Backpacking the High Sierras: Yosemite National Park

July 10 to 15, 2000

Boy Scout Troop 634

Reisterstown, Maryland

June 21-23,Monday 1999
8 Scouts aged 13 to 17 and 4 adults flew to San Francisco on July 7, 2000. After some sightseeing in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, we camped in Tolumne Meadow on July 9.

July 10: Begin the ADVENTURE! On the John Muir Trail, this was an 8.5 mile hike to the backpackers camping area (9400' altitude) near the Sunrise High Sierra Camp. This hike went through Cathedral Pass and past Cathedral Lakes.

July 11: Departed camp along the cross trail to the Forsythe trail. Passed the three sunrise lakes, and then hung a left on the Forsythe Trail to Clouds Rest. The summit of Clouds Rest at 9926' had an unbelievably great view. From Clouds Rest we continued down the trail to its junction with the John Muir trail, where we camped (elevation about 7000').

July 12: Hiked from camp into Yosemite Valley itself. This hike passed Nevada (594' high) and Vernal Falls (317' high). It was all downhill - we lost about 3000' in elevation.

July 13: This was the tough day, but one of incredibly spectacular views. We hiked 3.2 miles up Yosemite Creek Trail, adjacent to Lower (320') and Upper Yosemite Falls (1430'). Then we hiked for about 4.5 miles along the North Dome trail to teh shoulder of North Dome where we camped. Along the way we will visited Yosemite Point for sweeping views of the Valley. The hike was seriously all uphill - we gained about 4000' in elevation.

July 14: Saw sunrise from North Dome and then headed 4.8 miles to near the Porcupine Flat Campground, where we left one car. Along the way we will take a short side hike (1.2 miles round trip) to Indian Arch viewpoint and the natural arch there. When we reached the cars, the scouts gave a rendition of "Macho Mom".

Fun on a snowfield	Lunch on July 10	Sunrise Lake	Half Dome from Clouds Rest
View up Yosemite Falls Trail	Half Dome from North Dome	"Macho-Mom" tribute

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