Yosemite Backpacking July 2021

In July, 2021, we headed out on a backpacking trip to Red Peak Pass in the southern part of Yosemite National Park. Drought and heat played a big role in this trip as a lot of our water sources were dry and it was exceptionally hot. Several days into our trip, the skies filled with smoke from a nearby wild fire and we ended our trek.

Tunnel View in black and white
This is, perhaps, one of the most iconic views of Yosemite Valley - Tunnel View
Showy Milkweed
Best Bear Video ever.
This was a chance encounter with a bear near a trail we were hiking. It's not too far from an empty campsite. We were near the bear but video is shot with zoom so we were safe. Wildlife Rangers were on-scene quickly and chased the bear away from the campground.
Swinging Bridge
This bridge doesn't really swing but it's a great view!
Half Dome
Camp Curry at night
Camp Curry is the manifestation of Yosemite history in my opinion. It's wholesome and quaint and smacks of family time. We don't always stay there but we do love it.
Active Fire Map
This map was posted at our trailhead so we had to plan accordingly to avoid the closed areas.
Trail Sign
I love the metal trail signs in Yosemite.
Hiking Through Burned Area
Like on the Trail
Trail Cloud Explosion
Heading south, towards Red Peak Pass
Backcountry living
This campsite was picked because of a trickle of available water nearby. We called it the "sandy palace" because the ground was so soft (and sandy). Made walking difficult but it was nice for sleeping!
Solar Power
Splintered trees
Years of drought and a strong wind storm blew down many, many trees. There were downed trees EVERYWHERE! the trail was hard to follow much of the time in this section.
Trees Across the Trail
Years of drought and a strong wind storm blew down many, many trees. There were downed trees EVERYWHERE! the trail was hard to follow much of the time in this section.
Dry Buena Vista Creek
Buena Vista Creek is a major creek and was supposed to be an important water source for us... this was bad news...
Much Needed Water
This wasn't the best water source but we were so happy to have found it. We went six miles, on a hot day, without a water source.
Looking North
Trail Sign
Our goal this day was Royal Arch Lake. It was very hot and we climbed a lot this day.
Walking through the weeds
Royal Arch Lake
When we got to the lake, we could smell smoke in the air and see smoke at the tree line to the south (the direction we needed to go the next day). We used our Garmin InReach to contact family and learned of a big, fast growing fire in the general vicinity. It wasn't close but knowing how fast fire can move, we made the difficult decision to turn around. With the heat, lack of water and fire danger, we had to call it.
Buena Vista Lake
We felt safe behind this granite bowl so we decided to say here for a couple of nights and enjoy!
Base Camp
We were lucky and found the perfect place to put our tent for our base camp.
Cairn at Buena Vista Lake
Slow Motion Jump

Cairn Photo

Yosemite Backpacking July 2021