Suggestions for one week in central California

[Ron Marshall]

Many thanks for all of the considered responses. I have decided to take your advice and spend most of the second week in or near Yosemite to save on driving and logistics. There are so many great hikes in the high country and September will be a great time for that.

Thanks again!

[John Kasaian]

Thanks John! I am planning to head over Tioga pass to Mono lake and the Twenty lakes basin. Perhaps Tahoe as well. So much to see!

Try to hit the Whoa Nellie Deli in Lee Vining for at least one meal.

[Ron Marshall]

Any recommendations for where to stay in Lee Vining?

[Drew Wiley]

Just always always always have a raincoat and sweater in your daypack for hikes away from the road. The weather can change very fast and severe at altitude
that time of year.

[Bill_1856]

You might want to check out this video of Roman Loranc in the Central valley.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9D1Li1ZCDA

[dsphotog]

While you are in the Mono Lake area, you might like Bodie. A nice place to stay in the area is Virginia Creek Settlement, Motel rooms, cabins, tents, and great pizza and lasagna.

[Ron Marshall]

This site is a useful resource for Yosemite hikes:

http://www.yosemitehikes.com/hikes.htm

[Ron Marshall]

Thanks Bill, I enjoyed it very much!

You might want to check out this video of Roman Loranc in the Central valley.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9D1Li1ZCDA

[Drew Wiley]

It can still be pretty damn hot down in Yos Valley that time of year, and given the severity of the drought, all the falls except those on the main river will probably
be totally dry. The high country will be nice, regardless. No mosquitoes that late in the year, and depending, might even be a pinch of fall color. There are many
wonderful side canyon hikes up from Hwy 395 south of Lee Vining, plus overlooks up at Mammoth pass, the June Lake loop, Rock Creek above Tom's place, which has
an almost level hike into the scenic Little Lakes area. North of Lee Vining you've got Mono Lk, Conway Summit, Bridgeport, and Sonora Pass (great car camping area).
Way way more than enough to do in the general area in a week without long distance stress driving. Play it by the weather. Every year is a little different.

[Ron Marshall]

I'm thinking of the Cathedral lakes hike, south of Tuolumne meadows; 20 lakes basin; Green creek to Summit lake. If you have taken any of these hikes I would appreciate your opinion.

It can still be pretty damn hot down in Yos Valley that time of year, and given the severity of the drought, all the falls except those on the main river will probably
be totally dry. The high country will be nice, regardless. No mosquitoes that late in the year, and depending, might even be a pinch of fall color. There are many
wonderful side canyon hikes up from Hwy 395 south of Lee Vining, plus overlooks up at Mammoth pass, the June Lake loop, Rock Creek above Tom's place, which has
an almost level hike into the scenic Little Lakes area. North of Lee Vining you've got Mono Lk, Conway Summit, Bridgeport, and Sonora Pass (great car camping area).
Way way more than enough to do in the general area in a week without long distance stress driving. Play it by the weather. Every year is a little different.