by Phil » Thu Feb 09, 2017 5:24 pm
Pray that camping restrictions aren't in effect at Snow Creek, but it sounds like they're just at the precautionary stage right now based on the email. Whew! That's a rough slog up to the flats, then more not far after the bridge if it comes to that the first day, so hit it early. Not restricted, on the flats or over the bridge and out right. If the creek's still ripping, get your water well upstream from the falls. Restricted, get up to about the next trail junction (the one up to the road and May Lake) and find somewhere flat with some nearby water in the vicinity of the ranger's cabin. You can get up higher along the trail over to Olmstead and find some decent flat areas somewhat near some small streams, but there are some areas that are buggy, and then you also have to know where you are to stay within regs and keep a mile off Tioga Rd. The saving grace for Snow Creek restrictions is that they don't generally kick in until later in the season, but it's always catch as catch can. Or maybe they're finally going to shoot the bear. Whatever happens, just psyche up for a tough climb. Hard, but absolutely worth it when Half Dome, Watkins Pinnacles, and all of Tenaya Canyon are in your face.
Another thing to consider is to try to take that whole section from the Valley up as light as possible. Olmstead might have a few bear lockers, but with all the tourists it would make me nervous about doing a food drop there, but if you can, try to put the remainder of your provisions beyond what you absolutely need the first couple days down at the Sunrise Trailhead. So if you're following basic guidelines of calculating food at 2lbs per person, per day, it should save you from having to haul an extra 8-10lbs during the first leg up, and it may also save you from carrying a second can if you pack the first one right.
I take it you've got it figured out from there in terms of route and camping?