Yosemite National Park High Sierra Loop

Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
The Wildland Trekking
Company, LLC
Destination: Yosemite National Park
High Sierra Loop
"Looking eastward from the summit
of Pacheco Pass...a landscape was
displayed that after all my
wanderings still appears as the
most beautiful I have ever
beheld. At my feet lay the
Great Central Valley of
California, level and
flowery, like a lake of pure sunshine...And
from the eastern boundary of this vast golden flower-bed rose the
mighty Sierra, miles in height, and so gloriously colored and so
radiant, it seemed not clothed with light but wholly composed of
it..."
- John Muir - excerpt from his 1912 publication, The Yosemite
www.wildlandtrekking.com
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
The Wildland Trekking
Company is committed to
delivering outstanding hiking
adventures to the best desert
and mountain regions of North
America. Our commitment to
this is reflected in our
mission statement: To
provide exceptional
hiking adventures in
North America’s most
beautiful and wild
landscapes, and to
contribute significantly
to the conservation of
these special places.
We have over 25 years
experience leading unique
journeys that have lasting
positive impact on people's
lives and, as importantly, on the
regions and cultures we visit.
- Brad, Steve & Scott
[email protected]
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Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
High Sierra Loop
Introduction
The spectacular High Sierra Loop takes us high into the
backcountry of the famed Cathedral Range through narrow
canyons, stunning alpine meadows and crystal clear mountain
lakes. It is an adventure into some of the prettiest country in
the entire Sierra Nevada Range and highlights the best of
Yosemite's high country in just four days!
cascades over glacially smoothed granite shelves. Mammoth
Peak and the Kuna Crest dominate the horizon to the east
and the lower wooded slopes of the serrated Cathedral Range
are closer by to our west. We will take it slow today to
acclimate to the thin High Sierra air and hike approximately
six miles to the junction with Ireland Creek, a mere 200 feet
higher than our trailhead. Here we will make our camp
among the gnarled lodgepole pines along the banks of the
Tuolumne and enjoy an incredible meal as the brilliant
summer constellations and the Milky Way slowly appear
above us.
We will begin our hike from historic Tuolumne Meadows
along the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails as they parallel
the Tuolumne River through stunning Lyell Canyon. As we
climb higher into the mountains, panoramic views of the
Cathedral Range are the talk of the day. Mountain lakes
appear around every corner as we trek across the granite
slopes of John Muir’s High Sierra. Our camps on this trek at
Vogelsang and Emeric Lakes are in expansive high altitude
meadows and are absolutely beautiful places to read a book,
photograph the magnificent scenery, or explore the wide
open granite-filled landscape.
Day 2
Day 1
Mileage: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Our hike begins in Yosemite’s world renowned Tuolumne
Meadows, among soaring granite domes, jagged mountain
peaks, and lush fields of wildflowers, high in the heart of
Yosemite’s “Range of Light.” From our trailhead we follow
the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River into wide Lyell Canyon
as the river meanders its way through wide meadows and
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Mileage: 7 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,700 feet / 300 feet
After an early wake up call, we eat a hearty breakfast as we
prepare for our hike up beautiful Ireland Creek into the high
peaks along the crest of the magnificent Cathedral Range,
one of Yosemite’s most celebrated regions. But, first we must
tackle what could be the most difficult part of our adventure
as the trail ascends 2000 feet to the high point of our trip at
10,850 feet in just three miles. After catching our breathes,
we descend to an idyllic spot alongside Evelyn Lake and enjoy
a filling, well-earned lunch as we enjoy the beauty of the
surrounding peaks: Johnson, Rafferty, Fletcher and Parsons,
all above 11,000 feet! Our camp tonight will be near
Vogelsang Lake at 10,300 feet, two miles further up the trail.
There, we will enjoy truly spectacular views, including even
looking down on the summit of Half Dome!
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
[email protected]
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Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
Day 3
Variations... This trip is often done as a 4-day trip with a
Mileage: 3.2 miles
Elevation Loss: 1,000 feet
Today we will have the opportunity to kick back and relax.
We will spend the morning around camp, swimming in the
lake, or, perhaps, taking a short hike up to Vogelsang Pass,
and if we feel particularly energetic, we can try a summit
attempt on Vogelsang Peak at 11,516 ft. After lunch we will
head downhill 3.2 miles to the absolutely stunning Emeric
layover the second day at Snow Creek campsite. That day is
spent exploring the surrounding high country with excursions
to the historic Snow Creek Cabin and the summit of secluded
Mt. Watkins. Another possibility for a four day trip would be
an added night at Yosemite Creek with a day hike to the
summit of Eagle Peak or El Capitan.
Trip Details
Lake. There we will have more opportunities to explore the
surrounding area or just relax around camp until supper time.
Our appetites stimulated by the high alpine air, we will enjoy
our last dinner in the high country as the alpenglow slowly
bathes the mountain vastness in ever-deepening shades of
pink, purple and rose.
Trip type: backpacking trip
Day 4
Group size: maximum 12, including guide(s)
Mileage: 9.4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 700 feet / 1,300 feet
After a steaming cup of coffee and a hot breakfast we will
make an early start for the nine mile trek back to Tuolumne
Meadows. After an initial three mile ascent to Tuolumne Pass,
the rest of our trail today is all downhill! We follow Rafferty
Creek, an absolutely beautiful stream, as it rushes through
wide-open meadows until it’s junction with the Lyell Fork of
the Tuolumne in a thick lodgepole forest. And after just a
short, level 1.1 mile hike, we exit our adventure back at the
Tuolumne Meadows trailhead. With congratulations all
around, we can celebrate our successful High Sierra Loop trip
with an ice cream cone from the Tuolumne Meadows store
and plan next year’s adventure with the Wildland Trekking
Company!
Difficulty: 3 (moderate)
Length: 4 days
Mileage: 35 mi (56 km)
Pack weight: 30-40 pounds
Price/start dates: see website tour page
Meeting time & place: 6 p.m. the evening before
your tour begins at Yosemite Valley Backpackers
Camp where we will camp and have dinner prepared.
Located behind North Pines Campground across the
Footbridge
Trip conclusion: between 2-5 p.m. on the
last day
Trip fees include: permits, group gear, food
(dinner after orientation through lunch on last day),
professional guide
Trip fees exclude: transportation, park entrance
fees, airfare, trip insurance, hotels, guide gratuity,
and services not specified
Trip itinerary note... all trips are subject to itinerary
changes based on a variety of circumstances, including, but
not limited to permit availability, extreme weather, and forest
fires. The price and duration of a trip will never change once
you’re registered. Payments are not refundable based on
itinerary changes, only on cancellations.
www.wildlandtrekking.com
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
[email protected]
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Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
Transportation To & From The Trailhead
Travel, Transportation,
Meeting, & Lodging
We will depart from the campground for the Trailhead.
Travel
Storage of Personal Items & Vehicles
Travel to and from the trip starting point is not included in
the cost of our trips. Please plan on arriving in time for the
orientation meeting the day before the trip leaves and
departing the day after getting back from the field.
The most secure option for your luggage will be to store it
with the hotel you’ll be using before and after the trip. If this
is not an option please let us know and we’ll see what we can
do. Personal vehicles can be parked at Half Dome Village (1/2
mile away from backpackers campground) during the trip.
Gateway Cities: Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose,
Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, Merced, or Reno, Nevada
All Yosemite trips begin and end at Half Dome Village inside
Yosemite National Park. A combination of train and bus from
points throughout California will get you to Yosemite Valley:
1.
2.
3.
Travel by rail on the Amtrak San Joaquin Train to the city
of Merced (serviced by most large cities in California)
Travel by Amtrak “thruway” Bus Service from Merced to
Yosemite Valley
From Fresno or Merced: Yosemite Area Rapid Transit
(YARTS) offers bus rides each direction to Yosemite
Valley. To reach the Yosemite Valley Backpackers Camp
get off at Half Dome Village and either walk or take a
national park shuttle to North Pines Campground. Walk
to the back of the campground and across the footbridge
to the camp.
Pre & Post-Trip Recommended Lodging
We recommend the below-listed lodging establishments
while in Yosemite Valley. Additional choices are available.
Book your reservations very early as rooms in Yosemite
Valley go fast.
The Majestic Yosemite Hotel
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Big Trees Lodge
Half Dome Village
Housekeeping Camp
The above lodging is operated by the park’s authorized
concessionaire, Aramark. Reservations can be made online or
by calling central reservations: 1-888-413-8869.
To book your trip, use Amtrak’s Online Reservation Service
to book round-trip Amtrak travel to “YOS” (Yosemite Valley).
Car Rentals: Avis: 800-331-1212; Hertz 800-654- 3131;
National: 800-227-7368; Thrifty: 800-367-2277; Alamo:
800-327-9633
Meeting Time & Place
This trip meets at 6pm at the Yosemite Valley
Backpackers Camp (located 100 yards behind North
Pines Campground across the footbridge) the evening
before your trip starts. Your guide will be in touch
approximately two weeks prior to the trip to
coordinate the orientation meeting.
The orientation includes introductions, a briefing on the trip
itinerary, a checking of personal gear, the dividing up of group
gear and food, and a pack-packing class. Then we will set up
camp and provide dinner (optional but included).
Important note: Please bring all gear you plan on taking into
the backcountry to this meeting.
www.wildlandtrekking.com
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
[email protected]
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Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
Hiker Notes & Equipment List
Supplemental Training Ideas
The following information includes conditioning
recommendations as well as clothing and equipment
requirements to help ensure a satisfying experience. All items
are designed to better prepare you for your trip and need to
be carefully read. If you have any questions after reviewing
this information please feel free to contact our office. Also,
please pay special attention to any item marked “Important
note.”
There are many other activities that are easily incorporated
into your daily life to build your overall fitness. Cross training
is also important to strengthen opposing muscle groups and it
helps to avoid over-use injuries. Supplemental training ideas
include:
Training
The enjoyment received from any physical activity is largely
dependent on the shape you’re in. Most of the Yosemite
region is above 7,500 feet, and you’ll be hiking over varying
terrain in uncertain weather with the load of a backpack.
We cannot stress enough that the fitter you are the more
fun you’ll have. We recommend you prepare for your trip
with a training program that addresses your fitness needs and
works well with your daily routine. Options include:
Training by Hiking
If you have access to hiking trails and a schedule to
accommodate it begin walking and hiking in hilly/steep
terrain. Nothing prepares you for a backpacking trip better
than the activity itself!
Try to get out at least 3 days a week. Start with short hikes (1hour in length) with a light daypack. From week to week
build the length and difficulty of your hikes and gradually
increase your pack weight until you’re comfortably able to
hike 6-8 hours a day carrying the weight you’ll have on your
trip (refer to your trip packet for exact pack weight). Unless
you’re in great shape it is ideal to begin your training at least
12 weeks prior to your trip. Also be sure to use the boots
you’ll have on your trip to break them in. Following is how a
moderate program may look:
First week of training
Tuesday: 1-hour hike with daypack
Thursday: 1-hour hike with daypack
Sunday: 2-hour hike with daypack
Gradually build to:
Two weeks before trip
Monday: 3.5-hour hike with 20-pound pack
Wednesday: 2-hour hike with daypack
Thursday: 3.5-hour hike with 20-pound pack
Sunday: 7-hour hike with the weight you’ll have on your trip
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• Climb the stairs at your office, house, park, or
neighborhood with a backpack. Stair climbing is a fantastic
way to simulate backpacking in hilly or steep terrain.
• Bike to work or when running errands. Bike around town
or on country roads outside of your town/city. Cycling is a
great way to build endurance and strength in your legs.
• Gym activities including step aerobics, treadmill, bicycling,
or elliptical trainers to name a few. A modest weight
training program focusing on the muscles that support the
ankles, knees, back, and shoulders is also beneficial.
• Swimming is a great way to build endurance and
cardiovascular fitness and is easy on the joints.
• Walk to work instead of driving. Run your errands by
walking and carry your groceries home in a backpack.
• Yoga and/or Pilates classes can build strength
throughout your body while also improving your flexibility.
• Intramural sports
• Jogging is another option, however if you are not a regular
runner it can easily lead to injuries that backpacking may
then exacerbate. Undertake a jogging routine with care.
Other Training Considerations
Flexibility is an important part of training, remember to
stretch before and after your workouts. For the two weeks
leading up to your trip cut your workouts in half to avoid
arriving fatigued. Also for a 72-hour period before your trip
commences, ensure that you are consuming sufficient
amounts of sodium and fluids. Doctors agree that hikers
increase the likelihood of experiencing problems if they are
sodium depleted (e.g., follow a low sodium diet) or are
dehydrated (due to travel or using diuretics such as coffee or
alcohol). If you have any questions at all about your
training feel free to give us a call at the number below.
Important note: Always consult with your physician before
commencing with a workout program.
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
[email protected]
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Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
What You Need To Bring
Clothing Checklist
The following items are recommended for your trip. They are
a must for your safety and comfort. When shopping think
layered clothing systems that work together.
Sturdy Hiking boots, mid weight, lug-soled, above the
ankle, waterproof and ideally well broken in Important note:
Buy your boots 1/2 size to 1 size larger than your street
shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks
Lightweight tennis shoes or Crocs®, for camp
Hiking socks, one pair for every two days of your trip,
plus an extra pair to sleep in. Recommended brands
include Bridgedale®, Smartwool®, or similar padded
socks (wearing thin liner socks under your hiking socks is
highly recommended). No cotton socks!!
Sunhat or baseball cap and bandana
Mosquito head net
Warm hat and gloves, sherpa style hat and light-to-mid
weight fleece or wool gloves
Long underwear, one pair of wicking tops and bottoms
that are light-to midweight, example materials include
capilene, merino wool, polypropylene, etc.
Several T-shirts or nylon travel shirts
Warm top, mid-weight shirt, sweater or pullover, also
wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or
polypropylene
Fleece jacket or insulated coat, warm, lightweight and
packable fleece jacket or coat insulated with a synthetic
material
Nylon pants and shorts, or zip-offs
Bathing suit (optional)
Rainproof jacket and pant - Waterproof/breathable
jacket and pant such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon - with
the pants look for side leg zippers or a style that will allow
you to remove them without removing your boots
Important note: Please, no cotton hiking clothes with the
possible exception of a t-shirt, and feel free to call us if you
have any questions.
Gear Checklist
Water bottles or bladder, 2 liters total capacity
Camp pillow, lightweight, packable camp pillow
Contact lenses and glasses if you wear contact lenses
please also bring a pair of glasses - your contacts are likely
to become dirty and may be difficult to clean
Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
Bug repellent, preferably a product containing at least
25% “DEET” (some people are sensitive to this product)
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Toiletries, and a small washcloth in stuff sack (bandana
can serve as a washcloth)
Headlamp, spare batteries (preferably an L.E.D. type
that works with AA or AAA batteries)
Camera, spare batteries (optional)
Notebook or paperback book, (optional)
Knee braces, if needed
Prescription medicine, please inform your trip leader
of any medications you are taking
Vitamins, (optional)
Fly fishing gear, if you want to fish
Money, for any shopping you’d like to do and for tipping
your trip leader (optional but appreciated, generally
10-15% of your trip cost based upon the quality of your
experience)
Online Store
Most of the items listed above are available in the Wildland
Trekking online store. The store is specifically stocked to
support you for your trip and is a convenient way to buy your
gear since you can do it from home!
What We Provide
Group Gear
We provide top-of-the-line
backpacks, tents, sleeping bags,
sleeping pads, trekking poles,
stoves, cookware, bowls, cups,
utensils, bear proof canisters and
carry field guides and quality
binoculars for the natural history
buff.
Food
We provide a diversity of foods containing the necessary
nutrition for sustained energy output. Meals are made from
staples that travel well in the backcountry - rice, pastas,
lentils, beans, couscous, oatmeal, granola, etc. Meals are also
supplemented with trail foods such as crackers, cheese,
granola, energy bars, fresh and/or dried fruit, and energy
drink mixes. In addition to your personal belongings, you will be
responsible for carrying a portion of the food.
We accommodate vegetarian diets and will make adjustments
for food allergies. Special dietary requests may require an
additional fee or other arrangements.
Important note: It’s critical that you include your dietary needs
in your registration - it’s too late once you’ve arrived!
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
[email protected]
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Unforgettable Hiking Vacations!
Interesting Facts
Book a Trip
To join any Wildland Trekking Company trip,
simply call 1-800-715-4453 (HIKE) and talk to
one of our friendly guides. Alternatively, email us
at [email protected] and we’ll get
back to you in a timely manner.
Payment Schedule: A $500 deposit is required to
secure your spot. The trip balance is then due 60 days
prior to your trip start date. Final acceptance of any
participant is subject to receipt and review of all
required forms and documents, and payment.
Cancellation Policy: The Wildland Trekking
Company reserves the right to cancel any trip
because of inadequate sign-up or other causes that
make it infeasible for the scheduling of the trip. If
this is the case, we will inform you at least 30 days
prior to departure, and a full refund of the advertised
trip cost will be given, including the deposit. The
Wildland Trekking Company is not responsible for
additional expenses incurred by preparing for the trip
(for example: non-refundable advance purchase air
tickets, clothing, equipment, visa fees, medical
expenses, etc.). If you cancel or leave a trip for any
reason:
- 60 or more days prior to the trip start date, we will
grant you a full refund, less a $50 administrative fee
per reservation.
- Between 59 and 30 days prior to the trip start date,
we will retain 25 percent of the trip cost.
- Between 29 and 15 days prior to the trip start date,
we will retain 75 percent of the trip cost.
- Less than 15 days prior to the trip start date, or once
the trip has begun, there will be no refund.
Transfer Policy: If you transfer from one trip to
another:
- 30 or more days prior to the trip start date, there
will be a $25 processing fee per reservation.
- Less than 29 days prior to the trip start date,
regular cancellation and refund policies will apply.
Trip Insurance: For your protection, we strongly
recommend the purchase of trip insurance. It will
protect you against financial loss in the event of trip
cancellation or interruption, medical expenses, travel
delay, emergency evacuation or other circumstances.
Medical coverage secured with your policy will also
satisfy our requirement for health insurance. Travel
insurance is underwritten by MH Ross Travel
Insurance.
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Yosemite National Park is...
• Famous - it was established by President Abraham Lincoln
when he signed a park bill creating the Yosemite Grant on
June 30, 1864 and it became a national park on October 1,
1890.
• Rocky - its massive granite monoliths sometimes rise over
3,000 feet (more than 2 Sears Towers!) from their valley
floors. Some of the more famous features; Half Dome, El
Capitan, and Sentinel Dome are among the most
photographed features in any of the nation’s parks.
• Diverse - the park ranges in elevation from 2,127 to 13,114
feet above sea level and possesses five major vegetation
zones: chaparral woodland, lower montane forest, upper
montane forest, subalpine zone, and alpine.
• Big - the park encompasses 1,189 square miles and is
roughly the size of the state of Rhode Island. It contains
thousands of lakes and ponds, 1,600 miles of steams, 800
miles of hiking trails, and 350 miles of roads.
FYI
The following are various Yosemite regulations of interest:
• Bicycles, strollers, and any mechanized transport is
prohibited in the backcountry.
• Campfires are permitted but must be established in
existing fire rings and below 9,600 feet in elevation.
• You must pack out ALL trash, including toilet paper.
• Firearms, weapons, bear spray and traps are prohibited in
the backcountry.
• Pets are prohibited in the backcountry.
• Fishing requires a valid California fishing license.
Thank You!
The Wildland Trekking Company is dedicated to delivering
an exceptional travel experience that exceeds your every
expectation. We believe that travel is one of life’s great joys
and take seriously our role in helping you create a trip of
lasting memories. In addition to our role as your travel
partner and guide we are dedicated to the promotion of
stewardship and conservation in the regions we visit. One of
our primary goals as a business is to use the business as a tool
toward long-term sustainability of the environment and its
people.
If there is anything we can do to further inform or help you in
preparation for your upcoming adventure please do not
hesitate to contact us. Thanks for the opportunity to serve
you and we look forward to seeing you soon!
1-800-715-4453 (HIKE)
[email protected]
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