| |||||||||||||||||
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trip Description: This challenging introductory Yosemite tour begins at the majestic Glacier Point from the breathtaking Panorama Trail to the Illuluette Creek. Along the way pass spectacular views of Half Dome and the Nevada and Vernal Falls. With stays at the Illuluette Creek and Little Yosemite Valley we’ll break up the hike to this famous peak into four manageable days of hiking. On the third day we’ll be one of the first groups up to top of Yosemite National Park's most famous rocks, Half Dome. This tour is an excellent alternative to the rigorous 16+ mile day hike most people do this summit in. Experience this famous American landmark and many other unforgettable Yosemite sites on this once and a lifetime tour. . Camp at the base of this mighty rock and be one of the first ones to reach the top that day. This is not a beginning backpack. We will hike on maintained but steep and rocky trails over challenging terrain with big elevation gains and losses on each day. Participants will carry 30-40 lbs of gear, including about 10 lbs of group gear (comprised mainly of food, tents, and cooking equipment) on their backs throughout the duration of the trip. Accommodations: Three nights backcountry camping. Activity Level: Class 2 - Beginner Tour - Class 2 tours are meant for those that have never backpacked before, but are comfortable in the outdoors and with doing an increased level of physical activity. The trails, although somewhat beginner, will be mixed terrain with lengthy climbs and descents. The hiking generally involves climbing peaks (i.e. Half Dome at 8,800ft). We will hike between 5- 7 miles a day with a backpacking pack weighing anywhere between 25-40 pounds (depending on how many personal items you bring). Class 2 tours tend to be slightly longer than Class 1 tours in duration (4 hiking days) and tend to have one or two backcountry campsites that act as a base camp allowing the peak climbing to be done as day hikes. Age range tends to be 12-60. Please contact us if you are not in that age window, but still think you qualify. Start/Finish Location: Glacier Point Parking Lot (Rear), Yosemite National Park Trip Itinerary: Day 1: Meet your guides and other group members at the Glacier Point parking lot by 10:30AM, inside Yosemite National Park. Following an orientation, gear distribution (where applicable) and pack fitting we’ll begin our short hike along the Panorama Trail hiking approximately 3 miles to our first backcountry campsite along the Illuluette Creek. Dinner included. Bring your own variety of quick foods to be eaten as lunch and grazed on constantly throughout the day each day. Energy bars and drinks as well as trail mix, bagels, salami, etc. are all good choices. Mileage: 3 miles; Elevation Start: 8000 ft; Elevation End: 7000ft. Day 2: After breakfast, we’ll hike approximately 5 miles to the somewhat “developed” campsite area in Little Yosemite Valley where we’ll rest up and relax along the Merced River to get ready for big hike up Half Dome the next day. Breakfast and Dinner included. Mileage: 5 miles; Elevation Start: 7000 ft; Elevation End: 6000ft. Day 3: After breakfast, we’ll begin the highlight of the trip: the ascent of Half Dome. We’ll get an early start to beat the rush and get up the Golden Staircase and cables without the crowds and heat. It's only about 3.5 miles to the top at 8800ft and then its a quick decent 3.5 miles back to Little Yosemite Valley. Breakfast and Dinner included. Mileage: 7 miles (no pack); Elevation Start: 6000ft; Elevation End: 60000ft. Day 4: Today we hike the remaining 6.5 miles out to Glacier Point. We may not finish until late in the day. If you are flying out that night please do not plan any early flights. Breakfast included. Mileage: 6.5 miles; Elevation Start: 6000ft; Elevation End: 8000ft. Note on itinerary: Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine. Trip Preparedness: This trip is Class 2. Participants will be carrying their own backpacks with weights of 30-40 lbs.over steep and rocky terrain with constant and dramatic elevation gain and/or loss. Please make sure your backpack is fitted to your body before the trip. Trip members need to in strong physical condition. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage participants to be involved in a training regimen before the trip. Day hiking with 30-40 lbs in the pack you intend to hike with on the trip and making sure your hiking boots are broken in before your trip is key. Trip Price Includes: Professional instruction and guiding; all dinners on day one through day three, all breakfasts from day two through day 4; drinks, group cooking gear; group first aid kit, water filters; campsite and backcountry permit fees. Not included: Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees; insurance of any kind; lunches; snacks and energy food; energy drinks; alcoholic beverages (please do not bring); soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature. Directions to meeting point: On the first day we meet in Yosemite National Park at the Glacier Point parking lot near the bear canisters in the rear end of the parking lot by 10:30AM prepared to hike. Glacier Point Road can be accessed via either HWY 120, HWY 140 or HWY 41. There will be Backcountry Found signs posted on the guide vehicle at the campground indicating where the group will meet. Emergency Contact Information: If you encounter any difficulties on your way to Yosemite, please call your guide’s cell phone at 415.710.8158. Please leave your name, a phone number where you can be reached and an explanation of the problem. Once you are in the field on this trip there is no easy way to contact you; typically cell phones do not work in the backcountry. Tipping Guidelines: Tipping at the end of the trip is optional. If you feel your guide(s) did an outstanding job and would like to reward them for their efforts, $5-$15 dollars per day, per guide is a suggested guideline. Closest Airport(s): San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Oakland International Airport (OAK) Fresno Merced Important Information about Air Travel: Contact Backcountry Found prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate. Who are our guides: Our guides are rigidly selected for appropriate levels of expertise in backcountry travel skills. In addition, they each hold at least Wilderness First Responder medical certifications. [Click HERE for more information on our guides] Weather: Daytime temperatures usually range between 60o - 90o F but can sometime climb even higher. Evening temperatures drop into the 40s - 50s or even lower. While rain in general is rare, there is always the possibility of rain, so adequate rain gear is important, even in this arid landscape. |
[Read Client Testimonials . . . Click HERE]
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
____________________________________________________________________________________________
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
