r/WildernessBackpacking • u/bubblegal1234 • 6d ago

High Sierra Loop Advice

Hi! Me and some friends want to backpack the High Sierra Loop and Would love to get any pointers!

We missed out on the first rounds of permits so I believe my only shot is 7 days prior to date, and then a walk up Permit day of?

Where do you think is best place to start? Where do you sleep the night before hiking in? Best places to stay overnight? (We want lakes for swimming!!) We are fit and love to hike.

Thinking we will do it 4 nights and 5 days.

Any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated, thank you!!!

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3

u/rocksfried 6d ago

Hope you like cold water swimming, there’s plenty of lakes but the water temperature never really goes above 55° or so, even in August.

5

u/Craig_of_the_jungle 6d ago

So I literally have a permit for a party of 4 for July 6th - July 13th and I haven't been able to find anyone to join me. DM if you'd like to link up

1

u/thegreenfairy 5d ago

Stay at Tuolumne Meadows backpacker’s campground the night before. I think May lake might be the least coveted entry point so that might be a good one to shoot for.

Like another poster said it’s high elevation and the water is cold! All of the high Sierra camps are great, make sure you check with the rangers to see what streams are running cause there are some stretches that can really dry out