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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.

High Tour

ABOUT THE TRIP:

The high country lakes and peaks of the Ansel Adams Wilderness along the southern Yosemite border are truly spectacular. This trip takes you deep into a seemingly unspoiled subalpine environment where granite peaks, clear lakes, cascading streams, and wildflower filled meadows captivate all who travel here. Here, we spend the days fishing, swimming and hiking in this incredible lakes basin. This trip is for those with little or some hiking experience who would like to enjoy the dramatic landscapes of Southern Yosemite while traveling with a professional, friendly, and knowledgeable mountain guide. We'll hike both on trail and off, venturing off the beaten track to visit places seldom seen by most visitors to Yosemite.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

We provide your first night's lodging in a chalet on beautiful Bass Lake. Facilities include lakeside pool and hot tub, as well as tennis courts, market and restaurants. 2 nights tent camping.

EQUIPMENT:

We supply all group camping gear (stoves, cookware, water filters, group first aid kit, etc.). We can also supply personal camping equipment (backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping 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 lunch on day two 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 PRICE 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, 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.

FULL ITINERARY:

Day 1:

Check in at the Pines Resort on Bass Lake anytime after 4 PM. Meet your guide at 6pm in the main lobby for a short orientation and gear sort. Choose from several local restaurants for dinner.

 Day 2:

After breakfast (there is a restaurant & bakery in the village) we drive to the trailhead (roughly an hour- you are responsible for your own transportation). We'll then hike 4 miles to Upper Jackass Lake where we will make camp. In the afternoon/evening there is time to swim, explore, or fish as your guide(s) prepare dinner.

 Day 3:

Choose from several options. Hike to Burro Notch, Madera Peak, tour the upper lake basin, or just stay at your lakeside camp and relax. Dinner and stargazing round out a spectacular day in the High Sierra.

 Day 4:

An early breakfast and departure put us back at the resort on Bass Lake in the early afternoon with time to jump into the lake before heading home.

 

*Similar trips include: Yosemite Falls Loop, Half Dome and Cloud's Rest Backpack, Alpine Lakes, Half Dome Backpacking Weekend

Trip Details

Duration
4 days/3 nights

Group size
3-12 participants with 1-2 mountain guides

Difficulty Rating
Moderate / Basecamp

Price
$745 per person (3-12 registered participants)

price based on shared room occupancy
Single Lodging Supplement: Requested Singe $180; Forced Single $90

Dates of trip in 2019
Aug 8-11, 2019
Custom dates & pricing available!





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