About the trip

Perched at over 8,000 in elevation, the Tuolumne Region of Yosemite is the perfect place to spend time during the summer months of July-Sept. We’ll spend our days hiking through spectacular areas of Yosemite's “John Muir Trail country”, including the wildflower-strewn meadows, pristine lakes, and glaciated valleys that the area is renowned for. This area of Yosemite is in the Northern part of Park, with wonderful swimming lakes, high-mountain photographic opportunities, and even time for some evening fly fishing in the Tuolumne River is you choose.

Accommodations: 3 nights camping at Tuolumne Meadows Campground. Amenities include restrooms, running water, picnic table, firepits, and a nearby general store.

Equipment: We supply all group camping gear (stoves, cookware, water filters, group first aid kit, etc.). We can also supply personal camping equipment (sleeping bags, ground pads, trekking poles, and tents) upon request with no additional fee. You are welcome to bring your own personal camping equipment if you prefer. A detailed gear list will be sent to you upon registration.

Meals: We provide meals starting with dinner on day one through breakfast and trail snacks the last day. Our "Backcountry Gourmet" meals have been acclaimed in Sunset Magazine. We take pride in providing excellent meals even in remote surroundings.

Your Cost Includes: Meals (as noted above), group camping gear (as noted above), personal camping equipment (as listed above), accommodations (as noted above), applicable permits, professional mountain guide(s), pre-trip planning packet, and trip support from our friendly office staff.

Not Included: Personal clothing and footwear, personal gear not listed under “Equipment” above, meals while in the front country, alcoholic beverages, tips for guides (10-20% of trip cost is customary), transportation, and optional trip cancellation insurance.

Preparation: Training is paramount to the enjoyment and success of your trip. We recommend exercising in the months prior to your trip to bolster sustained cardiovascular/aerobic activities as well as core and leg strength. Day hikes with a full backpack, preferably on hilly, off road terrain, is the best way to train for our trips. Activities such as cycling and step-master type machines are also excellent and preferable to a routine comprised solely of running.

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet at the Tuolumne Campground (8580’) at 5pm for orientation and gear check (please arrive no earlier than 4:30pm. Site numbers are issued upon check-in. The guides will post a sign with your name and site number on the entrance kiosk booth). After a short trip orientation, your guides will prepare a hearty dinner and campfire.

Day 2: After a hearty campground breakfast we will set off on a wonderful hike up the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. We will cross the impressive Tuolumne River on the famous John Muir Trail (don't worry there are bridges!) before heading up the flower-filled canyon for views of the mighty Mt Lyell (13,114') and its ancient glaciers. There will be time to swim and enjoy the Tuolumne River’s smooth granite-lined swimming holes while your guide prepares a tasty lunch. Throughout the day the guides will be sharing their knowledge about the local history, flora and fauna. In the evening we return to the camp where dinner and campfire end the day's activities. Expect an 8-10 mile day on easy terrain.

Day 3: Today, we'll turn our sights to high country alpine hiking. Our planned route will hike up the John Muir Trail to the famous Cathedral Lake. Our 7-mile round trip hike has us climbing approximately 1200' in elevation to one of the most scenic lakes in the entire National Park system: Cathedral Lake. We’ll take lunch and an optional swim at the lake, below the awe-inspiring and iconic Cathedral Peak (~11,000'). Bring your camera!

Day 4: After another hearty breakfast prepared by your guide(s) we’ll pack up camp and set off on another hike. There are several options for today and the guide will cater the exact destination to the interests and abilities of the group. Some options are Dog Lake, May Lake, or the top of Lembert Dome to name a few choices. We’ll finish around 2pm on Sunday in time for you to travel to your next destination.

Note: Campgrounds cannot be confirmed until 120 days in advance. Thus, we cannot guarantee departures nor specific campgrounds until these reservations are in-hand and we highly recommend holding off on booking flights, etc until the campgrounds are confirmed. 

*Similar trips include: Yosemite Valley Hiking Weekend, Ansel Adams High Sierra Camp