This spectacular W.I.L.D. backpacking trip for men includes the Yosemite High Country and the epic Yosemite Valley. We will hike part of the legendary John Muir Trail. Along our hike, we will see the brightest blue skies, wonderful wildlife, blooming wildflowers, crystal blue lakes, thundering waterfalls, and the greenest trees on the planet. Just sleeping outside for four nights will be a treat, as will be the jaw-dropping view of Yosemite Valley from the top of the renowned and challenging Half Dome. Add to all this the thought provoking W.I.L.D. Curriculum produced by Aaron J. Reinicke, and you have a bucket list experience.  The back country permits are obtained, the Half Dome passes are secured.  Are you in?  If you do one backpack trip in Yosemite – make it this one!

“Few places in this world are more dangerous than home.  Fear not, therefore, to try the mountain passes.  They will kill care, save you from deadly apathy, set you free, and call forth every faculty into vigorous, enthusiastic action.” – John Muir

Itinerary

• Friday, July 1 – Leave San Diego early morning, drive to Yosemite Valley; shuttle to Yosemite high country where we will camp for the first evening to begin our acclimation to higher altitude.
• Saturday, July 2 – 7.5 miles. Start our trip from the Cathedral Lakes trailhead (8580) near the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center for our one-way trek to Yosemite Valley. We’ll walk the John Muir Trail over Cathedral Pass (9700) along lakes and streams and pass abundant wildflowers in route to our camp at or near Sunrise Camp (9320).
• Sunday, July 3 – 6.4 miles. Today we continue on the John Muir trail losing a net of about 2000 feet of elevation camping near the base of Half Dome (7210). Like each day we could see wildlife, including deer, marmots and maybe even a bear. We will take time for photos and lunch along the way.
• Monday, July 4 – 7 miles. The summit of Half Dome (8836) is about 2.5 miles from our camp. We will leave our backpacks behind in favor of daypacks or hydropacks and our gloves for the cables. Lunch will be enjoyed on top of Half Dome as we take in the view of Yosemite Valley. After descending, we will continue hiking another 1.5 miles toward Yosemite Valley to our camp at Little Yosemite Valley (6140).
• Tuesday, July 5 – 5 miles. After breakfast we hike down to Yosemite Valley coming out at Happy Isles. Along the John Muir trail we will walk along the Merced River and be awestruck by the thunderous Nevada Falls and Vernal Falls. Upon arriving back in the Valley, we will stop for a cold drink or a scoop of ice cream before getting on the road to return to San Diego.

Mandatory Qualifying Steps for W.I.L.D. Half Dome Backpack Trip

1. Love adventure
2. Be a team player
3. Complete and submit Application and Liability Release Form
4. Make payment
5. Print out Packing List and Trip Tips
6. Complete Qualifying Hike on Sunday, May 1st from 2-6pm in San Diego
7. Attend Pre-Trip Meeting Sunday, June 12th from 2-4pm