Mono meadow permit

Question

I got a mono meadow wilderness permit for mid July. I am trying to make a plan for that.

With that permit, is it possible for me to set up a tent in Illilouette Basin on the first day, then hike to Glacier Point, even Panorama Point (then back to overnight at Illilouette basin)? Then I will stay in Little Yosemite Valley for two nights for Half Dome, before heading down to main village. Does it sound good? Thanks

Answer

Your proposed plan for using a Mono Meadow wilderness permit in mid-July is generally feasible, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind regarding distances, elevation, and wilderness regulations.

First, setting up a tent in Illilouette Basin on the first day is allowed with your wilderness permit, as long as you follow the designated backcountry camping rules. Illilouette Basin is a beautiful spot with fewer crowds than Little Yosemite Valley.

From Illilouette Basin, hiking to Glacier Point is possible in a long day. However, note the following:

The hike from Illilouette Basin to Glacier Point is strenuous, with significant elevation gain and a long distance. Expect 12–16 miles one way depending on your exact route.
Panorama Point is slightly off the main trail from Glacier Point, so adding it will increase your mileage and time considerably. Make sure you have enough daylight and energy for the return to Illilouette Basin.
Backcountry regulations require you to return to your permit-specified campsite each night, so you cannot overnight at Glacier Point without a separate permit.

For your next segment, staying in Little Yosemite Valley for two nights to attempt Half Dome is a common strategy. A few tips:

You must have a separate Half Dome permit for the cables route if you plan to summit.
Little Yosemite Valley is a very popular area, so book early for your permit and prepare for limited space.
This base allows you to break the Half Dome hike into a manageable day, with time for rest before descending to Yosemite Valley proper.

Additional considerations:

Carry enough water and food for long stretches between water sources, especially in July when snowmelt is lower and temperatures can be high.
Be prepared for altitude: Illilouette Basin sits around 7,000–7,500 ft, and Glacier Point is about 7,200 ft. Elevation gain may be significant depending on the route.
Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before starting; July usually has good conditions, but afternoon thunderstorms can occur.

In summary, your plan is doable if you are an experienced backcountry hiker and start early for the Glacier Point day hike. Make sure to strictly adhere to permit rules, carry sufficient supplies, and be realistic about the distance and elevation involved. Staying two nights in Little Yosemite Valley for Half Dome is a good way to break up your backcountry trek before returning to Yosemite Valley.

Mono meadow permit

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