Glen Aulin, Yosemite Questions

“In July, I have a group of 8-10 backpackers going to the Glen Aulin area of Yosemite for a basecamp, then day hiking from there. I know there is a main backpacker camp area near the trail and High Sierra Camp. I would prefer camping more remotely, maybe a mile away from there. Does anyone know about impacted camp spots that would be ok for 8-10 at nearby McGee Lake to the SW of Glen Aulin? Thank you so much!
John”

“National Parks are tightly regulated as to where you camp. I do not believe they will let you camp whereever you want mainly because of bears. You will be better off using the established campsite.”

“Glen Aulin is considered a high impact area and YNP requires that people actually stay in designated campsites in that area. There are toilets in the area as well.

With that large of a group I doubt you would be able to get away with camping in a non designated area by Glen Aulin.

Other areas, that are not considered special use do not have these same rules.

There are also “no camping” zones one mile from any road and four miles around the more heavily populated areas in the park. The four mile restriction includes all trails out of Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, Hetch Hetchy, Glacier Point, and Wawona.

Otherwise, in YNP, you can backpack just about anywhere as long as you have a permit for that trailhead.”

“Thank you, Yotaman and SandyAnn, for your input. Yes, I am looking for a spot about a mile away from the Glen Aulin camps, so I will be within the regulations. I have heard that up Conness Creek there are some opportunities. Anybody have experience with that or even down by Tuolumne River towards the series of falls? Thanks.
John”

“Can anyone recommend the best time of year to visit Yosemite? I am thinking early June, but it is the park already really busy by then?
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“Make reservations as early as you can, not necessarily that early of a trip. Walk in permits are also available, first come, first served. I go in Oct., no problem then, just snow.”

“No, skip June. Its a zoo. Go in May when the crowds are reduced, the falls are pounding, the days are warmer and the trails are moist.

Oooh, pervy...”

“If car camping or just camping, I guess it would be crazy, I only bp in the Park or stay a night at a bpers cg for one night, not bad at TM bpers cg. A bear last summer in July when I stayed the one night, I never saw it, just heard, "get outta here BEAR!"”

“For sure. Backcountry could be snowed in on some of the higher passes still, depending on where you go.

I agree, hikerduane, Oct. is a nice time in the Sierra. About three years ago I did an 8 dayer in Ansel Adams Wilderness (Devils Punchbowl) in Oct and the wife and I saw narry a soul the whole time. It was amazing.”

“I would pick September/October because the bugs will be gone and cooler temps. One of my favorite places is Young Lakes.”

“Legit question, or is someone trolling for business?”

“Thanks for all your answers. May sounds like a good time to go...”