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:More Info
We will leave SDSU at 11:00am on Thursday and head towards Yosemite, stopping along the way for lunch and dinner. Friday and Saturday will be spent exploring the Yosemite Valley and taking in all that the area has to offer. The highlight is a night hike to the top of Sentinel Dome to watch the sun rise over half dome and the beautiful Sierra high country. Sunday we will depart for home, taking time to hike among the Giant Sequoias, the largest tree on earth. We will arrive in San Diego at 8:00pm.  

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.

Cost Includes:
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.).

Food:
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; for breakfast: granola, oatmeal, fruit, muffins, pancakes and fried potatoes; desserts include brownies, cakes, and of course, s’mores!  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.

Health and 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). 

Risks, Hazards and Safety:
There are numerous risks and hazards associated Yosemite National Park.  Black Bears and other animals (raccoons, squirrels, deer, and chipmunks) inhabit the area.  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.

Description:
On this trip, you will visit a breathtaking valley carved by glaciers. This time of the year makes Yosemite a great place for first time campers, as well as Yosemite enthusiasts. Yosemite Valley offers many scenic points, spectacular waterfalls and all the comforts of home. This time of the year, the crowds are smaller so the park is more inviting. You will see Mirror Lake, Lower Falls and the spectacular Vernal and Nevada Falls. Yosemite is truly one of the most illusive places on earth, a definite must see!

Yosemite Valley is unique to the world; it is one of our first National Parks and many 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.

Phone:
(619) 594-6958

Email: aztecadventures@sdsu.edu

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