Yosemite National Park

Phone: (619) 594-6958

DESCRIPTION

Yosemite Valley is unique to the world – it’s one of our first National Parks, and some say the most spectacular. The soaring, glacial-cut granite walls and serene grassy meadows stand in stark contrast to one another, while towering waterfalls pour from the high country above the Valley and into the meandering Merced River. Annual snowmelt should insure a dramatic display of Bridalveil, Yosemite, Vernal and Nevada Falls as we day-hike along several of Yosemite’s most popular trails. Opportunities to spend time at the Visitor’s Center and explore the Ansel Adam’s gallery of photographs will further enhance our understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary National Park.

BRIEF ITINERARY

This trip normally departs no later than 11am on Thursday morning taking a good 10 hours by van to arrive in Yosemite Valley at our reserved campsite. Friday and Saturday will include day hiking throughout the valley observing waterfalls, spectacular granite cliff faces (El Capitan & Half Dome) and beautiful alpine meadows. Sunday, will have us departing immediately after breakfast, stopping to visit the giant Sequoia trees in Wawona near the Park exit. We hope to return to SDSU before 9pm on Sunday evening.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FOOD

Plan on this aspect of the trip being rewarding. We hope you will be amazed (as many of our trip members have been) by some of the delicious dishes we will prepare together. Examples of common dinner meals include: lasagna, chicken pot pie, enchiladas, chili and cornbread, and stir-fry and rice; for breakfast: granola, oatmeal, fruit, muffins, pancakes and fried potatoes; drinks and desserts include cocoa, coffee, tea, lemonade, soup, brownies, cakes, and cobbler. We provide 3 breakfasts, 2 dinners and 2 desserts. You are responsible for “road meals” and your snacks! Please let your leader know if you have any dietary restrictions as we can usually accommodate.

CAMPING/LODGING

We will be staying in two adjacent reserved campsites within Yosemite Valley—along with hundreds of other campers. The campsites are within very close proximity to restrooms with running water. Each campsite will also have plenty of space for our tents and each contains a picnic table and campfire pit. You will be expected to share a tent with one or two people of the same gender. WEATHER: Day and night time temps vary with the season (Fall & Spring), but you can anticipate lows in the 40’s and highs in the 80’s always with the chance for rain. We will review the specific packing list at the pre-trip meeting.

PRE-TRIP MEETING

Pre Trip Meetings are required and are held the Monday, the week of your trip, from 6-7pm in the AMC rooms, right outside the ARC. You will meet the leaders and other trip members as well as cover all details such as weather, menu, safety issues, and clothing requirements. You will also be issued all of your equipment at this time (sleeping bags, pad, tent, etc.).

RISKS/HAZARDS/SAFETY

There are numerous risks and hazards associated Yosemite National Park. Black Bears and other animals (raccoons, squirrels, deer, chip munks). It is essential and required by law that we store all of our food and personal toiletries in the large steel boxes provided in each campsite, when not in use, to prevent animals from becoming habituated to humans and/or causing harm or injury. While trails are well maintained, they can still be slippery and rugged. We will be hiking up hill and down hill which always results in exposure to cliff faces and other large drop offs. Not dressing appropriately can result in hypothermia; not drinking enough water results in dehydration, and not being in adequate physical condition can result in sore muscles. Trip members must make a conscious effort to be safe. One person’s disdain for safety will always result in more hardship for the group. If we do have an accident or injury that requires medical attention beyond the scope of our leader’s experience, the trip is immediately over without refund. Our leaders are trained to administer first aid in an outdoor environment; however, while they may be able to treat injuries they cannot always prevent them.

OUR EXPECTATIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

This trip is designed for people who are self-motivated and want to make the most of their Yosemite experience. Plan on being a contributing member of a group of 12 or less. The leaders will often need to make decisions based on the needs of the group—not the special needs of one individual. This is a group experience and everyone is expected to help with all the camping tasks such as: cooking meals and clean-up, setting up camp, and organizing gear. NO DRUGS & ALCOHOL WILL BE PERMITTED AT ANY TIME DURING THE TRIP. We invite you to come on this trip to enjoy the sights of Yosemite Valley and the company of your fellow trip members.

HEALTH/PHYSICAL CONDITIONING

Hiking in Yosemite is strenuous on the legs. The trail conditions, while maintained, can be very steep, exposed and slippery due to spray from the waterfalls. We could be hiking for the better part of six hours a day. Staying well hydrated, taking your time, resting when necessary (but not for too long), and keeping your energy level high is essential. Trip members should be in good physical condition for hiking on very steep terrain and capable of carrying a daypack of approximately 10-15 pounds filled with water, lunch and other essentials (covered at pre-trip meeting). From now until the trip begins, we highly encourage you to get in shape. Locally speaking, if you can comfortably hike up and down Cowles Mountain with a 15 pound pack in a matter of a couple of hours—consider yourself prepared for the hiking portion of this trip.

CREDITS AVAILABLE

Enrollment in SDSU classes is not a requirement for any outing. Students enrolled in RTM 305, RTM 489 and ENS 138 will receive credit for this outing.

COST

ARC Member $275
Non-Member $295

Included in the Cost:Two Aztec Adventures Leaders, round trip transportation in a 15 passenger van, three breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and desserts, all group camping gear, campsite and entrance fees and complete personal camping equipment outfitting (sleeping bag, pad, tents, camp chair, rain gear, duffel bag, etc.).

NOT Included in the Cost:

Snack food (three days worth) and approx. four road meals.

TOP

(619) 594-6958
aztecadventures@ sdsu.edu