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06/17 solo day-hike - Highway 120 from Yosemite Valley
#55343 06/09/19 03:35 AM
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hi everyone, am going to drive from Yosemite Valley to Lone Pine to take the permit on 06/16. Was originally planning to take Highway 120 (about 3-4 hours drive) but it seems the road is still closed at the moment. Probably will keep that way for next weekend as well. Anyone has a better idea as to when 120 will open?

Also am doing the day-hike on 06/17 by myself. Love to meet up with anyone and go together if you're on the same schedule

Re: 06/17 solo day-hike - Highway 120 from Yosemite Valley
Jxi2019 #55349 06/09/19 12:18 PM
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Originally Posted By: Jxi2019
hi everyone, am going to drive from Yosemite Valley to Lone Pine to take the permit on 06/16. Was originally planning to take Highway 120 (about 3-4 hours drive) but it seems the road is still closed at the moment. Probably will keep that way for next weekend as well. Anyone has a better idea as to when 120 will open?

Also am doing the day-hike on 06/17 by myself. Love to meet up with anyone and go together if you're on the same schedule


It is in the realm of possibility that Hwy 120 will be open (but doubtful). I have heard that their target date is to be open for July 4th, but I "guess" they will beat that date. closest to "current conditions" can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm, but was only last updated May 30th. Should be getting another update within the next few days. You can also get up to the minute info at: 209/372-0200.
If Hwy 120 is not open, the norther route, via Hwy 108 is much more "scenic", but also very twisted. The souther route is an easier drive, but not so interesting.

Yosemite Valley should be on everyone's bucket list. Jaw dropping, and "not to be missed". Be forewarned that it is very crowded in the summer. Best to use the free shuttles rather than driving your own car while in the park. Hope you got a permit for Half Dome. Good warm-up for Whitney. Nearly as long, but not so much elevation gain, and not the altitude issues to deal with, but still a magnificent hike.

For Mt. Whitney, there will be many fellow hikers on the trail, and most likely that you will find others hiking at ~same speed to join up with. Very friendly group. Do not be concerned.

Re: 06/17 solo day-hike - Highway 120 from Yosemite Valley
John Sims #55353 06/09/19 01:55 PM
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Thanks John for the reply. Really really appreciate it
Given the snow, doesn’t feel like the highway is opening soon enough. The drives via 108 or the southern routes are so much longer... It is what it is I suppose.
But super excited to hike Half Dome and Mt Whitney in this trip - took a lot of planning to fly out there from London. Nice thing is that these hiking all are to start at early hour in the morning - silver lining given the jet lag smile

Re: 06/17 solo day-hike - Highway 120 from Yosemite Valley
Jxi2019 #55372 06/10/19 02:18 PM
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I'll take your comment to mean that you did manage a Half Dome permit. Most excellent. You've likely got this all planned out, but if not I recommend the Mist Trail going up, and the John Muir trail going down. Mist is steeper, and closer to the falls. Muir is longer, but easier on the knees.

For Whitney, I'm guessing that you will have a choice between the chute, and the switchbacks going up from Trail Camp. Not sure which I would take. I've done both, and no doubt the chute is shorter, and steeper, but there is a bit more exposure. For more details see Steve's post at: http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/55339/gonew/1/Switchbacks_2019 for more information.

Good luck! And enjoy your hikes.

Re: 06/17 solo day-hike - Highway 120 from Yosemite Valley
John Sims #55390 06/12/19 12:44 AM
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Yes - lucky to get a permit and make this whole trip possible. Saturday for Half Dome and Monday for Whitney. Will have to see about the time when I start to descend (assuming hopefully I can get up there in the first place), I heard that JM trail takes much longer (4-5 hours more?)

I have taken my crampons and ice axe for the chute. Seems this year has more snow and suspect I can't avoid the chute.

Will report back!

Re: 06/17 solo day-hike - Highway 120 from Yosemite Valley
Jxi2019 #55392 06/12/19 08:14 AM
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Jxi, On the Half Dome trail, there are two trails going between the first bridge and Nevada Fall. The Mist Trail is shorter and steeper, and it continues up the north side of Nevada Fall. The John Muir Trail bypasses the top of Vernal Fall and continues up to Nevada Fall. It would only take about half an hour longer to descend that way versus the steeper trail.

The switchbacks on Whitney are open, so you don't need to take the chute. But you still need crampons and at least hiking poles with snow baskets, since there is lots of snow on the upper sections.

Re: 06/17 solo day-hike - Highway 120 from Yosemite Valley
Steve C #55396 06/12/19 09:59 AM
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Originally Posted By: Steve C
The John Muir Trail bypasses the top of Vernal Fall and continues up to Nevada Fall. It would only take about half an hour longer to descend that way versus the steeper trail.


A few years ago my daughter, her college room mate, and I did this hike. Because the room mate's feet were killing her she and I went down the shorter Mist trail. My daughter took the JMT. My daughter got down 30 minutes before us. Walking at 3mph is fairly easy along the JMT. The JMT is approx. .7 miles longer, but you can go way faster:-)

Re: 06/17 solo day-hike - Highway 120 from Yosemite Valley
John Sims #55398 06/12/19 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted By: John Sims


A few years ago my daughter, her college room mate, and I did this hike. Because the room mate's feet were killing her she and I went down the shorter Mist trail. My daughter took the JMT. My daughter got down 30 minutes before us. Walking at 3mph is fairly easy along the JMT. The JMT is approx. .7 miles longer, but you can go way faster:-)


Yes, the Mist trail is far steeper and harder on the knees (it's a lot of steps).

I usually go up the Mist and down the JMT.

Re: 06/17 solo day-hike - Highway 120 from Yosemite Valley
WanderingJim #55400 06/12/19 09:35 PM
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You might enjoy looking at this fabulous video of backcountry skiing at the top of Tioga Pass last week:

https://snowbrains.com/eastern-sierra-ca-backcountry-report-mt-dana-%e2%86%92-dana-couloir-%e2%86%92-power-house-chutes-tioga-pass1/

https://snowbrains.com/eastern-sierra-ca...tes-tioga-pass/

And Tioga Pass will NOT open this weekend, June 15-16.

There is NO official opening date. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/tioga.htm



*It's 2017 all over again*

Last edited by Splash; 06/12/19 09:43 PM. Reason: Added Tioga stuff
Re: 06/17 solo day-hike - Highway 120 from Yosemite Valley
Splash #55403 06/13/19 09:05 AM
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Thanks, Splash! Those guys are crazy, skiing those couloirs!

I climbed one of them once with ice axe and crampons. Longest and steepest ice climb I've ever done. Not the smartest thing I've ever done--the exposure is absolutely fatal!

I'm sure their ski descent took advantage of the softer snow surface.


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