What experience level is required for backpacking, climbing, and hiking?

We offer trips to accommodate all experience levels, whether it’s your first time sleeping in a tent, your first climb, or you’re a seasoned backpacker or climber. No matter your starting point, we’ll work with you to ensure you’re prepared and confident for the adventure ahead. Before your trip begins, we’ll provide guidance on how to prepare properly, including exercise suggestions and tips to help you feel comfortable with what to expect. Our goal is to guide you every step of the way, providing support, encouragement, and expertise to help you learn, grow, and fully enjoy the journey!

Where will we go climbing?

As a climbing outfitter, we are not permitted to guide inside Yosemite National Park. Instead, our climbing adventures take place in the stunning Eastern Sierra, including locations like Tioga Road, Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes Basin, Pine Creek, Rock Creek, and many more. Each area offers its own unique climbs and beautiful landscapes, providing a variety of experiences beyond the park.

What is included in the trip cost?

The trip cost covers all logistics, including permits, liability insurance, some group gear, all meals during the trip, and expert guidance every step of the way. For rock climbing, all necessary climbing gear is provided as well. However, transportation to and from the meeting location, personal accommodations before and after the trip, and certain personal gear are not included. We’ll take care of everything—from meal planning to trail navigation—so you can focus on fully enjoying the experience!

What gear do I need to bring?

Please refer to the gear list on the trip page for a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need to bring. Be sure to double-check the list of items provided to avoid bringing unnecessary gear.

What physical condition do I need to be in?

We’ll take each day at a steady, moderate pace, moving consistently to keep our momentum, whether we’re hiking, backpacking, or climbing. This trip is designed to be enjoyable for everyone, so there’s no pressure to rush. If you’d like, we are happy to provide training tips to help you prepare. It’s a good idea to keep up and gradually build your fitness in the weeks leading up to the trip to feel confident and comfortable. Regular hikes, cardio, or strengthening exercises can all be helpful as you get ready!

How many miles will we hike each day on the backpacking trips or day hiking?

We’ll be hiking anywhere from 4 to 8 miles each day, with varying levels of elevation gain and loss. For specific daily mileage and elevation details, please refer to the trip itinerary.

What is the food situation on the backpacking trips?

We have a lot of experience accommodating various dietary needs, and we are happy to make sure you’re well-fed with options that suit your preferences or restrictions. When signing up for the trip, please fill out your dietary needs in the guest form, and we will take care of the rest. Whether you're vegetarian, gluten-free, or have other specific requirements, we will ensure you have delicious and satisfying meals throughout the trip!

What is the group size?

We intentionally keep our group sizes small to foster a personal and meaningful connection with each other and the natural surroundings. All multi-day backpacking trips are capped at 10 people, ensuring an intimate group experience. For hiking and climbing trips, pricing is dependent on the number of participants, allowing for flexible options to suit your group size and preferences.

What are the restroom and hygiene facilities like?

Yosemite Valley offers various restroom options, and in the backcountry wilderness, there are a few compost toilets available—specifically on the Half Dome backpacking trip. When restrooms aren’t available, we’ll cover how to properly manage hygiene and restroom needs in the backcountry to ensure a safe and respectful experience for both you and the environment.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Our plans are weather- and trip-dependent, and your safety is always the top priority. If any weather concerns come up, we’ll reach out with updates, trip options, and suggestions to make the most of your adventure. We’re here to ensure a great experience, rain or shine!

How do you handle safety on the trip?

Safety is our top priority, and we take risk management very seriously. Rachel and Garet are Wilderness First Responders, and are well-trained to handle any medical or emergency situations that may arise. We will always carry an emergency communication device, ensuring we’re connected in case of a critical situation. Additionally, we have a comprehensive med kit with us at all times, so you can feel confident that you're in good hands throughout the trip.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Please refer to the specific trip page for details on the cancellation policy, as it may vary depending on the trip. Each trip page provides the most up-to-date information on cancellations, so you can make informed decisions before booking.

Is travel insurance required or recommended?

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. It provides valuable protection against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or travel delays. Having insurance ensures peace of mind, so you can fully enjoy your adventure knowing you're covered in case anything goes wrong.

How do I prepare for the altitude?

Preparing for altitude is important to ensure you feel your best during the trip. In the weeks leading up to your adventure, it’s helpful to increase your cardiovascular fitness with regular hikes, walks, or other aerobic activities. Once you arrive, staying well-hydrated is key to adjusting to higher elevations. We also recommend arriving a day or two early if possible to allow your body time to acclimate. If you’re concerned about altitude, please consult with your doctor, and we are happy to provide additional tips to help you prepare!

What wildlife might we encounter?

In Yosemite, you may encounter a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, marmots, and even snakes. While these animals are usually harmless if respected, it’s important to know how to safely share the wilderness with them. We will provide a full wildlife safety briefing during our orientation, so you’ll feel well-prepared to navigate any potential encounters.

Where do we meet, and how do I get there?

All of our trips will meet inside Yosemite National Park, specifically in Yosemite Valley. We encourage all guests to double-check the time needed to reach the valley floor, as some park entrances can take over an hour to access. There are four different entrance options into the park, so please plan accordingly to ensure you arrive on time and ready for your adventure!

What kind of footwear do I need?

For footwear, stick with what you’re comfortable in and have used for hiking before. Avoid breaking in new shoes right before the trip unless you’ve trained with them while carrying a heavy pack. Waterproof boots are usually unnecessary in the summer, as rain is rare. Aim for something breathable and comfortable to stay cool and prevent blisters. Personally, I prefer Altra Lone Peak trail runners, but the most important thing is to choose what works best for you!

For rock climbing trips, "approach shoes" are a great option since they stick well to the rock. Climbing shoe rentals are also available if needed.

How do I charge my phone and is there cell service?

If you’re joining a multi-day backpacking trip, we recommend charging your phone fully before the trip and bringing a lightweight portable charger if you're concerned about battery life. As for cell service, it’s pretty spotty throughout Yosemite National Park. However, Verizon tends to have the best coverage, and there are several areas where you can usually get enough signal to send a text or make a quick call. Disconnecting is part of the magic, but we understand the need to stay in touch when necessary!