It is random that you mentioned Bass Lake. I feel like that area is not well known. Have you headed up to shuteye ridge or minaret road? If you drive up minaret road an hour or so, you will see you one of the most spectacular canyons in the Sierra. The kayakers call it the crucible where the south and the North fork of the San Joaquin meet. The run is known as devils post pile because it begins in Mammoth at Devils post national Monument. it is one of the best runs in the world. They also call it the crucible because it is walled in with thousand foot walls of perfect granite. Balloon dome is right there and it is famous among climbers for being one of the biggest walls in the Sierra, but the approach is miserable, 3k ft. The Southern Yosemite area is one of the best places in the Sierra just above Bass Lake, Because it is so untouched by most people.
I will miss it, but I have a ticket booked for the end of November! I think we will do a climbing trip to Yosemite!!!!