Yosemite High Country

Backpacking Yosemite: Vogelsang

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trip dates
Sep-Sep
Trip Dates
Sep 06-08

Select your dates during checkout.

trip difficulty
3 Days
trip difficulty
Advanced
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Participants will be carrying their own gear as well as group gear (35 - 45 lbs total), for roughly 5 to 12 miles each day over moderate to strenuous terrain with elevation drops and gains of up to 2,700 ft in a day. We recommend doing numerous day hikes and training with a 35 - 45 lb pack prior to your trip. Individuals should be in superior physical condition. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian participating on the trip and are subject to manager approval.
trip difficulty
6-15 people

Description

One of the most underrated areas of Yosemite National Park, Vogelsang (German for bird song) offers spectacular high country views. Visit secluded and picturesque alpine lakes, meadows, and peaks on this three day journey that will not disappoint the intermediate nor advanced backpacker. We will stay at the beautiful Vogelsang High Sierra Camp for two nights, allowing participants plenty of time for rest and relaxation.

Please note that minors under 18 need prior approval to join this trip. We are happy to answer any questions through email or phone listed below.

Have a question about this trip? Email us at sboutdoors@sportsbasement.com.
Sports Basement has partnered with the Outdoor Adventure Cub for this trip.

You may find our cancellation policy at the bottom of this page.

"Great guides and amazing trip! It was my first time backpacking and they were very helpful." - Emma

Itinerary

Although we'll always do our best to adhere to this schedule, it is often dictated by factors outside of our control and is therefore subject to change. We will run this trip rain or shine as long as it is safe to do so.

DAY 1
  • Meet at the Lyell Canyon Trailhead Parking Lot at 9 am
  • Trip orientation and gear discussion
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the high country
  • Hike roughly 7 miles on moderate uphill terrain
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Make camp at Vogelsang High Sierra Camp
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot dinner along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
DAY 2
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
  • Optional day hike: Hike 6 miles downhill with a lightweight day pack
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the high country
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Hike 6 miles uphill back to the Vogelsang High Sierra Camp with a lightweight day pack
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot dinner along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
DAY 3
  • Enjoy a delicious, hot breakfast along with a selection of hot beverages (e.g. coffee, tea, apple cider, hot chocolate)
  • Break camp
  • Hike 7 miles on moderate downhill terrain
  • Enjoy a trailside lunch
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the high country
  • Return to the Lyell Canyon Trailhead Parking Lot
  • Congratulations! You just backpacked/hiked 26 miles with roughly 3k elevation gain over 3 days!

Packing List

Included:
  • Experienced guides, certified as Wilderness First Responders
  • All necessary permits for backpacking in Yosemite
  • Yosemite entrance permit (not the entrance fee, but the permit needed to enter Yosemite, if required)
  • Meals: Day 1: lunch and dinner, Day 2 breakfast, lunch and dinner, Day 3 breakfast and light lunch
  • Group cooking gear (stoves, pots, water filters)
  • Bear Lockers at Campground (Bear Canisters are not required for this trip)
  • Group first aid supplies
  • Dinners, Breakfasts and Hot Beverages
  • An Amazing Wilderness Experience
Not Included:
  • Transportation to and from Yosemite
  • Personal Backpacking Gear (see Gear List below; rentals available)
  • Trail Snacks
  • Park Entrance Fees
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Guide Gratuities
  • Soap
  • Full Wallet and Set of Keys
  • Full sized Toothpaste, Deodorant, Sunscreen, etc. (Please only bring small packages of these things or re-package them yourself.)

Reviews

Interested in a private trip? Click here for info.
Sports Basement Outdoors Cancellation Policy

We look forward to sharing an amazing adventure together. While we make every effort to run our scheduled trips, our current climate reality means that some trips may not be safe to run due to circumstances beyond our control. In these instances, a trip credit equal to the full amount paid will be issued. If participants are unable to reschedule to another date, a full refund will be provided.

Cancellations for the Tahoe Ski Bus must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled departure time in order to receive a refund of 97%. After that, refunds will not be given, but we will accommodate rescheduling of reservations up until noon the day before the trip.

For all overnight trips or multiple day courses, client cancellations outside of 30 days receive full refunds. Within 30 days, you may only reschedule to another date. If the reschedule is requested within 7 days of the trip, each participant is subject to an additional change fee that is equal to 50% of the original trip cost (i.e. if your trip is $795, the fee would be $397.50 to reschedule). With guides in the field prior to trips and often poor connectivity, we may not be able to accommodate client reschedules or cancellations within 24 hours of the starting time. Gift certificates are non-refundable but may be used towards any trip offering.