YOSEMITE BACKPACK: CLOUDS REST-HALF DOME-YOSEMITE VALLEY July 10-14, 2013

Transcription

1 The World s Longest Running Adventure Travel Company for Women Since 1978 YOSEMITE BACKPACK: CLOUDS REST-HALF DOME-YOSEMITE VALLEY July 10-14, 2013 Rating: Moderate Backpacking Group Size Limit: 12 Cost: $850 Reservation Deposit $250. Balance due 3 months before start date of trip. Please Note: Price subject to change until your deposit is received This classic women s backpacking trip from Tenaya Lake down to Yosemite Valley takes us over Clouds Rest with its 360-degree panorama of Yosemite s high country and, weather permitting, includes a climb up the cables of Half Dome. We ll ascend Yosemite s most famous landmark by the non-technical hiker s route assisted by the banister-like cables which lead to Half Dome s summit with sweeping views of Yosemite Valley and Tenaya Canyon. Our route down to the valley follows the Merced River, passes Little Yosemite Valley, Vernal and Nevada Falls, and ends at Happy Isles. En route you ll pass by abundant wildflowers, wildlife, and rushing streams. This legendary itinerary is designed for women looking to experience of our nations more amazing national parks by foot. Join us for this one of a kind women s only backpack! Day 1, July 10 ~ Arrival Day This trip requires a shuttle, so trip participants will meet in Yosemite Valley at 12 noon. For those arriving by train, we will meet you where the bus drops you off. For others providing your own transport, we ll meet in the Yosemite Falls Lodge Lobby. From here, we will travel to the Yosemite High Country, where we will camp for the first evening to begin our acclimatization. Food and group equipment will be distributed and your guides will assist you with equipment suggestions and packing. We ll spend time talking about the itinerary, flora, fauna, and weather. A great dinner will be served at about 6:30PM. Day 2, July 11 ~ Hike to Base of Clouds Rest After breakfast and packing, we ll drive to the Tenaya Lake trailhead and begin our trek to Yosemite Valley. The trail ascends gently for about two miles, then climbs steeply to 9200 affording views of Tenaya Canyon. We ll walk along lakes, streams, and pass abundant wildflowers en route to our camp. Tonight, we ll camp before the ascent of Clouds Rest with spectacular views of Tenaya Canyon.

2 Today s mileage: 5.5 miles, Elevation change: 8149 to Day 3, July 12 ~ Clouds Rest Today the trail takes us over the summit of Clouds Rest. We ll take a break there to enjoy the spectacular views of Half Dome, Tenaya Canyon, and distant peaks of the Sierra range. This is a view to remember so take plenty of pictures! The trail then descends steeply at times it s like a huge staircase with more incredible views of Half Dome. We ll camp just above the junction of the spur trail to Half Dome near a creek that will lull us to sleep. Today s mileage: 4.5 miles, Elevation change: 9200 to 9926 to Day 4, July 13 ~ Half Dome The summit of Half Dome is about 2.5 miles from our camp. We ll camp here again tonight and today carry only light daypacks. We will depart early and after the steep hike up to the approach of the dome, we ll use the cables like stair banisters to walk the final 5-10 minutes to the summit. We ll have lunch on top of Half Dome and spend some time enjoying the view of Yosemite Valley. We ll then retrace our steps 2.5 miles back to our camp, where will enjoy our delicious celebratory meal! Today s mileage: 5 miles round-trip, Elevation change: 7200 to 8842 to Day 5, July 14 ~ Little Yosemite Valley, Departure We will rise very early and make the 6-mile hike down to Yosemite Valley coming out at Happy Isles. Along the John Muir Trail, we will walk along the Merced River, before viewing Nevada Falls, Vernal Falls, and stopping for photos. Upon arrival back into Yosemite Valley, we ll stop for cold drink and well deserved ice cream. For those taking the train back, you ll be back in plenty of time for the 4 PM departure. Today s mileage: 6 miles, Elevation change: 7200 to Note: This itinerary is subject to change at the leader s discretion due to weather, fire, smoke, rock slides and other contingencies, including National Park permitting and access to Half Dome. In the event we are not able to complete this itinerary as designed, another moderate backpack of similar mileage and difficulty will be substituted. WHAT YOUR TRIP INCLUDES: Experienced leadership Excellent food (from Dinner on Day 1 to Lunch on Day 5) Tents and community camping equipment, including bear cans Camping fees and permits NOT INCLUDED: Transportation to Yosemite Valley (Amtrak Train or carpool are options) Trail snacks Personal gear (see suggested equipment list mailed in your registration packet) Gear Rentals if needed Backpack, Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, etc. Tips for your guides (Estimate 10 ~ 20% of trip cost)

3 QUALIFICATIONS: Trip participants to be aerobically fit and in good health. If you have no previous backpacking experience, you must be highly motivated to meet the challenges of this trip. Due to the ascent of the Half Dome cables, this trip is not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. Everyone should be equipped with a spirit of adventure, the sensitivity to recognize the needs of the group, a willingness to undergo the potential hardships of outdoor living, a positive attitude and a sense of humor! HOW TO REGISTER First, make an online reservation through our website or call us at (650) After receiving your deposit and information, we will send you confirmation of your reservation and an information packet on your trip, which will include suggested packing list, detailed itinerary, information on travel insurance, and much more. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE We strongly suggest that you take out trip cancellation insurance. Call of the Wild does not issue cash refunds, whatever circumstances may cause a cancellation. Depending on the time of your cancellation, you may or may not be eligible for a credit for another trip; please read our refund and cancellation policy at We also include a copy in our trip packets; or you may phone our office. You may be committed to going on your trip, but people have been forced to cancel due to circumstances beyond their control or because of a completely unexpected misfortune. To sign up for Travel Guard insurance call us for a brochure or visit or call For certain coverage, you must purchase insurance within 14 days of making your initial deposit with Call of the Wild. Please Note: Call of the Wild provides Travel Guard insurance brochures and a link to their website for your convenience, but there are many other travel insurance companies. It is your responsibility to know the restrictions and provisions of your policy. AIR TRAVEL AGENT For air travel, please contact Wendy Fazio at Skyline Travel or wendyatskyline@aol.com. Let her know that you are traveling with Call of the Wild. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PLANNING Please plan to arrive in Yosemite Valley by 12 noon on Day 1. We will return to Yosemite Valley by mid-afternoon (depends on group hiking speed) on the last day. You may wish to stay in Yosemite Valley that night, or Oakhurst or Oakdale (outside the park) rather than start a long drive after a day of hiking. Our office is happy to suggest places to stay before and after our hike. DIRECTIONS TO YOSEMITE VALLEY From the San Francisco Bay Area, it s about an 4-5 hour drive (195 miles) to Yosemite Valley. Take I-580 east to I-205 east to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park. You ll see many signs for the park.

4 From Los Angeles (and LAX airport), it's about a 6 hour drive (313 miles). Take I-5 north (or I-405 north to I-5) to Highway 99 north to Highway 41 north (Fresno) into Yosemite National Park. You ll see many signs for the park. Mapquest and Google maps also provide directions into the park. Call us if you want help with to carpooling. Amtrak also offers train service to Yosemite National Park and this is a great option for anyone traveling from the SF Bay Area, Sacramento, or Bakersfield. Amtrak train and bus service will bring you into Yosemite Valley, where you ll be met by your guides at the drop-off point. To check schedules or learn more, go to or call To find service into Yosemite National Park, use code YOS (Yosemite Lodge, CA) as the final destination. WEATHER We will most likely experience sunny, benign weather (with perhaps scattered afternoon or evening showers). However, there is always the chance of experiencing dramatically changing mountain weather. It is important to be prepared for all kinds of weather, including sun, wind, rain, hail or lightening. Your guides will inform you of what to do in the case of a thunderstorm. LEAVE NO TRACE Call of the Wild adheres to and promotes the principles of Leave No Trace. With your information packet you will receive guidelines which we expect our trip participants to follow, and your guides will be happy to talk with you about how to properly follow LNT practices. They include proper disposal of waste, not using soap (even biodegradable soap) in streams or lakes, and minimizing campfire impact. LNT principles help ensure the sustainable use of the wilderness for years to come. Please take a few minutes to read over the Wilderness Living/Leave No Trace material in your information packet. It reviews proper camping practices and provides tips that will make your wilderness trip easier and more fun. CONDITIONING The two main aspects of your physical conditioning are aerobic and strength conditioning and altitude acclimation. See below for altitude acclimation information. The best aerobic and strength conditioning for backpacking is backpacking! If possible, hike with your pack on steep, rocky trails. Start with a low weight of and gradually add weight. Of course, most of us can't hike on wilderness trails every day. So, the next best alternative is to spend time running and hiking on inclined trails with a daypack. If you can't get to a trail, Stairmasters, Nordic trainers, and treadmills are good for your aerobic capacity and weights are good for your strength. You want especially to strengthen your quadriceps, also your back, and upper body. How many months ahead of your trip you start conditioning depends on your general level of fitness. Someone with a good level of fitness should begin conditioning at least 8 weeks before this trip. SHARING TENTS / WILDERNESS CAMPING Our tents are lightweight Lightning HT 2 models from Sierra Designs, designed for 2 people. If you prefer not to share a tent, you can bring your own small tent (weight about 5 pounds max) or we can rent you one. As a reminder, if you bring your own tent, you ll need enough space to pack the remainder of group gear.

5 ABOUT OUR GUIDES Call of the Wild guides have extensive experience and bring proven leadership to your trip. We pride ourselves on giving women safe opportunities to venture out and do something they've never done before. Our guides are certified Wilderness First Responders and they'll go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable. They all share a love of the wilderness and an enjoyment of people's company. You may read more about our guides on our website ABOUT OUR FOOD Our menu features hearty, healthy meals made with recipes from Carole Latimer's cookbook Wilderness Cuisine. You'll feast on dishes such as Pad Thai, Pesto Fettuccini, Truffled Porcini Potato Soup, and fresh-baked Coffee Cake. Our meals tend to be higher in carbohydrates and lower in fat for hiking trips, and we dehydrate some food in order to preserve freshness and decrease weight. Meals are often vegetarian, but we serve meat dishes as well. We avoid processed food, but you won't get a strict brown rice and wheat germ regime either, and we think there's nothing wrong with an occasional backslide to decadently rich food after a hard day on the trail. Our lunches are a mix of easy to eat trail foods, including energy bars, dried nuts and fruit, cheese, peanut butter, and crackers, and other high energy snacks. You will receive your lunch items at the trailhead on day 1 and are free to supplement these items with your own favorites as you wish. Most people love our food and much care and effort goes into preparing your meals. However we are not able to accommodate each person's preferences. Please let us know upon registration if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions and we will endeavor to accommodate them. Please note we are unable to accommodate special requests on late notice.