King's Canyon

“I have the opportunity to do some hiking in King's Canyon or Yosemite this summer May 7th-28. Unfortunately, it appears from the info I have found on this board and elsewhere on the web, that it will still be extremely cold and most of the places we would want to go will be inaccessible. For the area regulars: Is my assumption correct and what are some alternative multi-day hikes that will avoid snow since the dates cannot be adjusted? Thanks.”

“I hiked to halfdome on May 20th last year, the falls were awesome, I had a wonderful time, but only three days later after I was back home, it snowed 6 inches up there. It all depends on the current conditions.

Try anywhere under 7000 ft elevation, you should be ready for some snow, but nothing impassable. You might try Hetch Hetchy, Little Yosemite Valley, Middle Fork of the Keweah....Just pay attention to the weather before you go. Could be a nice spring trip, or winterey depending on the current conditions.”

“In the mountains you can get extremely cold temps and falling snow any month of the year. That said, if you have the skills needed for springtime in the Sierras, you can have a great trip. If you don't have the skills, your trip could be miserable. The temps in May tend to be very nice though. If you're not hell bent on the sierra high country consider somewhere like the lost coast or Ventana Wilderness. Both provide good multi day options.”

“Depends on how much snow we recieve this year but last year I was in Kings Canyon May 10-12 along Paradise Valley.
As long as you stay at the lower elevations in Yosemite or Kings Canyon the snow/cold shouldn't be too much of a factor.

What kind of mileage are you looking at? How many days ?”

“You might want to give Chilnualna Falls or other areas around Wawona in Yosemite a look.

I was there as far as Chilnualna Falls last May and had no problem with snow. I plan to return this Memorial weekend to finish the semi-loop that I was unable to finish last year.

Granted, it's not the high country, but unless your willing to do some snowshoeing (very fun I might add) that's all that will be available.”

“Actually Hikin'Mike, Tekapo and myself were just in Yosemite and the weather was really pretty nice (they snowshoed in shorts, 50+* daytime)...til that storm blew in later that night ;) After it cleared the temps dipped down to around 18 degrees at the 7,400'elevation. Brrrrrr! Temps in the Sierra can change very quickly....even in May.
Looking back at the fissures from Taft Point.”

“Goofed on the link...
The Backcountry: Chilnualna Falls”

“We are tentatively planning to be out as much of the three weeks as possible, but in reality, it will probably only be a total of 10-14 days. I have not yet gotten any maps, but we were thinking it would be difficult to stay out that long without having to hit the higher elevations at some point. Chilnualna Falls looks interesting as well as Paradise Valley...could the Falls be incorporated into a massive loop or is it strictly a 'there and back'. Thanks again for all the responses and I look forward to more suggestions.”

“Topher,

I concur with Wind Walker. There will probably still be significant snow above 8500-9000 ft. In early May. Lower and probably upper Paradise Valley would most likely be clear with patches of snow in the shady spots. Temps would still be chilly at night and early morning. It is not uncommon to get spring snow storms, so I would be prepared. Other options out of Cedar Grove would be up Bubbs Crk. Or, the Copper Creek trail Hd. (very steep and rapid elevation gain). Cedar Grove elev. (4500-5000 ft.) in itself is a nice place to visit. Classic Glacier carved valley with similiar features as Yosemite Valley, with the South fork of the Kings River running through the valley. There are four campgrounds and a small Lodge. Lot's of dayhiking opportunities. Hope this helps!

skibum
Grant Grove
Kings Canyon Nat'l Park

So far, winter has kind of fizzled out. We only have patchy snow at the 6500 ft. level. Feb-Mar can bring significant snow (hopefully).”

“My route was (is) going to be up to Chilnualna Falls; east past Crescent Lake, Johnson Lake; then head north past Johnson Lake to Royal Arch Lake; head around Buena Vista Peak (9,709') past some small un-named lakes and back to Chilnualna Falls. If I remember the mileage was about 30 to 35 miles.

If your looking for more time out there, a "side trip" to Ostrander Lake would be possible. This would probably add another 20 miles out and back. You may be able to shave mileage by going cross country, but I've never been there and I'm just looking at my Yosemite NP map here at work (not a TOPO).”

“Lodgepole in Sequoia will be open. You can do The Lakes Trail, Alta Peak, Sequioa Loops.... for there.”

“someday i'll get to yosemite, someday.”

“just don't go to the valley in the summer”

“I'll make you a deal. I'll show you around Yosemite and you show me some sights in Pennsylvania! I get out that way about once a year to visit my parents who live in south west PA.”

“ansel adams photo here at my office from Kings Canyon...I wanna go there before I die...it looks awsome. Have a great time when your there. come back safely and show us all your photos and a great trip report.”

“I will.”

“bump”