Wine and Wilderness Trip - Itinerary
- About the Trip: The Ansel Adam's Wilderness may be one of the best kept secrets of the High Sierra. Located on the southern border of Yosemite National Park, the Ansel Adams Wilderness has mile upon mile of sweeping granite ridges, spectacular vistas, and a lifetime of fishing possibilities in hundreds of sparkling high mountain lakes. Meadows are blanketed in sub-alpine flora such as aster, cow parsnip, lupine, columbine, shooting stars, and mule ears. Join us for an amazing experience as we combine the beauty of California's High Sierra Mountains with the exquisite wines of California's Napa, Sonoma and Santa Cruz Mountains' Wine Country. We hike into a stunning alpine lake base-camp while horses carry all of our personal belongings, camping gear, food and most importantly, the WINE! From our 9,000' lakefront base-camp, each day will present the opportunity to day hike to other lakes, fish for trout, relax or climb a nearby 11,000' peak.
- Group Size: 6-10 participants with 2 guides plus guest winemaker.
- Cost of the Trip: $1295.00 per person. Optional single supplement for lodging $125.00 per person.
- Grade: Leisurely to moderate hiking in varied elevation. Day time temperatures 65-85 degrees, evenings are usually 10-15 degrees cooler. All you carry is a day pack.
- Equipment: All camping gear is provided if requested on the registration form: sleeping bags, large tents, ground pads, water filters, etc. You need to bring a small day pack for personal items during the hikes. You may print from our web page a detailed what to bring list, directions, and this itinerary.
- Your Cost Includes: First nights' shared accommodations, meals while in the back country, camping equipment, permit, horse-packing support and guides.
- Not Included: Meals in the front country, alcoholic beverages, personal items, tips for guides (10-20% of trip fee). Optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Meals: All meals while in the back country are included. Our "Back country Gourmet" meals have been acclaimed in Sunset Magazine.
- About the Pack Station: Mules will be carrying all of our equipment and your personal gear into a central camp. You will need to pack your personal belongings efficiently into one mid- sized duffel bag.
- Preparation: As with all active travel trips, the more you prepare the more you'll enjoy your trip. Participants should walk, in the shoes they will wear on the trip, on excursions of 4-5 miles prior to the trip and be comfortable with that distance in under 4 hours. Remember, on this trip you're hiking above 8,000' for 4 days.
- Day 1:
- We meet at 4pm on Bass Lake where accommodations at The Pines Resort/Ducey's include lakeside Jacuzzi, pool, tennis, local shops, restaurants. Dinner will be on your own the first night. The price of your trip is based on shared accommodations, but private occupancy can be arranged for a supplemental charge.
- Day 2:
- We meet after breakfast at 7:30am to drive to the pack station and trailhead. Your guide will accompany you. The drive is approximately an hour and it is your responsibility to drive to the pack station and trailhead. While hiking, you'll carry a day pack or fanny pack with some water, a camera, etc. We will hike into a centrally located lake to our base camp.
- Day 3:
- Your guide(s) will lead a hike to nearby lakes for the day.
- Day 4:
- An optional summit hike to one of the nearby 10,000'+ peaks that make up the southern border of Yosemite National Park. Also day hikes to other nearby alpine lakes with great fishing, photo opportunities.
- Day 5:
- Hike out after breakfast back to the trailhead by early afternoon. Expect a 2pm-4pm departure from the high country.
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