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Difficulty descriptions are by nature very subjective. The categories below represent generalized distinctions in terrain, level of commitment, time spent at elevation and overall trip duration. Level of commitment refers to the ability to opt out of activities such as peak ascents from a base camp. A committing trip requires a daily mileage to be completed each day.

Leisurely
These trips typically travel on groomed trails at a leisurely pace. You can expect maintained trails, gentle grades and more flexibility in terms of your destination for the day. Hikers will carry mainly the essentials in a light daypack and travel anywhere from 3 to 8 miles depending on the trip or preference.

Moderate- Basecamps
These include hiking, backpacking, or stock-supported trips that take place mostly on maintained trails to get to camp. These trips hike into a set basecamp and then offer optional destinations with varying degrees of challenge. You can expect modest climbs on uneven terrain. Total distances are often 4-7 miles of hiking per day over 3-4 days of hiking.

Moderate
These trips include on- and off-trail hiking or backpacking or stock-supported trips. The trails can consist of uneven terrain with modest to difficult climbs and some steep passes (gains of 1000-2000’). These trips are typically 3-5 days in duration but can be longer. For backpacking trips, they can include carrying a fully weighted pack (30-42lbs) and travel 6-10 miles per day.

Challenging
These trips include on- and off-trail hiking, backpacking or stock-supported trips with uneven terrain and steep grades and passes. These trips are more physically and mentally challenging and usually 7-8 days in duration. For backpacking trips, pack weight will consist of (30-40lbs). Because these types of trips have a required mileage to complete each day, the level of commitment is high. Trips in this category spend significant time at higher elevations and often cover 8-12+ miles per day with average gains/losses of 1,500-3,000’ per day. The most successful people on these trips have some prior overnight backcountry experience.

Strenuous
These trips include on- and off-trail hiking or backpacking on uneven terrain with steep grades. These trips travel 10-12+ miles per day and can vary from 8-21 days in length. Given the mileage and duration, there is an increased amount of physical and mental challenge throughout the trip. Pack weights will consist of 35-45lbs depending on the resupply schedule. Because these types of trips have a required mileage to complete each day, the level of commitment to reach your destination is high. The most successful people on these trips have extensive overnight backcountry experience.

Private and Custom Trips

Trip Details

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Dates of trip in 2018
Pvt Brady Yosemite Grand Traverse Aug. 5-11, 2018
Pvt Chesterton Valley Hiking Wknd Jul 17-20, 2018
Pvt FPU YGT June 25 - July 8, 2018
Pvt Murdoch AAHSC August 6-10, 2018
Ochs Pvt Rock Camp Jul 10-14, 2018
JMT Southbound MTS Aug 24-Sept 9, 2018
JMT Northbound 2 MTS Aug 5-17, 2018
JMT Northbound 1 MTS July 15- July 27, 2018

Dates of trip in 2017
The Cate School, Sept 5-10, 2017
SFFS School Trip, Sept 11-15, 2017
Kettani Pvt Alp Lakes Aug 17-20, 2017
Chovannes Exit Strategy
Pvt Hansen July 10-14th, 2017
Lipari Private AAHSC Aug 19-24, 2017
Private Janel YHPL July 22-29, 2017
Loeffel Private Yosemite Trip Oct 25-29, 2017
Boyle 4-day Alpine Lakes Aug 27-30th, 2017
Private Colao Yosemite Hiking Weekend August 11-12, 2017
Price High Tour BP Aug 5-8th, 2017
Krawczyk BP Glacier Point June 21-23, 2017
MTS Adventure Weekend 4, September 14-17, 2017
MTS Adventure Weekend 3, July 20-23, 2017
MTS Adventure Weekend, June 8-11, 2017
Pvt Chan Ansel Adams High Sierra Camp, August 7-11, 2017
Pvt Mirgorodskaya YFL July 10-12, 2017
Batista AAHSC Jul 31-Aug 3, 2017
Morris Pvt YFL Overnight May 12-13, 2017
Pvt Rudiak AAHSC Jul 31-Aug 4, 2017
Pvt Traylor Yosemite Falls Loop, May 31-June 2, 2017
Pvt Axton Yosemite Falls Loop, May 6-8, 2017
Margolies Pvt AAHSC Aug 21-25, 2017
Pvt OSullivan JMT Hiking Weekend, July 28-30, 2017
Pvt Heath Yosemite Hiking Week, May 21-25, 2017
Leukemia Lymphoma Society, June 9-10th, 2017
Pvt Adams YFL June 21-25th, 2017
Pvt York Yosemite Falls & Day Hikes May 23-28, 2017
Sinkler Pvt AAHSC July 7-11, 2017
Pvt Kaiser Rock Camp July 9-13, 2017
BK Lighting Snowshoe Tour March 18, 2017
Pvt Thomas AAHSC, July 18-22, 2017
Pvt Ahern GC of the Tuolumne Backpack Jul 31-Aug 4, 2017
Rosenthal High Tour, Jul 8-11, 2017
Marin County Day School, Sept 24-28, 2017
Pvt Dunn Edison to Tuolume Mds Aug 4-12, 2017
Adventure Risk Challenge Rock Climbing, July 3-4, 2017
Pvt Soenen Yosemite Hiking Weekend, July 26-29, 2017
Pvt Davidson Mt. Whitney July 26-August 1, 2017
Pvt Evans Yosemite Hiking Weekend June 26-July 1, 2017
Pvt Persuad Rafferty to Valley HDCR Jun 27-Jul 2, 2017
Pvt Sunesen Yos Falls Loop Jun 28-30, 2017
National Geographic Expeditions July 24, 2017
Ireland High Tour and Yosemite Days Sept 18-24, 2017
Forsyth School June 12-17, 2017
Cottone YFL June 13-15, 2017
Hillhouse AAHSC August 10-14, 2017
Johnson HDCR BP Sept 6-9, 2017
Brener Hidden Patagonia Feb 1-10, 2017
Pvt Dillon JMT NOBO Sept 8-17, 2017
Guide Training
JMT MTS Southbound
JMT MTS Northbound
Nueva School May 2017



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Testimonials

The educational value of the MCDS trip to Ansel Adams with SYMG cannot be underestimated. Led by SYMG's expert staff, our 8th grade students enjoy a four day immersive experience being a part of nature, learning how to live in the outdoors, accomplishing hikes and camp activities together, and learning from SYMG's guides about how to navigate trails and weather conditions and learn in the beauty of the wilderness. Students return from this trip with a deeper appreciation of the natural world, including an increased awareness of their role as stewards of the land. This is an essential learning time for our students.

-Ted Saltveit - Marin County Day School 2017

I just wanted to send a quick note of appreciation for the guide, Fred Ackerman, on our recent private trip into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, earlier this month. His expertise, his hard work, his attention to our well-being (and of course his cooking!) helped us enjoy our trip immensely. Even my oldest son, who was not looking forward to the trip, recently admitted that he enjoyed it. I have sent Fred a note directly, but wanted to let you know our appreciation as well.

-David Korflage Family-Pvt Alpine Lakes, July, 2015

Our guide was Ryan Filanda, he is an amazing man. He is a combination of strength ,intellect, humility, and above all was decent, kind and understanding when it came to our weaknesses as guests in your mountains. If you are looking for a wonderful representative of your company, Ryan is your man. Great cook too!
The Trip, Alpine Lakes was magnificent- we were surrounded by scenery that I was hoping for -the workout was vigorous, and demanding -just what I wanted (maybe a little more). I hope to book a trip again with SYMG in the future and came back from the mountains with a great appreciation of what the men and women of your company do.

-Lou Ianniello - PVT Alpine Lakes - 2015

I just completed a Grand Canyon hike with one of your competing companies. You absolutely topped them in every way. The quality of your guides, and the food difference was really amazing. I can't tell you how much the food matters - when you're hiking hard, good food is really something to look forward to. The Alexes may be "foodies", and maybe we just lucked out, but the meals they prepared were really delicious. In contrast, the food I ate on my most recent trip was really disappointing - mainly freeze-dried and the breakast was either oatmeal in a packet or just some granola. The last night we just bought our own stuff at the grocery store for dinner and breakfast so we had something decent and filling to eat.
Thanks again, and more power to you for keeping up the standards at SYMG! I think we will be repeat customers.

-Phil Pvt AAW Family Backpack Aug, 2015

"Ian and Albert, Thanks for yet another superb SYMG trip! Roddy was a fantastic cook, patient, kind, knowledgeable, and tailored the flow of the days and hikes from our campsite for our family. Despite a few unexpected hiccups adjusting to the altitude, we took in spectacular vistas, swam in gorgeous alpine lakes, and my parents earned bragging rights to their hiking group at home given what we tackled in the high country. My husband, an adrenalin surfing & snowboarding junkie, was overheard saying he was having a lot of fun J. In all, true relaxation as well as a wonderful time for our family. Thanks"

-- Michaela Kiernan, Ansel Adams High Sierra Camp Trip - July, 2009