Yosemite Adventure — $1195

Day 1: Drive to Yosemite, camp set up - Hogdon Meadows

This morning we spend some time on introductions and ice-breaker games to bring us together as a group. Then we head to Yosemite - one of the country's first national parks and a scenic gem in our own backyard. Blessed with spectacular glacier-carved valleys, towering rock domes and gushing waterfalls, Yosemite is a scenic wilderness everyone should explore in their lifetime. We spend our week discovering the park's highlights as well as little-seen corners of the region. Tonight we set up camp at Hogdon Meadows — our home within the park for the next three nights. We learn about properly setting up camp, helping prepare dinner, and for first-time campers — how to stay comfortable in the outdoors.

Lessons: Camp set up, Leave No Trace

Day 2: Hetch Hetchy/Wapama Falls Hike

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is one of the scenic gems of Yosemite, and beneath its sparkling waters lies a history of environmental controversy. As we hike through a 500-foot tunnel, past pine trees and fragrant wildflowers, we learn more about how this now-underwater valley once rivaled Yosemite Valley with its beauty. Through discussion and fun debate, we also unravel the difference and the motivations between conservation and preservation, using Hetch Hetchy as the center of our dialog. We stop at inviting swimming holes along the way, with our destination being one of the most powerful and picturesque waterfalls in the park.

Lessons: History of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir & O'Shaughnessy Dam

Day 3: Yosemite Falls Hike & Yosemite Valley

Today Yosemite Valley, the centerpiece of the national park, reveals its treasures to us. A stop at Artist's Point gives us the first glimpse of the valley, and later we walk in the shadow of the massive Cathedral Rocks, and gaze up at the iconic Half Dome. Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall sprinkle us with their tumbling cascades, and the monolith El Captain shows off its sheer granite face, frequently decorated with rock climbers. We'll start our day with a spectacular hike to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfall in North America! Along the way, we'll stop for lunch, take photos of the breath-taking scenery and get lessons on the area's natural history.

Lesson: Natural History of Yosemite Valley

Day 4: Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and Sierra National Forest

Today we discover the gentle giants in the Mariposa Grove that claim ages of over one thousand years. Through the cool and peaceful stillness of the grove, we walk among the Sequoia Gigantea that have chosen only a few spots in California in which to grow. We learn about how the seeds are challenged to find their way out of the tough tight cones to make more sequoias and how they depend on fire. A highlight is seeing the massive fallen "Wawona Tunnel Tree", once-mighty tree that was tunneled through to be a drive-through attraction and later collapsed due to a record snow load. We continue on to a special spot tucked away in the Sierra National Forest, just south of Yosemite National Park, where we set up camp in preparation for our 2 days of rock climbing.

Lesson: Giant Sequoias Ecology

Day 5: Rock Climbing (optional) in the Sierra National Forest

The granite slopes of the Yosemite region are world-famous and beg to be climbed. Today under the care of the best instructors in the business — Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides — we are introduced to the exhilarating and empowering sport of rock climbing. Starting with the basics, from simple knots to "tying in" to belaying, our guides teach us how to enjoy climbing while staying safe. First-time climbers will be particularly well-cared for, and experienced climbers can hone their skills on the rock.

Rock climbing is optional. Any children who do not want to rock climb will have the option of partipating in a Map and Compass Class, culminating with an exciting, guided peak hike.

Lessons: Rock Climbing Basics

Day 6: Rock Climbing Day Two

Today we continue our lessons in rock climbing. We learn how to effectively pick hand holds, how to conserve energy while climbing, and how to use our feet to "smear". We also discover that we don't need big muscles to climb well — just agility and good technique! We also practice rappelling — a slow controlled descent down our rope with a friction device - that for some of us can be more demanding than the climbing. Through our activities today, we challenge ourselves to overcome our fears and have fun in the process. Tonight we have a special dinner around a campfire and celebrate our accomplishments.

Rock climbing is optional. Any children who do not want to rock climb will have the option of partipating in a Map and Compass Class, culminating with an exciting, guided peak hike.

Lessons: Rock Climbing Basics

Day 7: Drive Back to Bay Area

This morning we pack up camp, say goodbye to the Sierra, and head back to the Bay Area. On the journey, we recount our adventures over the last week and enjoy the new friends we've made.

Wanderers – phone 415-643-5686 – fax 415-641-4101 – kurt@wandererscamp.com