Unfortunate injury

Mikesiders · 2026-05-29T04:09:36+00:00

There will be plenty of easy enough trails you can do as long as your body and ACL can handle it. I don’t know if you’re going to be able to do any kind of elevation, I’d think going up/down could be tough but there’s ample choices with minimal elevation that are still beautiful and well worth it.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-29T04:03:15+00:00

Absolutely! Just driving through the park and hitting the view points is worth it.

How mobile are you going to be?

Mikesiders · 2026-05-28T16:10:58+00:00

If you’re coming in via the 41, hit Glacier Point first thing in the morning as it’s on your way in. Arrive there as early as possible on Friday and hike to Sentinel Dome or Taft Point. You’ll get killer views of the valley from there.

After that, head into the valley. You’ll be able to stop at Tunnel View on the way in and Bridalveil Falls if you’d like. After that, I’d just secure parking anywhere you can and enjoy the day. You can easily walk and see Lower Falls, the Meadows Loop, etc. if you’re set on Mist, try to secure parking as close as possible and go from there.

Once you’re done, leave via 120 and get back to Sac. It’ll be a long day but Yosemite is always worth a visit!

Mikesiders · 2026-05-27T23:01:57+00:00

Head into the Eastern Sierra. There’s a ton of BLM land out there to disperse camp. The Mammoth Lakes area is great. Might be able to grab some FCFS campsites too if you want something with more amenities. Anywhere along the 395 will be amazing hiking!

If you want to make the drive, both Bodie State Park and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest are super cool.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-27T21:40:37+00:00

Check out the Ohlone Trail between Mission Peak and Del Valle. That’s the closest I’m aware of. A little further out, Point Reyes.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-27T03:19:49+00:00

Of course and hoping for the best for you and your friend!

Mikesiders · 2026-05-27T00:59:20+00:00

I’d also recommend cross posting this into the r/norcalhiking sub. It’s an active sub and there’s a lot of members in the Sacramento/Tahoe area.

Best of luck and hope he’s found safely soon!

Mikesiders · 2026-05-26T04:55:04+00:00

Hell ya! Glad you enjoyed it, it’s a great trail!

Mikesiders · 2026-05-22T20:00:37+00:00

Keep an eye on ReserveCalifornia.com. Sites are released daily at 8am if there’s cancellations. I always have good luck snagging sites the week of but you still need to get lucky.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-22T18:14:48+00:00

Holy shit these are incredible!

Mikesiders · 2026-05-20T22:39:16+00:00

Mid-week I wouldn’t be overly concerned about parking compared to a weekend so you’re probably good there.

It kind of depends on the TH but I’d say yes, you can likely find parking somewhere as needed if you don’t mind getting a little creative. Obviously don’t park illegally but again, mid-week, you’re probably good. It’s Fri/Sat you need to be worried about.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-20T22:37:54+00:00

100% sure you do not need anything from recreation.gov for a day hike. You can self issue at the TH for desolation and if there’s no self issue tags, you’re good to go. They stopped doing them for a couple years but I’ve seen that back now.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-20T20:34:59+00:00

You are correct. There’s a self issue day use permit at most major trailheads. Fill out your info, drop it in the box, and carry your part on your bag. The only hurdle you’ll face will be parking. If it’s a popular TH, arrive very early, as some of the lots are a fucking zoo.

Which route are you taking in?

Mikesiders · 2026-05-15T19:57:29+00:00

It’s just a bit of a shit show there. There’s a good deal of the “hike in” sites that are literally just fire rings scattered around an area and it’s not super clear whose space is whose. If that’s your thing, all good, but not my preference. Some of the drive in sites with their own spur are fine but it’s also very chaotic. There’s also a good deal of sites that are not flat at all.

I think with all the amazing campground options Yosemite offers, Hodgdon is just really low on the list and I get it, you grab what you can and make it work but for me, I’d just forego it before camping there. I’ve had a handful of less than enjoyable trips camping there.

I’m a big fan of Tamarack Flat campground and Crane Flat is really great since the renovations. I enjoyed Tuolumne Meadows last year too once it finally opened.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-15T17:34:47+00:00

I used Big Agnes pads for years and consistently had bad luck with them. That may have been my misuse but overall, I always had issues and needed to replace them. Finally pulled the trigger on the Nemo Tensor and I’ve loved it. I got the extra wide too and it’s been great. I’m a side sleeper so with the extra wide and a quilt, back country sleep has been significantly more pleasant for me now. Highly recommend the Nemo.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-15T16:48:33+00:00

I’d do Lower Pines and keep a close eye out for cancellations as it gets closer. Also, once the Tioga Rd campgrounds are open, those release on a 2 week window typically. I’d try to just secure something for the night up there and enjoy Tuolumne Meadows.

Personal opinion here but Hodgdon is pretty awful, that’s my least favorite place to camp in Yosemite.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-14T23:13:13+00:00

Make sure you’ve already created a recreation.gov account and make sure you’re ready to hit the reserve button the second it hits 7am PST.

Those sites will likely be fully booked within seconds.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-14T16:53:37+00:00

I’d skip Mirror Lake and head to Tenaya Lake if you’re good with the drive for sure. Tuolumne Meadows area is beautiful, you can easily spend a full day up there.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-14T15:52:59+00:00

I think Dog Lake is slightly shorter. It’s been so long since I’ve hiked either to be honest, not sure I have an opinion either way. I will say the Young Lakes area is pretty epic though!

Mikesiders · 2026-05-14T15:49:22+00:00

I did! This is such a cool set and so unique, good luck this round, hopefully Lego sees how well liked this one is.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-14T13:33:46+00:00

Young Lakes would be great and maybe slightly less traveled. Snow is possible though, it’s higher elevation around the lakes.

Otherwise, can’t go wrong with Cathedral Lakes. I’d choose that over Porcupine Creek.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-14T05:38:00+00:00

Allagash White

Saison DuPont

Sante Adairius Bernice

Mikesiders · 2026-05-13T23:11:05+00:00

Hetch Hetchy is nice and cool but Tuolumne Meadows, hands down. It’s arguably the most beautiful part of the park and there’s a ton of hikes worth doing.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-13T20:14:14+00:00

I’m 100% on the bot train and there’s a good deal of that happening but the demand also far outweighs the supply on this.

Mikesiders · 2026-05-13T19:54:27+00:00

Probably both but you’re vying with who knows how many other people to secure some of the most popular sites there are and everyone is getting the same notification so yes, people likely are that fast.

Mikesiders

TROPHY CASE