Yosemite High Alpine Loop
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Overview:
This is our best of Tuolumne-area backpacking! With sharp peaks, high alpine lakes, crystal clear swimming locales, meadows and sweeping vista looking far down towards Yosemite Valley, this is a crowd pleaser. This trip has excellent camping locations and the opportunity to explore a large portion of mountain glory. Most people are surprised Yosemite had this much to offer high above the famous Valley.
*1 bear can per person required for this trip. Expect to carry 5-10 lbs. of food on the first day of the trip, added to your base weight.
*Meet for pre-trip orientations in front of the Mountain Shop at Curry Village.
Challenge:
Additional Information:
Getting to Yosemite: Yosemite Valley is a 2.5-hour drive from the Fresno Airport and a 4.5-hour drive from the San Francisco airport. Reno Airport is a 3-hour drive from Yosemite East Entrance Public transport on YART is available from Merced, Fresno, Mammoth Lakes, or Sonora during the summer months. If you have questions about getting to Yosemite and the option that’s best for you, give us a call.
Group Size: 12 client spots per trip. A minimum of 3 participants is needed to proceed with the trip.
Guide to Guest Ratio: 1 guide for up to 7 clients, more than 7 requires 2 guides. Certain permits have smaller quota sizes.
Permitting: Yosemite issues backcountry permits 6 months in advance. Registering before permits are issued is helpful for securing permits. Please do not make concrete travel arrangements until we have confirmed with you that we have obtained the permit. We have a great success rate with Yosemite permits. If we cannot obtain a permit all deposits are 100% transferable or refundable.
What’s Included:
A certified and highly experienced Yosemite Hiking Guide
All meals on trial
Camping the night before and after trip
Permits for backcountry use
What’s not Included:
Gratuities for guide (15-20% recommended)
Travel to and from Yosemite.
Itinerary:
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Meet with your guide for a pre-trip orientation to discuss logistics, hand out gear, and talk about what to expect on trail. Trip orientation takes Place at the infamous Curry Village in Yosemite Valley. Camping will be available the night before and the night after your trip if you wish within the backpacker’s campground, a short walk from Curry Village. Other accommodations are also available in the park, but require advanced booking.
*The pre-trip rendezvous will switch to Tuolumne Meadows Campground once it reopens in late 2024 or 2025.
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After relocating vehicles to the trailhead, the trip begins by hiking into the famous Lyell fork of the Tuolumne River, famous among fisherman for its stunning beauty. We will camp in the meadow of U-shaped Valley and take in the evening light with a scrumptious dinner.
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We will begin our ascent, hiking from near the Tuolumne Meadows Campground towards a tributary of the Tuolumne River that gives us access to the high alpine fellfield meadows above. We will pass open terrain with lakes that reflect the big sky above. We will camp in a cirque with a mesmerizing lake surrounded by white granite peak and the gentle greens of alpine plants. This will be the largest day of climbing. The hike will encompass about 7 miles, and include 2000 feet of elevation gain.
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This day we will have time to leave our packs behind as we head out to explore the high country with day packs. Many options abound, and you will have the options to explore nearby alpine basins or try to summit one of the nearby peaks for 360-degree views of the surrounding Yosemite High County that John Muir praises as his church. As always with 4 Points, you can count on your guide carrying a nutritious picnic lunch for a scenic spot along the way.
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Day 4 we will relocate to one of several stunning lakes that pool in the basins draining into the upper Merced River. We will have time in the afternoon to soak in the new surroundings, and go for a swim, or just lounge and enjoy the last delicious meal your guide will whip up on the white granite slabs. This is the last chance for stargazing in a place known for amazing dark skies.
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On our last day we will begin our hike back down to Tuolumne Meadows. We will pass the Vogelsang High Sierra Camp, and have a long descent to the Lodgepole forest and sweeping meadows where we began.
