Join us to celebrate Independence Day in Yosemite National Park July 2-4! For some, heading into the Valley on a holiday weekend might sound crazy, but it’s a three day weekend, and we’re gonna to make it count! What could be more epic than taking in the famous views of Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls and Half Dome, while learning outdoor skills and making new friends?
Gourmet camp meals and first-time camper support included. Only 1 spot left for our inaugural Shoestring Adventure in Yosemite National Park! Early bird extended through midnight on June 10, 2016, so register today!
Trip Type: Car Camping
Trip Level: Challenging
Trip Highlights
- Explore the highlights of Yosemite with an experienced guide, including the Mist Trail, Glacier Point, Yosemite Falls and Tunnel View
- Learn the skills you need to camp confidently in the outdoors.
- Professional photographer will capture the best moments all weekend long!
Ticket Includes
- Gourmet camp meals, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Campfire, s’mores and warm beverages
- Campsite fees/permit
- Wilderness First Responder/CPR Certified Leader with 4 years of guide experience
- Guide assistant to help facilitate group hikes and meals
- Leave No Trace Instruction
- A portion of your fee goes back to the park service to maintain and protect Yosemite National Park for future generations.
Extras
- If you’re traveling or don’t have camping gear, we’ve got you covered! Our partner GetOutfitted is offering Shoestring Warriors an exclusive 20% discount for convenient gear rentals. More details will be provided after registration.
Itinerary
Saturday: 7am departure from Los Angeles. Camp set-up and introduction. Easy 3-mi hike through a pair of meadows with multiple views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. Return to camp for dinner and s’mores. Optional: Short drive to Tunnel View, one of the most famous views of Yosemite Valley. From here you can see El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall rising from Yosemite Valley, with Half Dome in the background. Return to camp for dinner and campfire.
Sunday: After breakfast, we’ll gear up and break away from the crowds for an all-day, 14-mile hike on the Panorama Trail, featuring the most famous views in the park, including Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail, Panorama Point, Glacier Point and Illilouette and Yosemite Falls. Return to camp for a hearty dinner and a good sleep.
Optional: Join our Meetup, and register for training hikes to prepare for the Panorama Trail!
Monday: After breakfast and camp breakdown, we will relax our tired muscles in a swimming hole on the Merced River in Wawona and enjoy a picnic lunch before we return to Los Angeles in time for you to enjoy fireworks at home with your family and friends.
* Schedule subject to change due to weather, camper ability/injury, natural events, fire or park restrictions. Shoestring Warriors should be in good physical shape, but we will hike at an easy pace and take breaks as needed.
What to Expect
Accommodations
We have reserved a family site at Upper Pines Campground. Due to limited capacity of the campsite, you will be sharing a tent with your awesome fellow campers of the same sex. Amenities include flush toilets and drinking water. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a food storage locker. Yosemite’s free shuttle bus stops near the campground entrance. Nearby historic Curry Village offers a general store, restaurants and bar, amphitheater, coin showers, and tours and activities desk.
What to Bring
Campers should bring their own sleeping bag and pad. See above for details on convenient gear rentals available from GetOutfitted. We will provide the party tents.
All cooking equipment, dishes and meals from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch are provided. Fresh coffee will be served each morning. We practice Leave No Trace to enjoy the environment responsibly, so please bring your own reusable water bottle.
Check out our Car Camping Gear Checklist and Gear Guide for other recommendations. You will receive a customized packing list before our trip.
Photographers, bring your camera, tripod, extra battery and memory card. Yosemite is the ultimate location to practice your photos skills.
How to Prepare
Don’t know anyone going on the trip? No problem! We offer a community for anyone who wants to experience the outdoors. After you register, you will receive a Welcome Kit email, which includes introductions to your fellow campers, a detailed packing list, itinerary, weather forecast and everything else you need to know to prepare for our trip. We are available to answers all questions and guide first-time campers every step of the way.
Weather
Typical summer climate in Yosemite Valley is warm to hot, with occasional rain (usually as afternoon thundershowers, especially at the higher elevations) with average daytime temperatures in the 80’s and nighttime temperatures in the 50’s.
Transportation
Transportation is not included. Allow 5.5 hour drive time from Los Angeles. We will help facilitate carpools with other campers in your neighborhood. Each passenger will contribute toward their driver for gas and wear and tear.
Health & Safety
We take extra measures to ensure your safety and maximum level of fun. All Shoestring Adventures guides hold Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid and CPR certifications. In remote destinations, we carry a DeLorme inReach Explorer Satellite Messenger to contact authorities in case of emergency.
On the trail, we encourage campers to stay together, wear sun protection and stay hydrated. We minimize risk on the trail by keeping groups together while hiking, encouraging everyone to drink water and apply sunscreen, and making sure we’re prepared with gear appropriate to weather and our activities. Yosemite is an active bear habitat, so we will review wildlife safety measures.
Other Important Stuff
Every camper must sign a Acknowledgement of Risks, Media Release and “Leave It Better” Pledge. Click each link to review and print at your convenience. For other questions, check out our FAQ or email alyx@shoestringadventures.com.
Become an Official Member
Once you register for your first event, you will become an official club member and receive 10% off future events.
Featured photo © 2016 Justin Sullivan
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