Name: 3 Day Women's Backpacking and Hiking Holiday with Daily Yoga in Yosemite National Park, USA
Brand: Lasting Adventures
Price: 1475 USD
Availability: InStock

Accommodation

Check-in Time:

12:00

Check-out Time:

12:00

You will enjoy two nights of backcountry camping in the high alpine wilderness of Yosemite. If you travel solo, Lasting Adventures can supply you with a single-person tent. There is no single supplement fee. Yosemite National Park has 13 campgrounds. Some can be reserved ahead of time while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. From about April through October, reservations can be very difficult to get and the first-come, first-served campgrounds often fill up early each day.

Program

This program is exclusive to women. It does not get much better than yoga in Yosemite. Let the stunning Sierra High Country be your classroom for this three-day Yosemite yoga retreat. Former participants attest that this Yosemite Yoga experience is an enriching opportunity to challenge oneself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Enraptured in the stunning wilderness of the backcountry studio, participants are encouraged to delve into the most healing realms of their bodies, while letting their conscious minds wander among the majestic woods.

All combined, their goal is to create an unforgettable and rejuvenating experience for all participants. The trip is subject to Lasting Adventures obtaining the necessary wilderness permits. Although their success rate is 98 percent, should they not obtain the exact trailhead, a trip of equal quality will be obtained. Should weather, fire, and delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. You will be kept in contact throughout this process.

The May Lake yoga trip combines high alpine lakes and scenery, a chance to summit a major peak in Yosemite, and views into the Yosemite High Country from an awesome perch above your campsite at May Lake. Required shuttle costs are included in the above costs. They also include yoga mats, backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, pads, and eating utensils at no extra cost as needed.

Lastly, all profits from this guided trip go towards the non-profit youth summer camp program. The May Lake Yoga trip is your chance to practice yoga among Yosemite’s high alpine lakes, wildlife, scenery, and summits.

Mileage: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 1,000 - 2,000 feet / 300 - 600 meters

Daily itinerary

This is a sample itinerary only.

Day 1

Meet your guide and the yoga instructor at noon at the Tuolumne Meadows Store, located off Tioga Road (Highway 120) in Yosemite. Participants greet each other and pack up in the parking lot before relocating and hiking 1.3 moderate miles to May Lake. May Lake is a breathtakingly beautiful High Sierra lake at 9,329 feet, and one of the largest lakes by area in Yosemite National Park.

The designated backpacker’s campsites along the south shore of the lake will be your basecamp for the weekend, in close proximity to seasonally operating flush toilets and a fresh-water tap.

After enjoying a swim, snacks, water, some relaxation, and of course, a regenerative yoga session on the shores of May Lake, the guides will cook you a delicious dinner and take you to one of the best sunset spots in Yosemite, with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

Mileage: 1.3 miles
Elevation: +500 feet

Day 2

After a delicious and healthy breakfast prepared by your guide, you hit the trail for a one-and-a-half-mile, 1,350-foot climb to the peak of Mount Hoffman (with lighter day packs, not full backpacks). This short but challenging ascent is certainly one to write home about. It is the geographical center of the Yosemite National Park and provides a 360-degree perspective of the entire park.

With awe-inspiring views of Half Dome, Cloud’s Rest, the Clark Range, the Cathedral Range, and Tuolumne’s surrounding high country, it is easy to understand why this was John Muir’s favorite viewpoint. Once on top, your instructor is likely to take advantage of the flat granite and stunning view with a yoga session at the summit.

After they have had their fill of Mount Hoffman, the group hits the downhill trail back to May Lake to spend the evening relaxing with a Restorative yoga session, followed by a delicious dinner and an even better sunset.

Mileage: 3 miles
Elevation: +1,350 feet, -1,350 feet

Day 3

On day three, you rise with the sun as it reflects off of May Lake, delivering an awe-inspiring light show like no other. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as the many amazing creatures of the Sierra also rise to admire the view.

After waking up to the colors of the sky, the day kicks off with a final yoga session at camp, then breakfast with hot beverages, before you hike back to the trailhead to say your goodbyes. You aim to be finished with this hike between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Mileage: 1.3 miles
Elevation: -500 feet

Note

They can provide backpacks, sleeping bags or pads, tents, trekking poles, and eating utensils as needed at no extra cost. Group gear including all kitchen supplies, first aid, and water purification is also included. Should permitting, weather, fire, and/or delayed seasonal openings affect the chosen itinerary, a different itinerary will be offered. Lasting Adventures is recognized for its commitment to safety and risk management.

In this regard, the summit of Half Dome (or any other peak) will not be attempted when clouds are in close proximity. Your participation helps sustain a non-profit mission of supporting youth, families, and disadvantaged communities with positive experiences in America’s National Parks and natural spaces.

Traditional backpacking

Lasting Adventures runs “traditional backpacking” trips. This is done without using porters, stock, or other outside assistance. For this trip, you will be expected to carry your personal gear, a share of the group gear, and food in a backpack. The weight can be expected to be 30-50 pounds and no more than the recommended one-third of your body weight.

As needed, it is recommended that participants discuss their ability to fully participate in a backpacking trip with their doctor, including (but not limited to) the ability to carry heavy loads over long distances and strenuous and uneven terrain. A regular physical exercise program is recommended before going on your adventure.

Staff schedule

Due to the nature of backpacking, guides work long hours. To provide the best possible experience to guests and guides, they limit the number of hours guides work to 15 hours per day. Guides will not be required to be available from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. unless the group agrees to a different period before this standard break.

During time off, your guides will be available for emergencies but should be allowed to rest and not be considered available for other purposes outside of working hours. Please do not request non-time-sensitive assistance from guides during this period. Your guides are also entitled to take 10 minutes every four hours and 30-minute meal breaks every five hours, between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Location

You will spend time at the pristine May Lake in Yosemite National Park. Enjoy beautiful sunsets and yoga on a ridge overlooking the Yosemite High Country, including Half Dome. Finally, hike to the summit of Mount Hoffman, the geographic center of Yosemite National Park, and John Muir's favorite view in Yosemite.

Frequent meeting locations

Curry Village Tour Kiosk
Curry Village Day Use Parking
Yosemite Valley Lodge
Glacier Point
Lembert Dome
Sunrise Trailhead Parking
Tuolumne Meadows Grill/Store
Tuolumne Mdws Wilderness Ctr
Badger Pass Ski Area
Tuolumne Grove Parking

Distances

Merced Airport (MCE) - 2 hours
Fresno-Yosemite International (FAT) - 2.5 hours
Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) - 2.5 hours (Tioga Road opens) / 7 hours
Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK) - 2.5 hours
Oakland International (OAK) - 3.5 hours
Sacramento International (SMF) - 3.5 hours
San José International (SJC) - 4 hours
San Francisco International (SFO) - 4 hours
Reno/Tahoe International (RNO) - 4.5 hours (Tioga Road opens) / 5.5 hours

+−

Food

All meals are included from dinner on day one to breakfast and snacks on the last day. The guides are proud to demonstrate their culinary skills and have received Lasting Adventures many five-star reviews for outdoor cuisine. Typical breakfasts might include breakfast burritos, oatmeal, pancakes, dried fruit, bagels, etc. Dinner examples include a variety of pasta, rice, beans, couscous, meats, veggies, etc. Lunches consist of trail food and fruits and veggies. Examples include pita, bagels, salami, cheeses, hummus, fresh veggies, dried fruits, trail mix, energy bars, etc.

Although Lasting Adventures is able to accommodate many specific dietary constraints and choices, they prepare foods in a facility with peanuts, gluten, soy, and other major allergens and are not certified as an ‘allergen-free’ facility. They take steps to limit the risk of cross-contamination, but they cannot guarantee that the foods they prepare will be fully free of major allergens. They have experience in accommodating a variety of dietary choices and concerns, including, but not limited to:

Vegan and vegetarian
Peanut and/or tree-nut allergy
Lactose intolerant
Celiac or gluten-free
Kosher

If they have questions or concerns about the information on your medical form, they will call you the day before your trip to ensure they are packing foods you are able to eat without issue.

The following meals are included:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Drinks

The following drinks are included:

Water
Coffee
Tea

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Vegetarian
Lacto-ovo Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Pescatarian
Lactose Free
Other dietary requirements on request

If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

What's included

3 yoga sessions
Guided backpacking and hiking
2 nights accommodation
All meals
All necessary permits
Backpacking and camping gear

What's not included

Airfare
Airport transfers
Admission fee to Yosemite National Park
Lunch on day 1 or 3
Guide gratuities

How to get there

Recommended Airports

OAK

Oakland International Airport

231 km

Transfer not provided

SFO

San Francisco International Airport

245 km

Transfer not provided

FAT

Fresno Yosemite International Airport

108 km

Transfer not provided

SJC

San Jose International Airport

210 km

Transfer not provided

RNO

Reno–Tahoe International Airport

195 km

Transfer not provided

SMF

Sacramento International Airport

203 km

Transfer not provided

MMH

Mammoth Yosemite Airport

67 km

Transfer not provided

Driving directions from San Francisco Bay Area

Take I-580 east to I-205 east.
Then continue to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park.

Driving directions from Sacramento

Take Highway 99 south to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park.

Driving directions from Reno and Lake Tahoe

Take US 395 south to Lee Vining.
Take Highway 120 west into Yosemite National Park (open late May or June through October, depending on conditions).

Or

Take I-80 or I-50 west to Sacramento.
Take Highway 99 south to Highway 120 east (Manteca) or Highway 140 east (Merced) into Yosemite National Park.

Driving directions from Los Angeles area

Take I-5 north (or I-405 north to I-5) to Highway 99 north.
Then head to Highway 41 north (Fresno) into Yosemite National Park.

Driving directions from San Diego area

Take I-5 north to Highway 99.
The head to Highway 41 north (Fresno) into Yosemite National Park.

Driving directions from Las Vegas

Take US-95 North to Tonopah.
Then US-95/US-6 west to Highway 120.
Go west on Highway 120 into Yosemite National Park (open late May or early June through October, depending on conditions).

Or

Take I-15 south to Barstow.
Then go from Highway 58 west to Bakersfield.
Take Highway 99 north to Fresno.
In Fresno, take Highway 41 north into Yosemite National Park.

Driving directions from Death Valley National Park

Take Highway 190 west to US 395.
Take US 395 north to Lee Vining.
Take Highway 120 east into Yosemite National Park (open late May or early June through October, depending on conditions).

Or

Take Highway 190 west to US 395.
Take US 395 south to its junction with Highway 14.
Take Highway 14 south to Mojave.
In Mojave, take Highway 58 to Bakersfield.
From Bakersfield, head north on Highway 99 to Fresno.
In Fresno, take Highway 41 north into Yosemite National Park.

Driving directions from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Take the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) north towards Pittsburg/Baypoint.
Exit at the 19th St/Oakland station, and transfer to the Fremont/Richmond line north towards Richmond.
Exit at the Richmond Transit Station and take the Amtrak San Joaquin line southbound towards Bakersfield. Lines 712, 714, and 716 head to Yosemite.
Exit at the Merced Amtrak Station.
From the Merced Amtrak Station, take the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) to Yosemite.

Driving directions from Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Take the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) AirBART shuttle to the Coliseum/Oakland Airport station.
From the Coliseum/Oakland Airport station, take the Fremont/Richmond line north towards Richmond.
Exit at the Richmond Transit Station and take the Amtrak San Joaquin line southbound towards Bakersfield. Lines 712, 714, and 716 head to Yosemite.
Exit at the Merced Amtrak Station.
From the Merced Amtrak Station, take the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) to Yosemite.

Driving directions from Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH)

Take a private shuttle or taxi to the Mammoth Lakes Park and Ride - Corner of Tavern at Old Mammoth Road.
Take the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) to Yosemite.

Driving directions from San Jose International Airport (SJC)

Take the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) airport flyer or bus to the metro/airport light rail station.
From the metro/airport light rail station, take the mountain view or Winchester light rail line south towards Winchester.
Exit at the San Jose Diridon station.
From the San Jose Diridon station, take the Amtrak California Thruway bus connection to the San Joaquin line southbound. Thruway buses 3912, 3914, and 3916 head to Yosemite. These buses connect to train lines 712, 714, and 716 respectively.
Exit at the Richmond Station and board the Amtrak train on the San Joaquin line southbound towards Bakersfield. Lines 712, 714, and 716 head to Yosemite.
Exit at the Merced Amtrak Station.
From the Merced Amtrak Station, take the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) to Yosemite.

Driving directions from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)

Walk to the Fresno Area Express (FAX) bus stop on East Clinton Avenue.
Take Bus 26 towards Nees - Blackstone.
Exit at the intersection of North Peach Avenue and East Tulare Avenue.
Take Bus 22 towards West - Bullard.
Exit at Tulare Steet and Q Street from the Fresno Amtrak Station.
Take the Amtrak San Joaquin line northbound towards San Francisco.
Exit at the Merced Amtrak Station.
From the Merced Amtrak Station, take the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) to Yosemite.

Arrival by airplane

Lasting Adventures recommends flying into Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), Sacramento International Airport (SMF), Oakland International Airport (OAK), or San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Many people choose to rent a car to make their way to the May Lake Trailhead to begin their backpacking trip, as public transportation is time-consuming and limited.

There is free parking throughout the parks Lasting Adventures operates in and at all their designated meeting locations. After meeting and running through an orientation with your guide on day one, the guide will advise of the best places to park your car for the duration of the trip. You can leave your other belongings secure in your car. If you arrived on public transit, you can leave your belongings secure in the guide’s car.

Arrival by bus

Bus service is available to Yosemite Valley (and, during summer, to some other areas of the park) from cities throughout California and the rest of the United States. Amtrak provides a combination of train and bus service to Yosemite Valley. Amtrak also provides limited service to White Wolf and Tuolumne Meadows daily during July and August (weekends only during June and September). Amtrak service beyond Merced (including Yosemite) is provided by YARTS.

Greyhound provides bus service to Merced, where you can transfer to YARTS to continue to Yosemite Valley. YARTS also provides limited service to Crane Flat, White Wolf, and Tuolumne Meadows daily during July and August (weekends only during June and September).

Cancellation Policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.

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