I am getting back from lovely Afghanistan in a September and have decided to take a 5 night 6 day backpacking trip through Yosemite with my girlfriend.

I figure if she can put up with a week of no showers, MREs and a stressed-out, post-deployment Marine she's probably a keeper! I am joking about making her eat MREs.

Anyways, I want to keep the hikes mild, under 6-7 miles each way, and definitely want most the destinations to have fishing waters. I am not looking for or expecting big trout as it's high country. I am just looking for solitude, quality time with my lady, a place to catch a few fish and minimal crowds.

If anyone has any good recommendations on hikes or backcountry campsites, it would be greatly appreciated.

Breeze Lake Loop. Low mileage days, moderate terrain, and trout.

http://bp2.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip.aspx?tripId=8576


I haven't been since I lived in California when I was a kid, but I know Yosimite is a VERY busy park. So, I would make reservations NOW. Wilderness travel and camping throughout most of the Sierras are strictly controlled by some sort of permit system. I'm applying for my Mt. Whitney climbing permits (Inyo NF) for next summer in February...

If you want more options for fishing and backpacking, you might also look at King's canyon / Sequoia National Parks.

Fishing will require a California State Fishing License. I'm not sure if it's strictly catch and release / fly fishing only in the national parks...

Yosemite National Park:
http://www.nps.gov/yose/

Sequoia & King's Canyon National Parks:
http://www.nps.gov/seki/

Hope that helps... Stay safe and have a good trip when you get back!

[This message has been edited by Pierce County Ag (edited 7/14/2010 3:22p).]

Check out 1000 Island Lake in the Ansel Adams Wilderness just south of Yosemite.



[This message has been edited by MadeinB/CS (edited 7/14/2010 3:37p).]

[This message has been edited by MadeinB/CS (edited 7/14/2010 3:52p).]

The VALLEY is very busy. Get up on top, and you've got a LOT more seclusion. The problem is getting there. You can "base" outside the park, and get you and your gear shuttled in and out.

Thanks for the help. Those places look incredible, I am definitely going to check a few of them out. It should be a great trip.