[Hunter]

Heading to SF to visit my brother for a week. Got tickets to a Giants/Cubs game, and the brother has been living in SF for 5 years now so I should get a good tour. Going to Yosemite for 2 days too. Anyone want to drop a dime on those two scenes? Looking for some good hiking suggestions for Yosemite (half day & a full day) - camping at the North Pines campground right at the main valley (Half Dome, Illilouette, Sentinel?). No idea what the terrain or hikes are like.

 

[Hunter]

Ok, Half Dome looks stupid.

Please be warned there is an increase in crowding and congestion on Saturdays and holiday weekends on Half Dome. Most visitors arriving at the cables during these periods will experience slow access to the summit, extended exposure to potentially uncomfortable conditions, and an increased likelihood of irresponsible behavior due to frustration with conditions.

Crowded hiking is not for me. We'll be in Yosemite from Sun-Mon, hopefully the crowds will have died off. I just wanna see some big trees and spend a 10 hr day hiking in the woods. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm

 

[Colonel Angus]

Ok, Half Dome looks stupid.



Crowded hiking is not for me. We'll be in Yosemite from Sun-Mon, hopefully the crowds will have died off. I just wanna see some big trees and spend a 10 hr day hiking in the woods. http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/valleyhikes.htm

Half Dome is an awesome hike as long as you don't do it on a weekend. You go past Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls - both are fantastic. And the views from Half Dome are amazing. Just bring a pair of leather gloves - the cables can shred your hands.

If you're totally opposed to Half Dome, I would drive out the road towards Glacier Point and hike both Sentinel Dome (~2-3 miles) and Taft Point (~2-3 miles). Both are fantastic.

Also fun is the hike up to the top of Yosemite Falls, and you can go east a little and see the Lost Arrow, but the hike is STEEP.

I used to live in Fresno and would drive up there every Saturday and do a ~20-mile run to train for marathons. It's hard to think about how sore your legs are with scenery like that!

 

[stosh]

I :heart: Yosemite

 

[Pesqueeb]

I grew up in Sequoia/Kings canyon national park. IMHO much better than Yosemite and going to be way less crowded on a weekend. Driving time from San Fran is comparable.

 

[buildyourown]

I hiked half dome in mid October several years ago. There was only one other group up there. Got to camp at the top. I had no idea how rare that was at the time. Having seen pictures of the crowds at peak season, I would recommend it if you are in the area.

 

[buildyourown]

Also, did a bike riding beer tour of the city with my sister a couple summers ago. Was pretty fun. If it weren't for the bike ride in the fresh air, I would have puked on the BART.

 

[narlus]

we did a hike to Cathedral Lake which was fun. that was a long time ago.

 

[eric strt6]

Tioga rd is still open and the backcountry will be empty

Cathedral lakes loop.

Saddlebag lakes area at the top of Tioga Pass

tons more

The Valley is ok but the high backcountry is just so spectacular

 

[Hunter]

Awesome, thanks for the suggestions guys. Pics?

 

[eric strt6]

Awesome, thanks for the suggestions guys. Pics?

about 2/3 of the way up Cathedral Peak, Cathedral lake is down below

 

[Hunter]

Got in some great hiking and views during the short time I was there - good times!

 

[davidhill]

I flew out to SF a month ago and spent a week, didnt make it out to Yosemite, but this is the view I had from the plane when flying over it...

ON FIRE!!

 

[jdcamb]

I flew out to SF a month ago and spent a week, didnt make it out to Yosemite, but this is the view I had from the plane when flying over it...

ON FIRE!!

It amazed me when flying over Yosemite that you could see the distinct geologic zones down below. The meta-volcanic zones and the meta-sedimentary zones are clearly visible from the air. The Glacially polished granite near Glen Aulin was amazing to see from the air. The faults and striations were even cooler in person. Frost pocks hundreds of feet wide! Just an amazing place....

 

[dump]

I recommend hikes from tioga rd... it's hard to go wrong up here.

May Lake followed by Mt Hoffman
Amazing views... relatively short, but steep hike from may lake to the peak.

North Dome hike - travels south to spectacular views of the valley from directly across half dome. Approx 8-10 miles

Grant lake
Brilliant back country hike that goes through tons of varied terrain. Half moon meadow is great. Rewarded with grant lake at the end, and a small peak to ascend to from there. Approx 12-14 miles. Unlikely to see anyone on this trip.

Ragged Peak/Young Lakes
Around Toulome Meadows area. Great views... nice off-trail hiking.
Approx 10 miles.

 

[dump]

On your way to the game, walk down 4th street & check out the Chrome store.
http://www.chromebags.com/store/

 

[davidhill]

On your way to the game, walk down 4th street & check out the Chrome store.
http://www.chromebags.com/store/

JESUS! $280 for a messenger bag??
I thinks notta

 

[dump]

JESUS! $280 for a messenger bag??

I think the regular bags are around $140. Had a special a couple months ago where bags were 40% off. Not sure where you're seeing $280 for a bag. Anyway, it's a cool shop... have more than bags... apparel, shoes, etc. Cool spot to stop.

 

[davidhill]

I think the regular bags are around $140. Had a special a couple months ago where bags were 40% off. Not sure where you're seeing $280 for a bag. Anyway, it's a cool shop... have more than bags... apparel, shoes, etc. Cool spot to stop.

http://www.chromebagsstore.com/bags/pro-series/warsaw.html

Guess its just this particular bag thats so pricey. Nice bag and all, but damn.