Yosemite Backpacking Trips

Backpacking - Alpine Lakes - Itinerary

  • About the Trip: The high country lakes and peaks of the Ansel Adam's Wilderness/Yosemite high country are truly spectacular--this trip takes you deep in the heart of this alpine environment. This trip is for those with some hiking experience who want to enjoy the beauty of the high peaks, while hiking both on and off trail in the high country.
  • Accommodations: First night is spent in chalet lodging on Bass Lake. Facilities include lakeside pool and hot tub, as well as tennis courts, market, restaurants. Chalets contain two queen beds and a fold out queen and are shared among trip participants (3-4 per chalet) unless otherwise arranged.
  • Group Size: 3-10 participants with 1-2 guides.
  • Grade: Beginner/intermediate backpacking.
  • Equipment: SYMG can supply all needed personal and group camping equipment (backpacks, sleeping bags, ground pads, tents) if requested on the registration form. There is no additional cost for this service. You may print from our web page a detailed gear list , directions, and this itinerary.
  • Cost of the Trip: $695 per person. Optional single supplement for lodging $125.00 per person.
  • Your Cost Includes: Meals provided, camping gear, shared accommodations, permits, and guides.
  • Not Included: Personal gear, meals noted above, alcoholic beverages, tips for guides (10-20% of trip fee), transportation. Optional trip cancellation insurance.
  • Meals: Meals begin with lunch the second day and are provided through breakfast and trail snacks the last day. Our "Back country Gourmet" meals have been acclaimed in Sunset Magazine.
  • Preparation: Increase your physical activity and exercise routine. Hike at least one long hike with a fair amount of elevation gain prior to the trip.
  • Day 1: Check in at the Pines Resort on Bass Lake anytime after 4 PM. Choose from several local restaurants for dinner. Meet your guides at 6pm in the Pines Resort Lobby and go over a summary of the trip.
  • Day 2: After breakfast (there is a restaurant & bakery in the village), we drive to the trailhead (roughly an hour drive-it is your responsibility to drive to and from the trailhead) and hike in to our camp (4.5 miles). That evening there is time to swim or fish while your guides prepare dinner beneath the high peaks. The day ends with campfire and star gazing.
  • Day 3 & 4: These two days are spent hiking to nearby alpine lakes from our base camp. Guides lead hikes each day based upon group's abilities and goals.
  • Day 5: An early breakfast and departure puts us back at the resort on Bass Lake with time to use the hot tub or swim in Bass Lake before heading home.

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