Yosemite Young Lakes Summit
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Overview:
With the opportunity of climbing the crown jewel of Tioga Pass, Mt. Conness, and the stunning alpine basin of Young Lakes, this trip is a sure win. This is the shortest trip on our roster at three days, but packs in a lot of the magic of Yosemite, and will sport the lightest pack weights out of any of our backcountry adventures.
*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:
*2 out of 5 without Conness summit, 3 out of 5 with Conness Summit.
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 Tuolumne Meadows, We will begin Hiking from the Famous Lembert Dome which dominates the skyline from most of the giant Tuolumne Meadows. The hike is uphill as we shoot for our alpine lakes, and takes us 6.5 miles with 2000’ of elevation gain. Once we arrive at the lakes we will have time to find the best camping spot, and take in the towering peaks that surround the lakes.
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Today we will leave the campsite behind, and take only super light packs, with water snacks and extra layers. Your guide will carry a delicious picnic lunch. Our goal will be to head for the crown Jewel of Tuolumne Peaks, the behemoth Mt. Conness! The route to the topis 2nd class so will require some sure footedness and determination, but overall is not technical by rock climbing standards. After the days adventure we will return to camp to enjoy the lakes at sunset hour, and enjoy another delicious and hearty meal prepared by your guide.
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This day will begin with breakfast and coffee as we pack up to head down back towards Tuolumne meadows. We will shoot to complete the hike by lunch time at which point, your guide will take advantage of the cooler stored at the trailhead to prepare an awesome lunch to cap the trip off. (before Tuolumne campground opens), we will head back on the hikers shuttle to Yosemite Valley, *after the campground opens* we will walk back to the Tuolumne meadows, or bid farewell at the trailhead to those that drove their own vehicles.
