Hiked the same trail in Yosemite five years apart. The difference is crazy.

First time, the High Sierra Camp loop was quiet. Went back this fall and the trail is way wider, almost double in spots. Rangers said it's from the huge visitor jump after some viral photos. Anyone know a less crowded 3-day loop in the area now?

3 comments

3 Comments

janab871mo ago

Check out the Clark Range loop, way less foot traffic.

the_patricia1mo ago

That loop is great, but I was up there last month and ran into three separate groups. It's getting more popular for sure. Still a solid pick if you go mid-week.

theamason19d ago

The Clark Range loop Janab87 mentioned is definitely quieter, but I gotta respectfully disagree on it being a better pick for what you're looking for. That trail is beautiful but it's also pretty exposed and the water sources are getting inconsistent with how dry this season's been, which makes it kinda sketchy for a 3-day if you're not carrying a ton of weight. I'd actually look at the northern parts of the loop system near Tuolumne, like the trail past Glen Aulin - it's still got that classic vibe but way fewer people because it's a bit of a drive to the trailhead. @janab87 might have lucked out with timing, but my experience on Clark was a lot of scrambling and less of the chill hike you probably want.