off up top so you can leave your cars down in the valley for your return.

 

Just did the OBOFRT trail and the north rim of Yosemite this last week. 4 days/3 nights and super epic views. The last night we camped on the plateau above snow creek falls at 6400 feet directly across from half dome. PM for details if you're interested - it was one of the best pack trips I've ever done.

EDIT: we only saw snow the first day and the second to last. IN Yosemite at least it's really only sticking around in wooded areas that don't get much sun.

 

That is very kind of you, thank you for the offer! We might not be going until Tuesday due to work but I've read you can take a bus from the valley up to certain places.

 

eagle lakes trail. ties into a 4wd trail. great views and lots of challanges.

 

Also please keep in mind you will need a wilderness permit many places - most of which are issued months ahead of time. This includes the Yosemite backcountry so please do your research - you can get a ticket for not having a permit if they catch you.

 

Ruby Lake from the Mosquito Ridge trailhead outside of Bishop. It's high country and quota'd.

 

Don't cross any rivers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Just bought backcountry permits for the OBOFRT. Unfortunately there isn't a shuttle up there so we will probably bring two cars.

 

So one of my friends had a family emergency and won't be able to go. I'm trying to find out a way to get from the valley up to the OBOFR so that my friend and I don't have to bring two cars. Any suggestions?

 

is back packing you're talking about man vs wild status? I wanna go camping into the wilderness. me maybe a buddy and gear. is that possible?

 

Park in the backcountry trail parking by curry village and happy isles then take the free shuttles out close to milepost V9 just past camp 4 as you're headed out of the park. You can hook up with the trail after a short walk on the road heading west. When you come down from your last night camping right by snow creek you hike down the switchbacks and end up really close to mirror lake, which is only about a 1.5 mile walk back to the parking lot. No need for 2 cars

PS I will respond to your PM with more detail tomorrow, but here's a little blurb you can read about OBOFRT:

Sierra Mountain Times » Archive » Old Big Oak Flat Road: The Forgotten Route into Yosemite