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Re: Mt Dana advice?

PostPosted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 6:02 pm
by lazyhiker
I would second the caution that others have thrown in.

I did this hike couple of weeks ago with a friend who has never been above 10kft (both from Bay area). We slept overnight at Oh Ridge campground (~7600ft; others were all booked/occupied). That was good enough for me in terms of acclimatization; but not for my friend. He had severe headaches when we were back from the hike. I would strongly recommend going there early the previous day, doing easy hikes around Tuolumne meadows, camping near by overnight and then heading up the mountain. Electrolytes + UV protection + cold weather backup are all recommended.

After this hike, you'll get to know more about your body and how much physical exertion it can handle at altitude. You can fine tune as appropriate when you are back again in the high country.

It appears that you are already cautious about the weather. You'll be exposed to the elements on the mountain, as there is absolutely no place to run for cover. Watch out for worsening weather. The mountains are always there.

Cheers!

Re: Mt Dana advice?

PostPosted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 2:59 am
by youngclimer123
the trail head is right across from the entrance booth.there is no sign.the trail is well worn and easy to find untill the finalpart where there are many trails that split off everywhere.i sugest good hiking shoes. dont forget a poncho in case of rain.the view is great have fun!

Re: Mt Dana advice?

PostPosted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 5:54 pm
by Ulu
I did this hike with no acclimtization from the coast. I had no problem, but my wife got worked. If you don't acclimate, hit the trail early and go slow. Bring tons of water and food to munch on. With the humidity we've had lately, you will likely get orographic thunderstorms (another reason to go early) so bring rain jackets. Mt Dana (like Cathedral Peak) attracts all the electrical weather that comes through this area. I would take light hikers and trekking poles since most of the hike is ascending/descending talus-you will be sore if you go in tennies.

Re: Mt Dana advice?

PostPosted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 11:36 pm
by fatdad
Assuming you make it to Tuolumne and get at least part way up Dana, make sure to hike to the edge of Dana Canyon and peer down and check out the glacial lakes down in there. After the first steep half, you'll get up to a sloping plateau where the marmots like to hang out. Rather than heading straight up to the summit, head north to the canyon's edge. Absolutely stunning. Almost as good a view as the summit.

Re: Mt Dana advice?

PostPosted: Thu Aug 16, 2012 8:59 pm
by jareds
Ulu wrote:I did this hike with no acclimtization from the coast. I had no problem, but my wife got worked. If you don't acclimate, hit the trail early and go slow. Bring tons of water and food to munch on. With the humidity we've had lately, you will likely get orographic thunderstorms (another reason to go early) so bring rain jackets. Mt Dana (like Cathedral Peak) attracts all the electrical weather that comes through this area. I would take light hikers and trekking poles since most of the hike is ascending/descending talus-you will be sore if you go in tennies.



Same - we did it a couple years ago, I wasn't in the best shape, drove straight from SF in the am right to the trailhead - got worked(my buddy just reminded me this week that i puked that night) but we made it. cold on top of course.