We have a mini-getaway planned this weekend. Thinking of driving over 120 to Lee Vining (1 night) & then up to Hope Valley (1 night) & then, return via Hwy 4/Murphys (1 night).

Unfortunately, will only have one day really to explore sights along Hwy 120 through Yosemite. :-\

If you could do only one hike along this scenic stretch...(w/a half day of time)...which would you do?

Since we'll probably stay in Lee Vining...could maybe head back up for another the next day...
but, might want to see a bit of Mono Lake, too.

Have never been to Yosemite's High Country, nor to the Eastern Sierras. Am hoping for some fall colors, still. If anyone has an update for that region, could use your input. Thanks so much!!

Just got back on Monday after spending 4 days in Yosemite National Park. Tioga Pass is OPEN! Of course that could change at any time.

Utahtea

I was in Yosemite Valley last week and the leaves are starting to change..They are beautiful! There is no water falling in the falls, although a little is falling at Vernal and Nevada falls. A beautiful and moderately difficult hike would be up to Vernal or Nevada falls. fairly steep with 600+ granite steps. Beautiful views and great rocks to eat lunch. 2 hrs up to Vernal falls and another 1 to Nevada falls

First - and I hope this doesn't offend anyone - but there is NO comparison between Yosemite high country and Mono lake. In the time you have skip Mono lake. You will see several much more beautiful lakes off of 120.

Hikes (some of these start at and go to VERY high elevations, so if you are just arriving it might not be a good idea):

-Glen Aulin/Tuolumne Falls - 9 miles RT but you can just go as far as you want. Almost all flat and along a beautiful river through meadows and forest.

-Lyell Canyon - similar to the above hike, maybe a bit less crowded. Goes for miles but just turn around when you feel like it.

-Lembert Dome - the giant dome in Tuolumne meadows - hike to the top is about 4 miles RT and gets tough (obviously!) but the view is amazing.

-Gaylor Lakes - Hands down the most spectacular hike in the area. Only about 4 miles RT but starts at almost 10,000 feet and goes up from there.

There are many many more of course...

Have a great time. Double check that Tioga Pass is still open, but sounds like it is.

It looks like the weather will be changing for the worse on Sunday or Monday. If you are taking a 3 day trip, leaving on Friday might be best.

The drive over 120 is pretty slow, so you might not have the time you think you have for a half day hike. I would save the longer hikes in the Tuolumne Meadows area for another visit when you can acclimate yourself and have more time. The Lembert Dome trail might be just the right length if you have the energy. Or, a stroll around Tenaya Lake is very scenic. One of our favourite hikes is to Bennetville at Tioga Pass though this might be a fairly cool hike at 10,000 feet. August/ September is a better time for these high elevation hikes.

A nice hike at Mono Lake is out to the South Tufa Area. If you park at Navy Beach, you get a little longer hike and save the South Tufa parking fee. In between Navy Beach and South Tufa is an interesting hot spring right at lakeside. You can't go in it but it's very scenic.

If it does get cool, there are some nice hot springs in Bridgeport or try Grover Hot Springs in Markleeville. If you have the time, go out to Bodie - another great California State Park.

If you are going up to Hope Valley, take the route over Monitor Pass from Topaz Lake. It's very scenic and the aspen groves are spectacular although it might be a week or so late to catch them at their best.

The Eastern Sierra is one of the most scenic parts of California. I'm sure you will return after seeing it for the first time.

Thanks so much for the additional
comments & advice!!
This info will really help w/our short hiking goals. Growing thrilled that we might be able to slip this mini-trip in...and,
like mentioned here...

I'm sure it will make us determined to get back some time, for a longer time there when perhaps the meadows will be in bloom. (late July?)

Appreciate your time & thoughts!

Daydreamer,

Don't know if I'm to late or not, but keep an eye on the weather. They are prediciting snow in the higher elevations for Sunday!

Utahtea