Western Wanderlust Chronicles

An amazing and crazy girl backpacking trip started with the unpredictable weather of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which greeted us with challenges right from the beginning. Flexibility with Mother Nature is key for any backpacking trip, and our adventure was no exception. Our goal was to conquer three iconic summits: Mt. Hoffman, Clouds Rest, and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Securing the coveted Half Dome permits had been a dream of mine for years, and finally getting them was a major milestone.

Jackie, Chantelle, and I loaded up the car and headed west, excited for our journey. We were aware of a cold front approaching Yosemite but hoped it would pass before our adventure began. Arriving in the park that afternoon, standing in a meadow in Yosemite Valley with Half Dome looming before us was a surreal and awe-inspiring moment.

The Plan

The highlight of our trip was to summit three of Yosemite’s most iconic peaks over three nights in the backcountry, experiencing the park’s rugged wilderness along the way. We planned to:

• Camp near May Lake at the base of Mount Hoffman, 10,850 ft.
• Visit Tenaya Lake before hiking up to the Sunrise Lakes area.
• Camp at Sunrise Lakes before tackling Clouds Rest, 9,926 ft.
• Summit Half Dome, 8,836 ft, then return to Yosemite Valley via the Mist Trail, passing two spectacular waterfalls.

However, Mother Nature had other plans.

Unplanned Detours

Yosemite Valley was bustling with an event, causing traffic to come to a halt. We marveled at El Capitan and the famous cliffs and waterfalls, but couldn’t make it to the Backcountry Wilderness Center as planned. That evening, snow began to fall, making the roads icy and leading to the closure of Tioga Road. This detour forced us to take a 3-hour drive around the mountains, resulting in the cancellation of our permits for the entire trip.

Despite the setback, we spent the night at Curry Village in Yosemite Valley, laughing through the chaos, eating tasteless food, and enduring a cold tent cabin with no heat. It was a crazy start to our trip, and all we could do was laugh at the unexpected twists.

A New Beginning

Tioga Pass, the highest elevation highway in California, cuts across Yosemite’s northern “high country” at 9,945 ft above sea level. The next morning, we packed up and rushed to Tioga Road, waiting in line for hours for it to open. Once it did, Jackie raced to the wilderness center where we successfully re-secured our backcountry and Half Dome permits. Although we had to skip the hike to Mount Hoffman, the rest of the trip was back on track.

Into the Wilderness

Our hike began at the Sunrise trailhead in the picturesque Tuolumne Meadows and trek that lead us into Yosemite’s high country. Our first night was spent near the serene Sunrise Lakes. After a brief stop at Tenaya Lake, we continued through the forest along a fairly level path with changing landscapes of rock formations, pocket ponds, and seasonal streams. Before long, the trail begin to climb with a series of switchbacks. It was a long, slow slog up the hill. The first lake came quickly into view, wonderfully nestled beneath a crumbling granite hillside. The trail led us to the lower lake by evening, where we set up camp.

First Night at Sunrise Lakes

The night at Sunrise Lakes was cold, with temperatures dropping into the low 20s, making it the coldest backpacking trip I had experienced. Despite the chill, we enjoyed panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada and settled in for the night, curled up in our sleeping bags, anticipating the adventures to come.

Conclusion

The start of our trip was a mix of excitement, unexpected detours, and unforgettable moments. Even with the initial setbacks, we were finally on track to explore Yosemite’s breathtaking wilderness. As we drifted off to sleep under the starry sky, I felt grateful for the opportunity to embark on this journey with Jackie and Chantelle. Day 1 was just the beginning of an amazing adventure in Yosemite.