Yosemite climbing/hiking suggestions

Me and some buddies are planning a week and a half trip down to the valley this summer and were wondering where some of the best 5.7-5.9 single pitch to 5 pitch climbing and 2-3 day trails are? Any help would be appreciated!

Braille Book (actually 6 pitches) is my favorite in this category. Make a full day of it and hike to the summit of Higher Cathedral Rock to take in some views of El Cap.

Keep in mind that there is a one week camping limit in Yosemite Valley in the summer, so if you're going to spend 1 1/2 weeks in the Valley you may have to spend a few nights outside the park. The USFS campgrounds just east of Tioga Pass would be my choice, and would be a good base to do some hiking or peakbagging.

Thanks for the suggestions. Looked up Braille Book and it looks like a sweet climb! And the 1 week stay limit shouldn't be a problem, we're including a couple days of travel in a week and a half. Any peaks around Tioga pass you would recommend?

Mount Conness is awesome. North Peak is also a fun scramble or climb. You could even link the two in a long day.

Cathedral Peak is always popular, as is Tenaya peak.

Matthes Crest is pretty fun.

The important thing for summer time is being either in the high country (Tuolumne) or in the shade in the valley.

Right across from Braille Book is Higher Cathedral spire. 5.9 and super fun via the Regular Route. Summits are rad! Wind can help with the heat, although the hike will be warm on either route.

One of my favorite hikes/runs is going from Tenaya Lake in Tuolumne to Yosemite via Clouds Rest. its about 17 miles so a long day hike, medium sized run, or easy overnight.

Hiking to any of the High Sierra Camps is a good time. Vogelsang is really pretty!

- Luke

Avoid the Valley after about June 15, unless you stay in the shade or have a knack for heat. It will be hot and totally packed. But you could make it work. Spend 2-3 days in the Valley (every climber MUST stay at Camp 4 for a night) just to check it out, then head to Tuolumne.

Great 3 pitch routes in your range on Dozier Dome, Stately Pleasure, etc. Make sure you hit the Mathes Crest. Unforgettable, especially with a leisurely backcountry camp at Echo lake.

As for hiking, last summer I walked from the Valley to Tuolumne over 3 days. Do it in 4 , stay at Little Yosemite, and climb Snake Dike on Half Dome and Cloud's Rest. Amazing way to see the Park. So many options. Make sure you get the beta for permits to camp, etc.

Have fun.

If you hike up to Braille Book .... also do the reguler route on higher spire.

It's a very cool free climb.

If you're looking for a good day hike I highly recommend summiting Mt. Hoffman (off of Hwy 120). It's the geographical center of Yosemite and has amazing views for not too much hiking. I think it can be pretty popular in mid-summer, but it's worth dealing with the crowds.

If you wanted to combine the two pursuits and climb stuff off the beaten path, hike in a bit, set up camp. Places like Glen Aulin, Echo/Matthes/Nelson Lakes, Young or Roosevelt Lake. Also a lot of fun stuff out of Twin Lakes in the north, Matterhorn Peak.

The Spires Gully is worthy enough for a several day outing. Shady, but there will be bugs. Find a breezy spot to bivy and Bob's yer Uncle.

Maybe Go groove about the Echoes? I dunno.

Angelica, gorgeous 5.9 run out friction slab on Glacier Point Apron on the shady (south) side of The Valley. I remember it being about 5 pitches, then rap off.

Best day hike in the entire NPS system could be Tenaya Lake-Clouds Rest-Half Dome (if you can get the permits)-Mist Trail-Happy Aisles-Degnan's Deli-Beer. Maybe 25 miles.