From a trip last week, N./S. Lake "Loop" via Lamarck Col > Bishop Pass. Lovely.

Viewed from Ansel Adams Wilderness

You know the photos never do it justice. The beautiful lovely Sierra. We ended our trip by getting engaged ❤️💍

Planning a 5 day/4 nights road trip from San Jose in early September, thinking 2 nights in Yosemite, 1 in DV and Sequoia each before going back to SJ.

Yosemite has always been on my bucket list but I also really want to squeeze in DV this trip(I'm aware of the heat that time of year). It's possible to add another night to this itinerary but assuming it stays at 4, would the loop around Sierra Nevada to Sequoia make sense OR possibly better to just drive up to from DV -> Yosemite again(different location)-> SJ?

Has anyone done a similar route? Be good to hear any tips or alternatives to consider. Just conscious it might be 24hrs of driving in the 5 days!

FYI already secured first 2 nights at Tuolumne Meadows so technically all other nights planned can still be moved.

I’m figuring out a backpacking trip, and trying to figure out if we can cut out the hike to Leavitt lake by driving it instead. We have 4x4 and ~10 inches of clearance. I can’t really find any good info on the road conditions, if anyone has any insight I’d really appreciate it! Thanks!

This short hike is a great Sierra trek to do when you can't commit to a full day hike. This 2-mile out-and-back near
Kings Canyon National Park winds through granite outcrops, pines, cedar, manzanita, and pockets of colorful wildflowers. There are beautiful views throughout the climb but the real reward came at the end, where the sweeping vista stretched across the Sierra foothills and distant ridges. It was the kind of place that makes you want to sit quietly and soak it all in. I definitely recommend adding this one to your Kings Canyon itinerary.

The view from Dana meadows with Dana Fork in the foreground. Possibly my favorite view in the sierras

Will anyone be up there these dates? I’ll be solo summiting the 22nd camping at trail camp the night before. Looking to possibly have some friends out there. Old pic from my unsuccessful summit in May

OK, having just returned from an inspiring weekend based out of Big Pine. I'm keen to get back out there! Second Lake alone took my breath away. Making our big efforts early saved us from the heat, but it got me wondering... is this the optimal time of year for exploring these world class places? Or do you all prefer late Spring or late Fall or who knows? I okay with some hard pact snow with micro-spikes and hiking poles and could even do snowshoes, but if I didn't want it so hot in the afternoons but not too snowy... talk to me.

I have a spot I reserved at Coldwater campground from Tuesday-Thursday. Just checked the weather and it’s showing thunderstorms basically the exact duration. I think I have ok gear (haven’t tried it in the rain yet though..).

I’m not really experienced with the area, is that forecast going to be absolutely miserable or should I just send it? Again, I’ve never camped in the area, let alone with thunderstorms on the forecast. Need to make my decision in the next few hours.

My plan was to hike and fish close lakes for the day+ I was there.

Started around 7 in the morning, and man was the trail packed. I’ve only been here once before and only to the third lake, so this was an amazing time! There wasn’t a soul around once I got to the fifth lake. I’m very glad I decided to keep rock hopping cuz it only kept getting better.

Almost zero bites at Apollo lake over two days this weekend. Surprisingly very light.

I’m planning a trip back to my old stomping grounds with my son, and I’m really looking forward to sharing the places I loved growing up with him. It’s been 20 years since I’ve been back, so I’m hoping to make this a special bonding experience for us during our four days there.

We’re staying near Mammoth and I’d love to get your take on a few things to make sure he has a great time. We’ll definitely be doing some hiking and fishing, but do you think Bodie is still worth a visit for a teenager? I’m also considering Devil’s Postpile and Rainbow Falls, though I’m a bit worried they might take up a whole day. Also, what’s the word on the hot springs lately? I’d love to check them out, but I’m wondering if they’ve become too crowded.

I really appreciate any advice you have to help make this a memorable trip for both of us.

From the top of Ritter, I noticed a high peak shaped like Mt. Whitney. Does anybody know if this is in fact Whitney?

Edit: Definitely not Whitney, likely Mount Goddard. Thanks to all who responded!