OK, I've thought about this long enough. I'm going to give the Mountaineers route a try. I've looked at photos, videos, and trip reports to the point that I think I can find the trail. Provided the weather forecast looks good, my plan is to head for Yosemite on Sunday, the 23rd of Sept. Perhaps hike to the top of Mt. Dana, or if altitude is an issue turn around earlier. Then, on to Mammoth Lakes for two nights. On the first day, hike to Lake Ediza - the fall colors should be spectacular. Next day, drive to Lone Pine, and see about a permit. After getting permit, drive up to the portal, and hike to the E-Ledges. It will be dark the next morning, so I want to know this part of the hike before launching. Then, on Wed. depart the portal ~5:15 AM (Twilight at 6:23, sunrise at 6:49). It should just be light by the time I get to E-Ledges, so I do not want to leave earlier. I'm planning on 7 hours up, and returning via the Main Trail, so perhaps as much as 6 hours down. Total expected time ~ 13 to 14 hours, which I think will be OK, since even if it takes longer there is a nearly full moon for the end of the decent, and the trail is easy to follow with head lamp. The big variable is weather. Unless the forecast is good for that entire week I will likely wait until next spring.
