Yosemite Backpacking
Date/Time
Date(s) - 06/05/2019 - 06/14/2019
All Day
Categories
Backpacking: Yosemite
| Dates: 6/5-6/14/2019 | Time: Multiday |
| Early Bird Deadline: 4/5/2019 | Cost: $395/$450 |
| Sign Up Deadline: 5/3/2019 | Cost: $495/$550 |
| Pre-Trip Meeting: 5/29 @ 6pm | Location: Yosemite National Park, CA |
Trip Description:
Start your summer off right by retreating to one of the world’s most beautiful and well-known National Parks, Yosemite National Park in California. Within the beautiful National Park, and its surroundings, you will find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, sheer granite cliffs and much more. On this trip, you have a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore in the backcountry of Yosemite, away from the usual summer crowd, via backpacking. You will learn how to create delicious meals in the remote wilderness, set up camp and live like the early settlers of the West.The trip will end with a hike up the park’s famous 8,842 ft granite rock formation — Half Dome.
Trip Cost:
Early Registration: $395 with a TCU ID, $450 as a sponsored guest
- $125 non-refundable deposit due at the time of registration
Regular Registration: $495 with a TCU ID, $550 as a sponsored guest
- $125 non-refundable deposit due at the time of registration
- Prices reflect the TCU student/faculty and sponsored guest rate.
- Please read our cancellation/refund policy carefully before registering.
- Price does not include meals on the road
Trip Registration:
Register in-person or online @ mycampusrec.tcu.edu
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Pre-Trip Meeting:
5/29 @ 6pm
Pre-Trip meetings are required and are held the date of the Sign-Up deadline (listed above – generally the week of or week before the trip), from 6-7:30pm at the TCU Climbing Wall. 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.).
Itinerary
6/5: Load vans and depart from TCU in the morning and to Yosemite National Park in California. Stops will be made along the way for restroom breaks and meals. Planned arrival in Yosemite is the morning of June 7th.
6/7-6/12: We will begin hiking on the morning of the 7th at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park. On the trail we will be spending the morning and the afternoon hiking from camping spot to spot and the evenings exploring. Each night will be spent making dinner and looking at the stars. We will finish our 5 day trip with a hike up Half Dome on the 12th and spend the night at the backpackers campground in the Valley.
6/13-6/14: The morning of the 13th we will load vans and depart from Yosemite National Park with the plan of arriving at TCU late the next evening.
Physical Challenge
Backpacking and hiking can be strenuous on the legs. Designated trails may be non-existent, especially due to snow. We could be hiking several miles over rough terrain as we explore and over multiple days, so your endurance will be tested. 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 rocky and rugged terrain.
TRIP RATING 3 out of 3 – This backpacking trip has several levels of difficulty available, however, it is important to keep in mind the inherent difficulty of backpacking and changes in elevation.
Packing List
**Please don’t purchase any of the following items before the pre-trip meeting, as your trip leader will have advice on what/where to purchase any required gear** We are limited on space, and the less stuff you bring, the less you have to carry around. Ask yourself…What would I want in the coldest weather or the hottest weather? Pack to be prepared for both!
Things that should be packed inside your personal day pack and kept with you inside the van:
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT:
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CLOTHING LIST: |
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HEAD:
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HANDS:
FEET: NO FLIP FLOPS!!
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UPPER BODY
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LOWER BODY:
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
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GROUP EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY TCU:
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Risk/Safety
There are numerous risks and hazards associated with hiking through in Yosemite National Park. Wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, bobcats and dear all require extra caution when hiking. Not dressing appropriately can result in heat or cold illnesses (Hyperthermia or 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.
Hygiene/Comfort
We will be backpacking, therefore, our campsite will be located in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park. This means there will be no access to showers or bathrooms. There will be designated tent sites and natural water sources nearby. TCU will provide tents, warm synthetic sleeping bags, and foam sleeping pads. You will have the choice to share a tent with two or three trip members or sleep under the stars. The sleeping area provides us with durable hard packed dirt.
Weather
The trip leaders will research the weather conditions in advance to assess the situation. The Trip will be cancelled if the weather is dangerous. If you do not receive an email about this, then please be prepared to be out in the weather. Please follow the weather and use your best judgement as well as the packing list to determine what you will personally need to stay warm and dry during the entirety of this trip. Layers are recommended for cold weather and failure to bring proper attire will be detrimental to your experience.