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| Women's Backpacking in Yosemite, an experience of a lifetime. This spectacular adventure provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the awe inspiring backcountry of Yosemite National Park. We will travel through the granite splendor of the High Sierra, exploring alpine meadows, cascading waterfalls and ancient forests. Join us on in Yosemite where we will celebrate the courage and strength of women in the wilderness. Connect with the wildness within while exploring one the earth's most beautiful and magical places. Accommodations: Four nights backcountry camping. Activity Level: Class 2/3 - Beginner/Intermediate: This course is appropriate for all levels of backpacking experience, instruction will be given in backcountry camping and expeditions skills. Participants must be physically fit and able to hike at high altitude. 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. Class 3 - Introductory Intermediate Tour Class 3 tours are meant for those that have done some backpacking before. Participants must be prepared to do heavy physical activity in extremely diverse environments and terrain. The trails, although well traveled, are not easy. They involve extended descents and climbs. We will hike between 7-10 miles a day with a backpacking pack weighing anywhere between 30-40 pounds (depending on how many personal items you bring). Class 3 tours tend to be a similar length (4 hiking days) to Class 2 tours, however, we may not utilize any base camps meaning we may be backpacking with packs every day. Start/Finish Location: Campsite TBD, Yosemite National Park Trip Itinerary: Day 1: We will gather at our designated campground in Yosemite National Park at 5 pm for welcome, introductions, and an orientation to the course. We will take time to get acquainted with each other and the wilderness of Yosemite. We will organize and review gear and food, learn about the basics of packing for backcountry travel, and conclude the evening by sharing a delicious camp meal. After dinner, there will be time for group activities, sharing stories, and stargazing as we settle in for our first night in the mountains. Day 2: Each morning we will greet the day with an optional morning yoga practice and time for quiet reflection. After a nourishing breakfast we will pack our backpacks and depart for the trailhead where we will begin our Yosemite wilderness adventure. We will hike to our first backcountry camp at a comfortable pace, allowing time to enjoy the unique beauty of the High Sierra. The afternoon includes conversation, instruction in backcountry camping and Leave No Trace wilderness ethics, stunning photo opportunities as well as time to relax and reflect on our day. Day 3 and 4: After our morning yoga practice and a delicious breakfast, we continue our travels through the Yosemite backcountry. In addition to the adventure of backpacking, each day provides opportunities for a variety of activities including possible peak ascents, swimming in beautiful granite basin lakes, day hikes to sweeping vistas of Yosemite National Park, and backcountry skills instruction. Day 5: Our final morning, we will enjoy our breakfast in the wilderness. Then we will pack our backpacks and begin our hike back to the trailhead. We plan to return to our vehicles at the trailhead by 4:00 p.m. There is no guarantee that we’ll make it to our vehicles by 4:00 p.m., so those flying out of Fresno should plan no flights before 9:30 p.m. and those flying out of Oakland should plan no flights home before 10:30 p.m. Note on itinerary: This schedule is an outline. It is subject to change depending on the needs of the group and due to elements beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine. Trip Preparedness: This trip is Class 2/3. Participants will be carrying their own backpacks with weights of 35-50 lbs. over sometimes steep and rocky terrain with frequent elevation change. Please make sure your backpack is fitted to your body before the trip. Trip members need to physically fit and in appropriate condition to hike at high altitudes. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip, we strongly encourage participants to be involved in a training regimen before the trip. Day hiking with 30-50 lbs in the pack you intend to hike with on the trip and making sure your hiking shoes are broken in before your trip is key. Beyond that, due to the high altitude nature of this tour, any acclimation or high altitude preparation you can do will greatly add to the enjoyment of your experience. Trip Price Includes: Professional instruction and guiding; all dinners on day one through day four, all breakfasts from day two through day five; drinks, group cooking gear; group first aid kit, water filters; campsite and backcountry permit fees. LUNCH and TRANSPORTATION ARE NOT INCLUDED. 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; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature. Emergency Contact Information: If you encounter any difficulties on your way to Yosemite, please call your guide’s cell phone at 206- 200-6503. Please leave your name, a phone number where you can be reached and an explanation of the problem. Please be aware that during the backpacking part of this trip it is unlikely that your cell phone will work Tipping Guidelines: Tipping at the end of the trip is customary. If you feel your guide(s) did an outstanding job and would like to reward them for their efforts, $15 dollars per day, per guide is a suggested amount. Closest Airport(s): Fresno(FAT) 100 miles Oakland International Airport (OAK) 160 miles Sacramento(SMF) 170 miles 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 carefully selected for their expertise in backcountry travel skills. In addition, they each hold a minimum Wilderness First Responder medical certification. [Click HERE for more information on our guides] Weather: Daytime temperatures can range between 50°-90° F. Evening temperatures drop into the 40s - 50s or even lower. Mountain weather can change quickly. It is common to have clear sunny mornings with building clouds and afternoon showers followed by clear starry skies at night. Please check the forecast frequently before your course and plan accordingly. Visit the Yosemite National Park "Plan Your Visit" site for detailed information and weather-related links. http://www.nps. gov/yose/planyourvisit/hours.htm Adequate rain gear is required. |