Dossier - Adventure Holidays in America

2016 Trip Dossier
John Muir Trail
TOUR AT A
GLANCE:
1 US State: California
Length: 23 days
Departs: Mammoth
Lakes (Cottonwood Pass)
Direction: South
to North
Trip code: JM6
Group size: Maximum 10
100%
WALKING
CAMPING
TRIP OVERVIEW
Guaranteed
Departures
Accommodation:
22 nights camping
The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the world. It
may be a strenuous hike but the scenery is something out of this world and is best
enjoyed on foot.
Meals: 22 breakfasts,
22 lunches and 22 dinners
Staff: Professional
tour leader
Transport: On foot
The route starts in Cottonwood Pass, out of Lone Pine and continues north after
an ascent of the highest point of the lower forty eight states, Mount Whitney, some
two hundred miles ending at. Along the way it climbs over 13,000ft passes, wanders
beneath high alpine peaks, and traverses beautiful meadows and forested river
valleys. The spectacular scenery is combined with the generally clement weather
of California and warm summer temperatures.
Please see our website for detailed destination
information and insider tips.
This back-country hiking tour means you are responsible for carrying your own
luggage as well as a share of the camping equipment and food. You should not be
carrying more than 20kg luggage however, you should be prepared to carry your
own luggage. Provided on this trip are high quality meals which are included the
entire time you are on the trails. You should expect to cover from eight to fifteen
miles a day. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip you will remember for years to come!
As this tour is heavily permit restricted, early booking is advised to avoid missing out.
HIGHLIGHTS:
One of the most famous hikes in America offering challenging and
strenuous back-country hiking
Climb to the summit of the highest mountain in the lower 48 states,
Mount Whitney
Traverse 13,000ft passes through California’s stunning mountain country
Wander beneath high alpine peaks, hike beautiful meadows and forested
river valleys
Professional certified mountain guides with wilderness first
aid certification
Trailhead shuttle at both ends of the trip to Mammoth Lakes
Porter or mule supported supply drops during the trip
All necessary hiking permits
GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE
UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921
USA Sales TEL: 1 (800) 873 5872 Email: [email protected]
www.grandamericanadventures.com
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ITINERARY AND DETAILS
As this tour departs early morning on day 1 we recommend that you book
pre-tour accommodation. The tour departs from the Mammoth Lakes area
around 11:00am and you will be collected from the hotel of your choice in this
area on the morning of day 1. If you require pre or post tour accommodation
Grand American Adventures are able to book this for you. Following
Mammoth Lakes pickup, you will transfer to Bishop for gear check and then
onto the trails. The closest airport is Mammoth Yosemite Airport. Please
note that you will be transferred to Mammoth Lakes at the end of your tour.
Airport transfers are not available to be booked through Grand American
Adventures.
IMPORTANT: Once you have booked this tour, there are three things you
need to pass to Grand American Adventures promptly. You will not be able
to join this tour without sending these documents through to the head office.
• Doctors release form up to 14,500ft
• Completed medical form
• Joining hotel details
ON THE TRAIL
This trip is a backcountry tour and you’re responsible for carrying your own
luggage as well as a share of the camping equipment and food (there are no
support mules except for supply drops). You should arrive with no more than
25-30 pounds and up to 10 pounds of group gear will be given to you to carry,
making this a total of 40 pounds. High quality meals are provided on this trip
and are included the entire time you are on the trails. You should expect to
cover eight to 15 miles a day.
ITINERARY
We are allowing twenty three days for the complete trip and you will
have five food drops so packs are not too heavy. You should be carrying a
maximum of 5 days food at any one time.
Below are very tentative itineraries for the 23 days you’re on the trail. There
are a number of things which can change this schedule such as weather,
minor injury, tired mules or just the desire for a rest day. For this reason,
the actual camps are certain to vary. The below itinerary is designed to
provide you with a general outline of the route. Please be flexible and adapt
to inevitable changes which can occur.
Numbered days refer to significant logistical events during the trip. Due
to the difficulties of trying to map out every day of a long journey such as
this other days have been omitted from this itinerary. Expect changes to
this itinerary!
Days 1 - 8 Chicken Springs Lake to Glen Pass/ Rae Lakes (68.5 Miles)
Your tour includes pickup from any hotel in the Mammoth Lakes area to
Bishop. From here you’ll meet your guides and fellow hikers before your kit
is thoroughly checked to ensure you have followed the packing list. It is very
important to arrive with the correct equipment otherwise you may be delayed
by days from joining the tour. Please remember that there won’t be any
opportunity to purchase gear, so you must arrive fully equipped and prepared.
You’ll then transfer to Cottonwood Campground where you set up camp, eat
dinner and get ready for the hike on day 2 - then you’re officially hiking on the
John Muir Trail. The hike to Chicken Springs Lake is popular with day hikers
and with minimal elevation gains, you’ll enjoy the stunning views, providing
you with a great warm up for the next few weeks. The southern side of the
lake is clad in rocky meadows scattered with scrub willows and gnarled foxtail
pines. Sheer granite cliffs rise above the northern and eastern shores. Over the
next few days you’ll traverse the Cottonwood Pass Trail, the gateway to the
Golden Trout Wilderness and the Eastern Sierras heading towards the mighty
GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE
UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921
USA Sales TEL: 1 (800) 873 5872 Email: [email protected]
www.grandamericanadventures.com
peak, Mount Whitney. This trail will provide you with high alpine lakes and
expansive views. With fewer people hiking this particular trail you’ll feel like
you’ve entered the ultimate Sierra wilderness. On your way to Rock Creek you’ll
hike through Sequoia King National Park, the land of giant trees and mountains
before heading upwards into the wide open spaces of Guyot Flat. Staying above
the timberline and hiking to Crabtree Meadow, the moment has almost arrived
to climb the highest peak in the lower 48 states. Turning east from Crabtree
Meadows the route climbs towards Mount Whitney and you finally stand on
the 14,495ft summit on the Sierra Crest with a view of many of the highest peaks
of the Sierra Nevada. The peak rises 10,778ft (3,285 meters) or just over two
miles above the town of Lone Pine, 15 miles to the east in the Owens Valley.
The sense of accomplishment having reached this point will be immense and
a wonderful memory to share with your fellow hikers. You descend back into
Crabtree Meadows where you pick up fresh supplies. Climbing again through
pine clad forests and out onto sandy plateaus high above treeline there are
incredible views of high rugged peaks in every direction before you drop down
to Tyndall Creek. Pass through alpine meadows, witness yellow marmots
scurrying past and discover several lakes and streams as you ascend towards
Forester Pass, the tallest pass on the John Muir Trail. From the top you’ll be able
to see Vidette Meadows, which is where you’re headed. The next day you head
over Glenn Pass the fourth highest pass on the trail and then onto Rae Lakes, for
even more unbelievable wilderness right at your feet.
Accommodation: Camping included | Meals: breakfast (x7), lunch (x7),
dinner (x8) included
Days 9 - 16 Rae Lakes to Marie Lake (86 Miles)
The John Muir Trail travels approximately 75 miles in Kings Canyon National
Park and the entire length of the trail within the park is only accessible by
foot. This is one of the most remote trails anywhere in the USA. Your first
experience of Kings Canyon National Park is Rae Lakes and from here you’ll
descend five steep miles to Woods Creek, where you’ll cross the Woods
Creek suspension bridge, one at a time. Lake Marjorie will be awaiting you
next and is considered one of the most stunning lakes on the trail, but we’ll
let you be the judge of that as you spend the night here. Continue upwards
past more beautiful lakes and wilderness until you reach the Upper Basin.
Being located just above treeline you’ll be rewarded with epic views to the
south with the Upper Basin also being a great place to spot deer and marmots
- keep your eyes peeled. The trail now follows Le Conte Canyon. The long
canyon has beautiful meadows and classic mountain peaks and is shaped
by the Middle Fork of the Kings Canyon River. Continue heading north to
one of the prettiest meadows in the Sierra Nevadas, Grouse Meadow. You’re
surrounded by yet more breathtaking scenery, so take some time to absorb
it all. You and your fellow hikers hike to the next meadow in Le Conte Canyon,
Big Pete Meadow, where you’ll pick up more supplies and spot grazing
deer. Wanda Lake, named after one of John Muir’s daughters, is your next
destination. At 11,000ft it sits just below Muir Pass. On the other side of the
pass you’ll find Helen Lake, named after his other daughter. You’ll then hike
15 miles of spectacular terrain as you make your way to Upper San Joaquin
River. The San Joaquin River is one of California’s greatest rivers. Some of
the trail here will lead right along the raging river and in places you’ll have
wooden bridges to cross. Your next resupply stop is at Marie Lake where
you’ll witness a pristine blue lake with tiny islands dotted in the centre of the
lake and surrounded by huge slabs of granite banks.
Accommodation: Camping included | Meals: Breakfast (x8), lunch (x8),
dinner (x8) included
Days 17 - 23 Marie Lake to Tuolumne Meadows (70 Miles)
This is the last stretch of your John Muir Trail experience so enjoy every
minute of it. Depart from Marie Lake and make the ascent towards Quail
Meadows. Head onto another beautiful lake, Chief Lake. The lake is right
below the timberline and the dramatic views and aquamarine waters will
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create an everlasting memory of the beautiful scenery on the trail. Purple
Lake is next with picturesque scenery, surrounded by steep, forested
slopes and sheer rocky cliffs. This is the perfect place to dip your weary
toes into the refreshing lake waters. You’re now in Ansel Adams Wilderness
dotted with sparkling lakes, glacially sculpted gorges and imposing peaks.
Originally protected by the 1964 Wilderness Act, it was first called the
Minarets Wilderness. Renamed to honour photographer Ansel Adams in
1984, it spreads over 230,258 acres, ranging in altitude from about 7,000ft
to 14,000ft. You hike to Thousand Island Lake, named for the many rocky
islands that dot the surface. This alpine lake that sits directly below the
spectacular Banner Peak is nothing short of absolutely breathtaking. With
just over 15 miles left to hike on this epic trail you head towards Lyell Canyon
over Donohue Pass. This pass brings you closer to Yosemite National Park
and due to the high elevation (11,056ft) you can expect to see snow in places
the whole year round. From Donohue Pass you descend to 8,600ft and
reach Lyell Canyon, a sub-alpine meadow in Yosemite. Your final day takes
you to Tuolumne Meadows, where the Tuolumne River meanders quietly
through the meadow and hikers can enjoy a backdrop of rugged mountain
peaks and glacially carved domes. It’s from here you’ll be picked up and
driven back to your hotel in Mammoth Lakes where sadly this once in a
lifetime experience must come to an end.
Accommodation: Camping included (excluding day 23) | Meals: Breakfast
(x7), lunch (x7), dinner (x6) included
Please note, this trip can change due to permitting issues, should this occur
any amendments will be advised prior to travel.
It is not recommended to fly out the night the tour finishes in case of
unexpected delays.
BACK-COUNTRY CONDITIONS
We do this trip from July to late September to get what we consider to be
the best conditions. Most biting insects and bugs should be gone. Days,
while getting shorter should be warm with day temperatures in the 60
degree region and nights dipping to about 32 degrees rarely and only at the
higher elevation. There may be small snow patches on the highest passes,
but not enough to warrant ice axe and crampon use. Stream flows will
be well below peak flow and most should be easy to cross. There is the
possibility of afternoon thunderstorms that may be heavy for a short time.
You will be in the high mountains so there is always the chance of snow,
but prolonged storms are not likely at this time of year.
On 2015 tours there was some late snow on the first departure and rain. For
this reason it is extremely important you follow the packing list carefully. If
you fail to bring the correct clothing deemed suitable for a trip of this nature
can result in you not being able to join the tour in Mammoth Lakes after a
gear check.
This is a long trip and for many people may be the longest back-country
trip they have ever done. If you are able to arrive a few days early there
is plenty to do in Mammoth Lakes whilst you acclimatize. Because of
the length there is always the potential for things to go wrong and the
unexpected to occur. Your guide will be trained in wilderness first aid and
will carry a radio or cell phone for emergency communications. (No, not for
personal use and calling home!). Remember that in these remote locations
we cannot guarantee that cell phones will work reliably and in the event
of an emergency it is likely to take a considerable effort to find a location
where the phone will work. Family and friends can contact you through
our office, but because of the problems of communication in the backcountry the delay can be substantial. It will be possible to receive (small)
mail and messages with the resupplies.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
There are no optional activities available for this tour.
PHYSICAL RATING/PREPARATION
You need to be in good shape for the trip. This does not mean you need to
be marathon fit. The days will be long and steady. The most important thing
is endurance and the ability to deal with whatever happens. Please contact
us for details if you have specific questions.
Everything has to work together. i.e. a lightweight sleeping bag needs to
be in a lightweight pack. Start with the pack. A lot of the big packs weigh 7
pounds before you put anything in it. Go with a light pack
Sleeping bag: Down, not synthetic. Synthetic bags are warm, but they are
very bulky. Put the bag in a compression stuffsac.
Sleeping pad: A short 3/4 pad paired with a foam pad is best. You can sit on
the foam pad outside without any fear of puncturing.
Clothing: No need for a change everyday. Rinse the socks out every so
often. We can send in an extra t-shirt or socks part way through.
Rainwear: Lightweight and compact. You will most likely not be wearing
this on a regular basis. At this time of year we are concerned with short
thunderstorms. Forget the huge bulky lined jackets.
First aid: Just personal things for looking after your feet and necessary
personal medication.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste and maybe floss. That is it! No
deodorants, etc.
Tents: Not everyone gets their own tent. Just adds too much weight and
too many tents. Previous hikers have slept out under the stars and only
used the tent if the weather is bad. We cannot offer you a solo supplement
on this tour for this reason.
We do need you to be serious about weight, because we will be when we
do the pack review before the trip. You really will have more fun with a light
pack. One person who insists that they “need” this and “need that” will end
up slowing the group down.
We want you to have a fantastic, enjoyable adventure, and cutting down
the weight will go a long way to achieving this.
Food: We do our best to cater to different dietary needs. However if you
have a significant food allergy or medical condition that requires strict
adherence to a dietary regime we may not be able to fully accommodate
you. The guide is unable to prepare a number of different meals each night
for a number of different needs. Bishop is very limited in shopping options
and much lightweight food may contain a variety of allergens. We may
have to ask you to bring some of your own supplies or to provide specific
food menus.
Outside of the three included meals per day whilst hiking, you should bring
energy snacks with you which can be split between the food resupply
stops. It is important you bring these with you on day 1 and clear bags with
your name clearly marked on to avoid confusion.
Getting to Mammoth Lakes: Again, if you need assistance making these
arrangements please let us know. Commuter flights are available into
Mammoth Lakes but these are limited. If you prefer to fly into Reno, Nevada,
for ease and a reduced flight cost, there is a bus company called Crest Sierra
Transport Authority www.estransit.com where you can book a connecting
public bus ticket. Please note this must be booked by yourself in advance.
This is not included in the basic trip price.
Bears: We have a number of people from overseas or those unfamiliar
with being in bear country. Do not panic too much about the bears. They
GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE
UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921
USA Sales TEL: 1 (800) 873 5872 Email: [email protected]
www.grandamericanadventures.com
6576
ABTA No.Y0696
Accredited Agent
91-2-74330
are something to deal with but are not aggressive and are a part of the
back-country experience. We generally have no encounters with them at
all and often hikers leave a little let down not to have even seen one beating
a hasty retreat. To quote John Muir in 1898; “In my first interview with a
Sierra bear we were frightened and embarrassed, both of us, but the bear’s
behaviour was better than mine”
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
All departure dates for this trip are 100% guaranteed, so once you’ve
booked and paid your deposit you’re going. Please check our website for
our latest range of departure dates for this trip.
TOUR ITINERARIES
Although each tour follows an itinerary, there is a certain amount of
flexibility and from time to time your Tour Leader may suggest changes.
Flexibility is key and often a side diversion will be a highlight of the tour.
Hikes cannot be guaranteed and may vary depending on ability, group
interest, local weather conditions and time of year.
All details are provided in good faith. Due to the nature of travel, this
information can change and should therefore be taken as an indication
only and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Grand American
Adventures. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Please also ensure that you download an up-to-date copy of this dossier
before you depart to join your tour to ensure you have the most up to
date information as occasionally our itineraries may be amended either in
response to feedback from customers or for operational reasons.
This dossier is valid for all tours departing in 2016. Itineraries may be
subject to change with the publication of our 2017/18 brochure in Autumn
2016, at which point revised 2017 dossiers will be made available.
BEFORE YOU DEPART
FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS
It is advisable to book a room the night before your trip to help acclimatize
and gather anything you have forgotten to bring. For anyone leaving from
the UK we would be pleased to book your flight in conjunction with your
tour. Please contact us for competitive prices on flights departing from
most UK airports.
Please note that all international and domestic flights are your own
responsibility. We are unable to delay a tour, or finish a tour early due
to your flight times. In the event you must leave the tour early for your
return flight, you need to inform us at least two weeks before your tour’s
departure, in addition it will be your responsibility to organize your own
transportation to the airport. If you fail to either inform Grand American
Adventures of your pre tour hotel (for pick up), or arrive to Mammoth
Lakes on time, there will be a private transfer charge and delay until the
next food drop unfortunately.
do take offers an equivalent level of protection and covers you for the
activities involved - be aware that some policies do not include, or restrict,
coverage for this type of travel. There may be cheaper policies available,
but this does not mean it may be better value - we strongly advise you
check fully what will and won’t be covered. Any claims concerning matters
for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers.
Please note: We can only offer cover for passengers residing within the
European Union. For those outside the EU we recommend Journeyman
Services who have a tailored policy for Grand American Adventures
clients. Visit www.journeyman-services.com.
PASSPORT AND VISAS
You will need a valid passport with six months validity following the end
of your trip, together with the necessary visa(s) for the country/countries
you are visiting. It is important that you apply for each of the necessary
visas while in your home country. Please keep in mind that some tours
may spend time in more than one country. For specific visa information,
please consult the relevant embassies. Please note it is your responsibility
to ensure you have valid passport and the correct visas for your tour.
VISA AND RULES FOR ENTRY TO THE USA
Travellers from the EU and certain countries are eligible to travel to the
USA under the Visa Waiver Program. All eligible travellers who wish to
travel under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for an ESTA (Electronic
System for Travel Authorisation) before travelling to the USA. At the time
of compilation there is a US$14 fee for the electronic visa (ESTA). The ESTA
will be valid for a period of two years, or until a person’s passport expires.
You should apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before you travel, and we
recommend you carry your ESTA approval with you. From 1 April 2016, all
travellers wishing to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program will need
to hold a passport with an integrated chip (an ePassport). From 21st January
2016 new rules will also exclude from the VWP most people who have
travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria since 1 March 2011, and those who
have dual nationality of these countries. This means that existing ESTAs
could be revoked, and you will instead need to apply for a visa from the
nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
You can apply for an ESTA at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must be insured against
medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs, air
ambulance and helicopter rescue service). You will be asked to provide
details of your insurance policy, including insurer, policy number and
phone number before embarking on the trip.
Passengers that have not applied for and received travel authorisation
via ESTA prior to travel may be denied boarding, experience delayed
processing or be denied admission at the US port of entry. However, neither
possession of a visa nor meeting the basic requirements for travelling visafree on the VWP, guarantees admission to the United States. As with most
countries, the final determination of admissibility is made by immigration
officials at the port of entry.
We offer an insurance policy that is designed specifically to cover the
potential risks on our tours - particularly the many optional activities
offered. If you do not take our policy, you must ensure that the policy you
Important reminder: If you are refused boarding or denied admission at
the US port of entry you will still be subject to our cancellation charges in
accordance with the terms of our contract with you.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE
UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921
USA Sales TEL: 1 (800) 873 5872 Email: [email protected]
www.grandamericanadventures.com
6576
ABTA No.Y0696
Accredited Agent
91-2-74330
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
If you have any medical conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy or asthma,
take prescribed medicines, or have a condition that will affect your
participation in the tour, you must tell us or your travel agent at the time
of booking. Please be aware we may require a doctor’s note prior to travel
for some conditions. This information is essential in case of emergency.
A basic first aid kit is carried by the guides however, this will not contain
specific medicine you may require.
VACCINATIONS
There are no compulsory vaccinations for North America. However all
travellers are advised to ensure that their diphtheria, tetanus and polio
vaccinations are kept up to date.
Recommendations do change from time to time so please consult your
doctor or vaccination centre for up to date information.
WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR
SPENDING MONEY
Upon joining this tour you will not require any spending money with
the exception of a tip for the guides. Please note whilst optional, it is an
expected gratuity for the guides and very much a part of American culture.
This is only mentioned as can cause offence without advance notice.
Look at what you really “need” versus what you would like to have. Part
of being in the mountains is leaving some of the trappings of the modern
world behind and stepping back into a simpler time. Think lightweight,
not comfort.
Consider this: In 1896 Bolton Coit Brown and Lucy Brown set off for five days
in the Sierra. His pack weighed 12 pounds and hers 3. Could you do that?
Their weight included food of 1lb/day between them. Five days is about the
maximum we have between resupplies but for the sake of arguement let’s
double the food weight.
We do not need to be that minimal but 100 years later we have all the modern
lightweight equipment. The more load on your back, the less quickly you
move, the more pain on the shoulders and the greater the strain on the
knees. Your pack should be less than 20kg or less with all of your personal
gear, but without tents , bear barrels, kitchen and food that will be divided
up at the start of the trip.
SLEEPING BAGS
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag for this tour and camping
mat. If you are travelling on an early or late season tour or a winter tour,
you might want to consider bringing a mountain climate sleeping bag as
the weather can be much cooler.
HIGH / LOW TEMPERATURES IN CELSIUS (ºC)
TIPPING
Although it may not be customary in your country, it is normal and expected
in North America to tip waiters, bar staff and taxi drivers or any type of
guide. Service workers are paid a low wage and depend upon their tips for
their livelihood. A minimum of 15-20% is standard in restaurants. Your Tour
Guides also works long and hard for you, so if the guides performance meet
or exceed your expectations, we recommend you consider a tip of 7-10% of
the tours value in appreciation of the service you receive.
LUGGAGE WEIGHT INFORMATION
The big question everyone asks is, “how much will I have to carry”? It all
depends upon your equipment selection, planning, and the care you take in
packing. There will be an opportunity to drop off extra gear at the first food
resupply at Reds Meadow.
After reconsidering what is essential and what is not, many people elect
to use this option. This is a different experience to hiking in, for example,
Europe. You will have to carry a larger pack than what you might be used
to, so prepare for that and check the equipment list suggestions. Personal
weight without group gear (it’s up to the group to share the load of
community equipment such as tents, stoves, water purification, bear-proof
food containers, etc.) should be about 20kg. If you can do less than this all
the better.
IMPORTANT: Please follow the packing list closely. It is extremely important
you do not turn up with incorrect equipment or clothing, especially clothing
which over time will put you at risk due to adverse weather. Prior to setting
off on day 1, the guides will complete a thorough gear check and if your
clothing does not meet the required standards, the guides will not accept
you on the tour and there will be no time to shop for clothing.
But on top of this comes food. We reckon this to be about a pound plus a day
per person. Starting out on the trip 21 days is going to feel like a long time
and there will be lots of things you think you are going to need but in reality
you can get by with not a lot and the time will go quickly.
GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE
UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921
USA Sales TEL: 1 (800) 873 5872 Email: [email protected]
www.grandamericanadventures.com
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP
OCT NOV DEC
Yosemite
NP
HIGH
LOW
9
-2
11
-1
14
1
18
3
22
7
27
11
32
14
32
13
28
11
22
6
13
1
8
-2
Mount
Whitney
HIGH
LOW
13
-2
15
0
19
3
23
6
29
11
34
16
38
18
37
17
32
13
26
7
18
2
13
-2
C / F Conversions: -10ºC = 14ºF 0ºC = 32ºF 10ºC = 50ºF 20ºC = 68ºF
30ºC = 86ºF 40ºC = 104ºF
PACKING TIPS
BIG STUFF
• Footwear. A good sturdy pair of hiking boots. These must be broken
in to your feet and need to be sealed with a waterproofing treatment.
Your selection of boots may mean the difference between pain and
comfort on the trip so be very careful with what you wear on your feet.
If we have a lot of snow on the trail you will need a heavy weight pair
of boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Lightweight trail runners are
not acceptable.
• Pack. A 4000 cubic inch (66-75 liter) pack will hold everything for the
trip. Internal frame packs are recommended for their comfort and
balance when hiking. The Gregory Makalu or Reality are about the right
size. Bring the smallest lightest pack you can get everything into.
• Sleeping Bag. Most summer trips are warm and a bag rated to about
25°F (-4°C) will be plenty warm. Pair this with a compression stuffsac
to reduce volume. We recommend a down bag rather then a synthetic
since it will be less bulky.
• Sleeping pad. A 3/4 length Ultralight Thermarest paired with a Ridgerest
foam pad is the best combination. If you bring a Thermarest also bring a
repair kit to fix pesky leaks.
CLOTHING
•
•
•
•
•
3 pair synthetic liner socks.
3 pair heavier synthetic or wool blend socks.
1 long underwear top. Capilene or some other synthetic is most desirable.
1 long underwear bottom.
1 warm pants, tights or expedition weight Capilene.
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• 1 warm shirt. Synchilla or 200 weight works well.
• 1 other fuzzy sweater top or pile jacket of some sort
• GoreTex Jacket and Pants - A lightweight set is sufficient and heavy
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bulky clothing is unnecessary. Side zips on the pants should be long
enough to slide on over boots. Jacket must have a hood. Do not skimp
on your rain gear.
1 pair of shorts for on the trail.
2 Tee shirts for on the trail.
1 pair of polypropylene or similar gloves.
1 warm hat. Synthetics are less itchy than wool.
1 sun hat.
Sun glasses. Good quality with side shields.
Water Bottles. Two quart (1 litre) wide mouth bottles and or a hydration
system holding up to 50oz. (2 litres)
Headlamp. With a spare set of batteries.
Eating and drinking equipment. Forget the traditional Sierra cup, instead
use an insulated backpacking mug, with a lid. This can double for a bowl.
Knife, fork and spoon.
Pocket knife. Swiss army style.
Personal toiletries. It is not necessary to smell like a rose each day so
do not over do it. Remember toilet paper and a small zip-lock bag to
carry out the used in.
Sunscreen and lip screen. SPF 30+. bottle will be enough.
Make sure your lip balm contains a sunscreen.
Personal Medical Kit. The guide will carry a large kit so yours will
predominately consist of foot repair items, mild pain killer such as
advil and band aids.
Camera. Bring a spare card and battery to record those “lifetime”
moments.
Plastic Trash Sac. Handy for keeping things in outside the tent should
it rain.
Ski poles. These are not essential, but can be handy on the trail. Its your
choice, but they do save wear on the knees.
Ear plugs. These can be handy to block flapping tents (or noisy
partners).
Camp Shoes. A lightweight pair of tennies or Tevas to wear in camp.
This will reduce vegetation damage at our campsites.
SHARED EQUIPMENT
• Shelter. We will provide lightweight, but storm worthy tents. If you have
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your favourite, by all means bring it, but we do want to pair people up
to reduce weight.
Stove. We will provide MSR Whisperlight stoves
Cookwear.
Water purification. A sad but true fact of life is that much Sierra water
is contaminated. The group will carry a light weight pump and iodine.
Bear Canisters. Sierra bears have fallen into bad habits and learned that
backpacker’s food is tasty and easy to obtain. We will provide these
bulky, but necessary items.
You specifically don’t need:
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Cell phones. They rarely work anyway.
Big first aid kits (we have a comprehensive one).
Deodorant or any toiletries beyond those listed above.
Items that are not on this list.
NO BIG CAMERAS - Take a small compact that fits in a shirt pocket.
Large bulky camera cases around the waist obstruct the view of the
trail. A camera in the pack either means stopping and taking the pack
off to dig it out or missing the photo all together. Go light! So the group
can keep moving.
Please note airlines have various rules on what can be carried in your
luggage - if in doubt check with your airline before travelling.
GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE
UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921
USA Sales TEL: 1 (800) 873 5872 Email: [email protected]
www.grandamericanadventures.com
JOINING YOUR TOUR
TOUR AND ACCOMMODATION VOUCHERS
A Tour Voucher will be emailed to you once your balance has been paid in
full. You can print off the PDF vouchers or download to your smartphone.
For those without email access your vouchers will be posted. Please make
sure that these vouchers are correct.
PRE/POST TOUR HOTELS
Grand American Adventures are able to reserve you pre or post tour
accommodation for the John Muir Trail tour. You will be picked up to start
your tour in either Mammoth Lakes, and dropped in Mammoth Lakes at
the end of your tour.
JOINING AND FINISHING POINT
Please advise us of your pre and post tour hotel name and address so
we can arrange hotel pickup. This is very important to do in advance of
departing for your holiday. Failure to advise us of your pre tour hotel and
missing the hotel pickup, will result in an expensive transfer cost and
missing days of the John Muir Trail.
We are able to book your pre or post tour accommodation in Mammoth
Lakes at the Mammoth Mountain Inn and will arrange your transfer
back to Mammoth Lakes at the end of the tour. This tour should end at
approximately 5pm to 6pm on the final day. Some tour activities scheduled
for the last day may preclude an earlier arrival at the gateway hotel, but
they could also delay you so it is not advisable to reserve a flight out the
same day your tour finishes. You will be responsible for any transportation
costs if you have to arrive for an earlier flight and you must make us aware
of this well in advance of your tour departing.
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SECURITY
No matter where you find yourself in the world, you need to look after your
valuables. Use your best common sense! We would like to remind you that
you are ultimately responsible for your safety and well-being. Whether you
are taking public transport, going for a hike or taking part in an optional
activity, we request that you carry yourself in a mature and responsible
manner - not only for your own personal safety, but for that of the group
and other travellers.
YOUR TOUR GUIDES
Your Tour Guides are certified Mountain Guides with wilderness first aid
and will take care of all the planning and organisation throughout your tour.
Your Tour Guides are there to make sure you get the most out of your tour;
organising activities, providing information and answering any questions
you may have as well as sorting out any queries or problems you may
encounter. If you have any particular interests or things you would like to
do on your tour, then please let your Tour Leader know at the beginning of
the tour and they will do their best to help you.
ARRIVAL COMPLICATIONS
Sometimes the unexpected can happen; your plane may be delayed or you
may even miss it! If you have missed your tour departure, call the relevant
emergency number and speak to our staff who will be happy to help you
catch up with the group but keep in mind due to the nature of the tour this
might not be as easy as with other trips. It may involved you missing a few
days until the next ‘food drop’ point. Please note that you are responsible
for any extra travelling expenses incurred due to you missing your tour’s
departure, so please be on time.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
In the event of an emergency or if you wish to report a problem on tour
please do not hesitate to call our toll free* 24-hour emergency contact
number. Remember, if we don’t know about it we won’t be able to do
anything about it.
Phone number for family to contact you in case of emergency:
Toll-Free (*in the US): 1 (800) 786 - 8735
International: 001 (707) 523 - 1800
ABOUT OUR TOURS
ACCOMMODATION
Campsites on this tour are of a basic nature so please don’t be under any
illusion that they will be up to the same standard as you may be used to.
You will sleep in high quality, heavy duty tents which single travellers
share with one other passenger of the same sex. Our high quality camping
equipment also includes top of the line field kitchens, camp lanterns and
chairs. Please respect your fellow campers who are there to enjoy the
peace and tranquillity of camping, although you will be so tired after a full
day of hiking, you will more than likely fall asleep after dinner.
OPTIONAL SOLO SLEEPER
The accommodation on our tours is based on twin-share, so if you’re
travelling on your own, you’ll share a room or tent with a fellow passenger
of the same sex. Given the weight restrictions it is not possible for all
trekkers to have their own tents due to weight restrictions. If you end up
with a tent to yourself simply by being the spare male or female, lucky you.
We cannot guarantee a solo tent for you.
GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE
UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921
USA Sales TEL: 1 (800) 873 5872 Email: [email protected]
www.grandamericanadventures.com
On this tour you will be accompanied by 1 Mountain Guide per 5 travellers.
It is common for this tour to sell out so we plan for two mountain guides
on each trip.
CAMP DUTIES
An essential part of a camping tour is helping out with the day to day
camp duties and everyone will assist with the setting up and packing up
of the campsite. Your Tour Guides will provide guidance on what to do,
and typically it will only take 15 minutes to set up or break down the tents
and camp kitchen. Before you know it you’ll be enjoying ‘home sweet
home’ in the Great Outdoors. Sharing the camp duties is a great way to
bond with your fellow travellers and the group camaraderie is all part of
the experience.
THE GROUP
The maximum group size is 10 passengers. Passengers come from a range
of countries worldwide (average of 4 nationalities per group) and many will
be solo travellers. You will find you have many things in common with your
fellow travellers, including a passion for discovery and a strong interest in
hiking.
Grand American Adventures tours are designed for adults over 18 years
old. While most passengers are aged 25-55, every year we get many
people both above and below this age range. All travellers must complete
a self assessment medical form, this is regardless of age or your previous
experience.
Our tours are a unique holiday experience and much of your enjoyment
will come from the team spirit of your group and the fun you’ll have
together, as well as from the local setting. We cannot stress strongly
enough the importance of bringing a positive attitude with you on tour; a
sure guarantee to enjoying each and every moment, even in the adversity
of the odd rainstorm!
RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
We are committed to offering low impact tours that benefit the places and
communities we visit as well as our travellers. It is important for us all to be
aware of the delicate balance that exists in the variety of natural wonders
you will visit. National Parks and monuments, archaeological sites and
other sensitive areas should and must be treated with respect.
We have created a ‘Travellers’ Code of Conduct’ to help prepare and inform
our groups of the various positive or negative effects they could have on a
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Responsible Tourism on the John Muir Trail...
We spend a significant amount of time in Yosemite National Park on
this tour, the included entrance fee helps to preserve the status and
upkeep of the park on a continued and sustainable basis. Interaction
with National Park Rangers helps to preserve this role as an
employment opportunity for local people and future generations
Our Tour Leaders will educate travellers on how best to interact with
the wildlife in the parks, for example advising people not to feed
the animals to stop them becoming dependent on hand-outs from
humans. They will also advise all groups to keep to the path to avoid
upsetting the balance of nature.
AFTER YOUR TOUR
FEEDBACK AND REVIEWS
We want to hear about your experience and stories from the road, so
please feel free to e-mail us any comments, feedback or reviews whilst
you are on tour or when you return home to:
[email protected].
destination. This code includes following the ‘Leave No Trace’ ethic; this is
an international campaign that is designed to help us minimise the impact
on the National Parks and other wilderness areas that we visit. Our tour
leaders will explain this code of conduct during the first night’s orientation
talk and encourage you to follow it throughout the tour. Grand American
Adventures also host fundraising events throughout the year to raise
money in support of BAWT.
We value your feedback and tour reviews, which help us in developing and
improving our programme. It’s input and suggestions from travellers like
you that has helped make Grand American Adventures what it is today.
We are proud supporters of Bay Area Wilderness Training (www.bawt.org)
a charity based in Oakland California which works to connect disadvantaged
children in the local urban area with the great outdoors. Their work helps to
provide these young people with life changing experiences which they can
apply to everyday life. Everyone booking with Grand American Adventures
has the option to donate £1/US$1/€1 to support this well-deserved charity and
we will match this donation.
We can always use your holiday snaps and short videos to better
depict and promote all the fascinating places we visit. Whether it’s
just sitting around the campfire or strolling down The Strip, there’s
no better way to share your Grand American Adventure. So if you
just want to send over a couple of your best shots (max 10MB) please
e-mail them to [email protected]. You
know what they say, a picture’s worth a thousand words!
2016 marks the 100th birthday of the National Parks Service (NPS) who
help to look after and preserve over 400 parks in the USA. To show our
commitment and passion for the National Parks we are working with
Tourism Cares to support its work with the National Park Foundation, by
donating $2 for every national park traveller in 2016. These funds will be
used to support volunteer projects and grants to preserve the national
parks, for the millions of current and future visitors.
Whenever possible, we use local accommodation and activity providers.
We also shop locally for groceries, eat in small family-run restaurants and
visit local shops whenever possible. This all brings economic benefit to the
local communities that we visit.
WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS!
HOW TO BOOK
Contact us by telephone, email or via our website to check availability
for the tour you are interested in. We can normally hold a seat
on ‘option’ for up to 3 days to allow you time to finalise your travel
arrangements. In order to secure your place we require a deposit (full
payment within 8 weeks of travel) and an agreement from you to our
terms and conditions. Check availability early to avoid disappointment:
www.grandamericanadventures.com
FURTHER QUESTIONS
Please contact our UK Sales team on:
Tel: +44 (0)208 682 8920
Fax: +44 (0)208 675 0551
Enquiries: [email protected]
This dossier was last updated 06 Apr 2016
GRAND AMERICAN ADVENTURES 16-17 Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 ONE
UK & Worldwide Sales and Reservations TEL: +44 (0)20 8682 8921
USA Sales TEL: 1 (800) 873 5872 Email: [email protected]
www.grandamericanadventures.com
6576
ABTA No.Y0696
Accredited Agent
91-2-74330